Lucknow, May 02: Sesame Workshop India Trust, with support from Marico Limited under its Nihar Shanti Pathshala Funwala CSR initiative, has strengthened early childhood learning environments across 40 Anganwadi Centres in Uttar Pradesh through the Learn. Play. Grow. initiative.
The intervention spans key districts including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Bahraich, with a focused refurbishment of 10 Anganwadi Centres in the Huzoorpur block of Bahraich district. This initiative reinforces the state’s commitment to enhancing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) systems.
Anganwadi Centres serve as a critical first point of access to early learning for children aged 3–6 years. Through this programme, centres have been transformed into safe, engaging, and child-friendly spaces that promote holistic development. Infrastructure upgrades include civil repairs, improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, enhanced electrical systems, child-friendly furniture, outdoor play areas, and classroom transformation using BALA (Building as Learning Aid) designs.
The initiative also focuses on improving learning outcomes by introducing innovative Teaching-Learning Materials such as Story Pond and other play-based resources. These tools enable Anganwadi Workers to deliver structured and joyful learning experiences that support foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development.
As part of the Learn. Play. Grow. initiative, parents and caregivers are actively engaged to reinforce learning at home, while Anganwadi Workers receive continuous training, mentoring, and capacity-building support.
Niharika Vishwakarma, District Programme Officer, ICDS, Bahraich, said,
“The environment in which a child learns shapes not only what they learn, but how confidently they engage with the world. This transformation reflects the impact of strong collaboration between government systems and committed partners.”
Vimal Singh, CDPO, Huzoorpur Block, Bahraich, added,
“Strengthening Anganwadi Centres is key to improving early childhood outcomes. This partnership is helping create child-friendly spaces that support cognitive, social, and physical development.”
Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer and Group General Counsel, Marico Limited, said,
“Through Nihar Shanti Pathshala Funwala, we are committed to strengthening foundational learning ecosystems and creating safe, engaging environments where children can thrive.”
Sonali Khan, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop India Trust, added,
“We are working closely with government systems to enhance both the quality of early learning experiences and the environments in which they take place, ensuring children are equipped for lifelong learning.”
By strengthening foundational infrastructure within existing systems, the initiative presents a scalable model for improving early childhood education and building stronger learning ecosystems across Uttar Pradesh.
