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Balwadis were started in the community at the behest of community members. On Door Step School's part this was an excellent opportunity to catch kids at a young age and get them hooked on to learning, which can be fun.
Facilities
In 2001-2002 DSS ran 21 Balwadis with 35-40 children enrolled in each Balwadi
totaling approximately 700 children. Kids range in age from 3-6 years. Balwadis
are equipped with toys, creative material, teaching aids, etc.
Activities
1. Preparation for what's ahead
The Balwadi program is geared to get children prepared for a more formal education process. In the Balwadi we stress regular attendance for 2 hours at a stretch, and participation in class, which we believe, builds children's attention span, and instills in them a habit of attending school.
2. Informal Learning Process
Kids are taught a variety of nursery rhymes, which builds their vocabulary of Marathi and English. They also learn shapes and colours through songs, pictures and toys.
3. Easy learning
Children 5 and older learn alphabets and are introduced to numbers. These children are known to perform better in mathematics later in school.
4. Introduction of English
As the English language is now being introduced in Hindi and Marathi medium schools, we prepare children for this often strange and unknown language. Children learn to scribble English alphabets and learn simple English words through nursery rhymes. This makes for a smoother transition into grade school by making English less daunting.
5. Special Programs
Children also learn about culture by celebrating various festivals. They also enjoy picnics and an annual sports day.
On an average 90% of the children enrolled in DSS Balwadis go on to attend municipal schools.
The Future
In every community that Door Step School works in and with every group of children,
a Balwadi is essential. The Balwadi, therefore, becomes an on going program.
Tighter planning, more intensive training for the teachers and stream lining
the program in all possible ways are the future inputs that we foresee. In
an effort to make this program sustainable we are training the teachers to
function independently. Teachers are being involved every step of the way.
Support
A large part of the funds as well as
support (in the form of toys, books, stationery, uniforms, and craft material) come from private
indivuduals who believe in our cause and the philosophy of this project.
The average annual cost of running a Balwadi is about $1300. This covers the salary of
related staff and program expenses.
How you can help.
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