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Mumbai Smiles Balwadis reopen
Mumbai Smiles Balwadi reopen
Teacher managing the children at Balwadi
June 2015 marks the beginning of a new academic year for our budding stars at our Balwadi. Starting the 5th academic year of the project, on 16th June all the 25 Balwadis reopened to welcome the children. The Balwadi Team conducted rigorous surveys to assess the needs of the communities before accepting enrollments. The team members visited all the applicants’ house to understand their socio-economic background and accept the neediest applicants. The most critical criterion for enrollment i.e. the household income should be below Rs. 10,000 was closely monitored during the enrollment process. 25 Balwadis have received more than 650 enrollments and the process is still going on. All the areas where the Balwadis are functioning are well aware about Mumbai Smiles’ work and the community was extremely forthcoming to enroll their children at the Balwadis.
One of the newly opened Balwadi at Surya Nagar, which just completed its first academic year also showed very good response in the community. The enrollment target for the two Balwadis there was achieved on the first day itself with 31 students in each of the two Balwadis. In order to fulfill the nutritional needs of the 25 Balwadis, 15 Self-Help groups have been appointed to deliver daily meals for the children.
The Balwadi Project has been constantly expanding. This year they anticipate to open three new balwadis to cater to more children in different areas.
Teacher taking activities with the children on the first day of Balwadi
