In partnership with the Jiv Daya Foundation (JDF), Chetna Vikas has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in Five villages of Deoghar block of Deoghar district. The Pre-School Nutrition and Education Project is a comprehensive initiative that focuses on providing essential nutrition, fostering educational engagement, and promoting holistic well-being among children under the age of five.

The Need

Malnutrition is a pressing issue in these villages, with many children lacking access to the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development. Through extensive research, we identified that a daily intake of 150 ml of milk, is highly effective in meeting the Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for young children. This formula is specially designed to fulfil the essential requirements for proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vital micronutrients, ensuring a balanced diet crucial for steady growth.

Our Approach

The Pre-School Nutrition and Education Project serves 230 children daily with 150 ml of fortified milk and Parle-G biscuits, providing a substantial boost to their daily nutrition. In addition, every six months, Chetna Vikas distributes 50 kg rice packets to further support their dietary needs.

But our mission extends beyond just nutrition. We aim to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Our intervention promotes:

• Holistic Well-being: We focus not only on nutritional support but also on engaging children in learning activities that impact their overall health and well-being. This includes promoting clean habits, encouraging regular school attendance, and fostering active participation in sessions conducted by Chetna Vikas.

• Regular Health Analysis: Every four months, we conduct health assessments, including weight and arm circumference measurements, to monitor the growth and development of the children. This allows us to tailor our interventions and ensure that each child is on the path to a healthier future.

• Community Involvement: Sustainable impact requires community engagement. We work closely with the villagers to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the well-being of their children.

Achievements

After continuous intervention, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in the lives of these children. They now attend school regularly, wear clean clothes, and actively participate in Chetna Vikas sessions, growing up in a positive and healthy environment.

Project Objectives

1. Meeting Daily RDA: Ensure that each child receives 150 ml of milk daily to meet their nutritional needs, including essential micronutrients crucial for growth.

2. Addressing Malnourishment: Address malnutrition through targeted nutrition support, improving the health and development of children in Deoghar.

3. Educational Engagement: Enhance overall child development by conducting regular learning activities, collaborating with local schools, and promoting consistent school attendance.

4. Community Empowerment: Empower parents and community members through awareness sessions and workshops on the importance of nutrition and education.

Long-Term Impact

Our ultimate goal is to achieve lasting, positive changes in the lives of these children. We aim for improvements in their physical health, educational participation and overall socio-economic development, laying the foundation for a brighter future.