The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, August 23, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, has recently launched the “Smart Anganwadi” (Shishu Vatika) project across 16 Anganwadi centres in the Hirakud region of Sambalpur district, Odisha. This initiative, part of Hindalco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, aims to revolutionize traditional Anganwadi centres by transforming them into modern hubs of early childhood education.
Soumitra Roy, Unit Head of Hirakud FRP, highlighted the significance of the project: “The Smart Anganwadi project is a comprehensive initiative focused on enhancing the learning environment in Anganwadi centres. Hindalco has undertaken extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of windows, doors, and roof waterproofing, to ensure safe and comfortable spaces for young learners. Additionally, each centre has been adorned with vibrant Bala (Building as Learning Aid) paintings, approved by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, creating visually stimulating environments conducive to learning.”
The project also emphasizes the provision of learning aids, toys, and comprehensive teaching-learning materials (TLM) that make learning a hands-on experience for children aged 3 to 6 years. Child-friendly tables and chairs have been introduced to ensure maximum comfort for the young learners.
Looking ahead, Hindalco plans to expand the Smart Anganwadi program to an additional 16 centres, reaffirming its commitment to advancing community welfare and educational standards across India, added Mr. Roy.
Lauding Hindalco’s initiative, Jhunu Swain, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) of Sambalpur, stated, “The transformation of Anganwadi centres through the Smart Anganwadi project is a commendable step towards improving early childhood education. The enhanced facilities and learning tools provided by Hindalco have positively i
mpacted children’s development and engagement.”
Anita Bag, an Anganwadi co-worker, shared her insights on the rejuvenated centres, noting, “The new environment has created a joyful atmosphere that has significantly boosted children’s attendance and engagement. The vibrant learning spaces and resources have made learning a more enjoyable experience for both children and educators.”
In Odisha, the Aditya Birla Group reaches over 5 lakh people, impacting more than 2 lakh lives across 128 villages. The Group’s CSR activities are conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Rajashree Birla. The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities it serves, building a better and sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society while enhancing the country’s human development index. The Group’s CSR vision is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) to eliminate poverty and ensure freedom from hunger.
