Ballaka anganwadi is a model high-tech centre

Mangalore Today News Network

Subrahmanya, April 15, 2018: It is generally seen that anganwadis are bleak unkempt rooms with little or no ventilation, an anganwadi with hi-tech facilities at Ballaka in Sullia taluk is attracting children.  The anganwadi is situated on Panja-Guthigar Road. The basic facilities in the anganwadi centre are on par with any kindergarten school.

In the past, the anganwadi was functioning from a government school building. Later, with grants from the government and assistance from donors, a full-fledged anganwadi was constructed at a cost of Rs 14 lakh. As many as 22 children pursue their pre-school education in the anganwadi.

The flooring has tiles   and the anganwadi has a CCTV camera, an electric pump, a water tank, vessels for cooking, necessary cupboards, swing and a slide for children and other play items.In addition, all the children have a baby chair to sit, sufficient chairs for parents, an aquarium, a mixer grinder and a fan.  All the materials required for the Anganwadi centre was donated by donors and members of various associations.

To make the centre more attractive and child-friendly, the walls have paintings and pictorial depictions of alphabets, numbers, fruits, trees, freedom fighters, national festivals, sports events, modes of communication, vehicles on the walls. This move aims at not only making the centres more attractive but also to stimulate curiosity in children and serve as a learning centre, feels an anganwadi
worker.

The anganwadi centre has a beautiful garden on its premises with colourful flowers and banana plants. In addition, coconut trees, mango, chikoo, lemon, guava, papaya, gooseberry and other medicinal plants have also been planted. The anganwadi has two separate toilets.

The children wear uniforms as well. They are imparted pre-school education in Kannada, Hindi and English as well. They are taught rhymes, numbers, alphabets using a Tablet.

Anganwadi worker Latha Ambekallu, who has also won best state-level Anganwadi worker award, said, “I wanted to do something innovative at the centre. Parents and villagers have been very supportive.”