Shalini Passi

Early investments lead to lasting impact, with empowered and equipped frontline functionaries and caregivers transforming lives and shaping futures of the little ones.

Thanks to the generous support from Shalini Passi, UNICEF together with the State Government and partners are developing a Responsive Ecosystem for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Bihar.

This programme is a comprehensive evidence-driven effort on Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Bihar. It attempts to unpack some components of the nurturing care framework in community and system settings. This programme utilizes funds as well as government platforms to maximum impact and influence.

The purpose of the programme is to create evidence through catalytic funding towards the three objectives

1. Enhance knowledge and skills of frontline service providers, supervisory staff, and community enablers to support families with nurturing and responsive care practices.
2. To demonstrate improved coverage and quality of selected interventions for children aged 0-6 years through existing government service delivery platforms.
3. To improve caregivers’ skills and behaviours in responsive care to effectively meet the developmental needs of young children within the framework of government systems.

The key strategies in implementation of this program include:

Integrated Service Delivery through better leveraging of community platforms

This approach will establish strong linkages between services and advocate for healthy parenting practices among caregivers, including the active involvement of fathers. Emphasis will be placed on nurturing the softer skills required for effective caregiving, while ensuring comprehensive coverage of the age continuum from conception to 6 years using available community platforms like home visits and demonstrations at Anganwadi centres

Capacity Building and Training

Implement comprehensive training programs for caregivers, health workers, and educators to familiarize them with the government guidelines and other ECD frameworks. This training will focus on effective strategies for nutrition, health, hygiene, stimulation, and creating a safe environment for children.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Develop and execute community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development through monthly meetings, caregivers games and Community-Based Events (CBE) and creating safe spaces for caregivers to share their experiences. These initiatives will educate caregivers and community members on their critical role in a child’s growth and development, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in early years.

Monitoring Systems

Establish robust monitoring systems to track the implementation and outcomes of ECD programs. Regular assessments will identify gaps, measure progress, and enable necessary adjustments to improve service delivery and effectiveness. A baseline has been undertaken. Towards the end of the project, an endline will be carried out to draw lessons learnt.

Policy Advocacy and Support

The lessons learnt from the program implementation will be used to craft strategies and plans that respond to local context and are implemented through government systems at scale. 

The demonstration work is equity-focused and is planned in Palasi block in Araria and Baisi block in Purnea districts in Bihar. Both districts are aspirational districts with considerable section of the population being multidimensionally poor

To join Shalini’s effort in supporting this programme, please donate here.