Vedanta Foundation touches 50000 children in Orissa's Kalahandi, Rayagada districts

Note: It is not clear, if Vedanta was paying for these programs, then what about Govt. program? Is the Govt not contributing in other districts/blocks of the state? Vedanta could be encouraged to contribute where state Govt. is not doing rather supporting the same plan run by Govt. in other district. If Vedanta is just supporting Govt. run program in these two district, then this region is not getting any additional benefit due to Vedanata.


Orissadiary, Feb 12, 2011

Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Kalahandi: Economic prosperity is a valuable target whereas the most viable instrument to achieve it is good education. While the major task to achieve this feat is education for the poor. Furthermore, in a nation where every 3rd malnourished child in the world lives, it is an arduous task to render education for all, where every child is special for the nation-building.
However, in the region which was known for child-sale, malnutrition and poverty, giving good education and nutritious food to the children can make a lot of change. Such are Kalahandi and Rayagada district of Orissa.
Looking at the importance of education in these regions and in an attempt to improve the nutritional status of severely malnourished Anganwadi children in the age group 0-6, till now, Vedanta group has reached out to 47,000 children in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. Under ‘Vedanta Bal Chetna Anganwadi Project of Vedanta group, 11 blocks have been covered, where thousands of children of 1010 Anganwadi centers get quality education and nutritious food.
Vedanta group has tied hands with Anganwadi Centers in fortifying the supplementary foods under ICDS scheme. Thus, with this scheme, children get added nutrition and extra food which deviates them from the monotonous menu of the government schemes. The prime objective behind this project is to make all pre-school Anganwadi children socially and psychologically productive and ensure 100% enrollment in formal school.
It is Joyful and playful method of teaching what makes the difference in Bal Chetna Project. Puspa Majhi of Balabhadrapur says, “My son feels glad to attain the Anganwadi School. Teachers there take special care to the children and teach in a playful method which holds the attention of the kids.” “We also feel happy to send our children to the Bal Chetna Anganwadi centers where nutritious food is provided” adds Puspa.
Education is the only medium which can take a long way to Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, the poorest regions of India. In these regions - more than making the people understand the value of education, encouraging the poor children to come to school is more significant. So, in this regard, Bal Chetna Project has kicked off a revolutionary step.