Anchal Programme
Recently, The Sreepur Village initiated a programme for the safeguarding and development of young children - a modified Anchal Programme of Centre for Injury Prevention Research of Bangladesh - CIPRB.
After much research, it was noted that the children were most at risk between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm. By setting up the Anchal Programme the children, under proper management and supervision, are now able to be kept safe while their mothers or family members attend to other activities. The programme also helps in the early development of children. An Anchal is a centre managed by trained ‘Anchal Ma’ (mothers), the supervisors who provide children with care and the opportunities to play and learn.
Earlier this month we ran training schemes for some mothers to become ‘Anchal Mothers’. Then last week we opened one Anchal centre and another is due to open soon. Every day, in two sessions, we send 40 children to the Anchal centre. The sessions run from 9.30-10.45 am and 11:30 am-1.00 pm. Currently we have three of our mothers running the centre, working as Anchal mothers.
In an Anchal centre the children spend their time playing individually or in groups. They are provided with different learning materials and they recite poems; engage in sing-songs and dance with the mothers. Drawing is also a crucial element of the Anchal centre of the Sreepur Village.
The objectives of the programme at Sreepur Village are to prepare the children for preschool in a safe and supervised environment while their mothers are engaged in various training sessions. The long-time objective is to train the mothers in the future safety of their children. Also, these mothers can then operate their own Anchal centres in their communities when they leave The Sreepur Village.
The most important thing is that these mothers are fully aware of their child’s safety and development. In turn, the children can look forward to growing up in a safe environment without any hazards.
Rahima one of the Anchal mothers said, “I am honoured to be working in an environment that ensures a child’s safety. Initially, when I attended the training, I was embarrassed. The training activities were so childish but gradually I understood why it was so important. It is for the protection and development of all our children and now I also enjoy it. Thank you Sreepur Village for involving me in this programme”.
