UP’s balvatika drive to push pre-primary edu

Lucknow: The state govt is set to launch the ‘Balvatika Abhiyan' from Apr 16-29. Themed ‘Sunehari shuruaat balvatika ke saath' (A golden beginning with balvatika), the campaign seeks to strengthen pre-primary education by transforming co-located Anganwadi centres into balvatikas.
Under this initiative, co-located Anganwadi centres are designated as balvatika classes to facilitate structured pre-primary learning. Over this period, several activities such as role plays, storytelling sessions and creative competitions will be held to engage the community in ensuring little ones are enrolled in school.
Officials said the campaign aims to raise awareness about the significance of early childhood education while promoting active community participation. To achieve this, the basic education department is enhancing the learning environment and developing resources for children aged 3-6.
The campaign will encourage parents and community members to enrol children aged 3-6 years in balvatika and prepare them for a seamless transition to class one when they attain six years. On the first two days of the campaign, primary children, led by public representatives, will conduct Prabhat pheris. Then, from Apr 18-21, special gram sabhas will be organised where the campaign's objectives and core messages will be highlighted.
On Apr 22-23, community engagement through role plays and storytelling sessions, including puppet shows and interactive storytelling by children, will be organised. This will be followed by creative competitions for children and parents involving rangoli, dance, music, poems, paintings and crafts using paper and clay on April 24-25. In the last four days, schools will carry out discussions related to the campaign at the parent-teacher meetings.