Srinagar, Jan 7 (JKNS): In a major step towards strengthening early childhood care and education, the Mission Directorate of POSHAN & ICDS, Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with EduWeave Foundation, on Tuesday formally launched “Sanwarein Bachpan Nurturing Childhood”, a district-wide initiative aimed at enhancing foundational learning across Anganwadi Centres in Srinagar district.
The Mission Directorate of POSHAN & ICDS, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with EduWeave Foundation, today formally launched “Sanwarein Bachpan Nurturing Childhood”- A District-wide initiative to Strengthen Foundational Learning across the Anganwadis of Srinagar district.
The initiative was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mission Director, POSHAN / ICDS, Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Sajad Hussain Ganai, in the presence of senior district and departmental officials, including Mrs. Bureeda Majid, District Programme Officer (ICDS), Srinagar, Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs Anjum Raja, District Social Welfare Officer, Child Development Project Officers, ICDS Supervisors, and Anganwadi Workers.
Addressing the gathering, the Mission Director Mr. Sajad Hussain Ganai emphasised the critical role of Early Childhood Care and Education in shaping lifelong learning and development, highlighting ECCE as a foundational pillar for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
He underlined the need for a collaborative and systemic approach to strengthen Anganwadi Centres as safe, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning spaces, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to achieve the goals of Sanwarein Bachpan.
The formal launch was preceded by a Ceremonial Izbandh Soz and Diya Lighting, symbolising collective resolve and shared responsibility towards nurturing healthy, joyful, and resilient early childhoods across the district.
During the programme, Ms. Amita Kaushik, Director, EduWeave Foundation, presented an integrated overview of Sanwarein Bachpan – Nurturing Childhood, outlining the initiative’s vision, objectives, and district-level implementation roadmap.
Emphasising sustainability, she highlighted EduWeave Foundation’s commitment to co-creating all interventions in close partnership with the ICDS department, ensuring contextual relevance, long-term ownership, and systemic strengthening beyond the project duration.
The presentation detailed a structured approach to capacity building of Anganwadi Workers, promotion of child-centric and play-based pedagogical practices, and continuous on-ground mentoring and technical support across Anganwadi Centres in Srinagar.
Subsequently, Ms. Bureeda Majid, District Programme Officer (ICDS), Srinagar, shared the district’s perspective on ECCE, stressing the importance of strong Anganwadi systems, effective convergence, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage to support school readiness and equitable learning outcomes.
An Interactive ICDS Vision Wall and Shared Commitment Pledge followed, providing a collaborative platform for officials, ICDS functionaries, and frontline workers to reflect on priorities, share perspectives, and reaffirm their collective ownership of Sanwarein Bachpan and their commitment to making the initiative successful. During the interaction, the Mission Director paid keen attention to the displayed teaching–learning aids and emphasised the importance of continuous assessment and systematic monitoring of each child’s development to identify changes early and address emerging needs in a timely manner.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the leadership of the Directorate of POSHAN & ICDS, Jammu & Kashmir, and the contributions of all stakeholders. Participants thereafter engaged with ECCE-related display materials, followed by a working lunch.
Through Sanwarein Bachpan – Nurturing Childhood, the Directorate of POSHAN & ICDS, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with EduWeave Foundation, reiterates its commitment to strengthening foundational learning systems and ensuring that every child in Srinagar receives a strong, equitable, and joyful start to life. (JKNS)
