Cooperating with Anganwadis

Anganwadi in rural Rajasthan

Like told before, Vishakha cooperates closely with Anganwadis. Literally the word means courtyard shelter and its function is to provide basic health care in Indian villages. Anganwadis concentrate in health in general, contraception, nutrition and child-care. In addition to giving education to local people, the Anganwadis also may pass on medicines and give pre-school education.

To my surprise there are over one million Anganwadis in the whole India. As hospitals are not that common in the countryside, these small health and education centres are an important source of information, education, medication and nutrition.

Vishakha in action in Anganwadi

Vishakha's role with these health centres is cooperating and running the program with adolescent girls. NGO's idea is to have a zone for the girls to meet and do things together out of their families. This is a great way to getting to know the local girls and built a strong relationship with them. During my visit to one Anganwadi Vishakha the atmosphere was very casual. The workers sang and played with the girls and the group enjoyed the meeting. Some times there is more conversation, for example how deal with boys, some times more information and some times more action. All in all this peek in to the practical field work of Vishakha was an interesting experience.

Children, youth and workers at the Anganwadi