Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a significant move to enhance early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Maharashtra, Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, launched a network of 24 Anganwadi Learning Labs in Rayte village, Kalyan, on Friday. This initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at fostering age-appropriate developmental outcomes for children aged 3 to 6.
The launch event was attended by over 250 parents, children, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) officials, who shared their aspirations and perspectives for the centers. The Anganwadi Learning Labs are designed as spaces for demonstration, training, and innovation, focusing on improving learning and development for young children in Maharashtra.
Kailash Pagare, Commissioner of ICDS, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of the partnership with Reliance Foundation, stating that it leverages the foundation’s expertise and resources for the all-round development of children. He emphasized that the initiative would improve the quality of ECCE services at Anganwadi centers, providing a strong foundation for children’s futures.
A spokesperson from Reliance Foundation expressed the organization’s commitment to empowering frontline Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in early childhood development, and recognizing the significant role of parents in a child’s early years. The foundation will continue to collaborate with the government to expand these initiatives.
As part of this effort, Reliance Foundation will provide capacity building for 700 Anganwadi workers and supervisors, focusing on play-based learning techniques. Additionally, the foundation is enhancing Anganwadi spaces with age-appropriate books, digital learning infrastructure, and child-friendly WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities in line with the Saksham Anganwadi guidelines.
This initiative aims to improve children’s “school readiness,” along with their numeracy and literacy skills, enabling them to reach their full potential. Over 10,000 children in Maharashtra will benefit from rigorous training programs and continuous support. The overall goal aligns with Reliance Foundation’s mission to provide world-class early childhood care and education to over 10 million children from disadvantaged communities across India.