Anganwadi workers, or sevikas, are the cornerstone of India’s fight against malnutrition, acting as frontline warriors in improving community health outcomes. Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), these dedicated individuals serve as a vital link between the government and rural communities, ensuring that children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers receive the care and guidance they need.
As trusted members of their communities, Anganwadi workers monitor child growth, promote early education, and ensure access to essential health services. They educate mothers on breastfeeding, guide families on balanced nutrition, and support pregnant women with prenatal care. Their commitment and rapport with families make them indispensable in nurturing healthier futures.
ANNADA and Anganwadi Workers: A Collaborative Effort
Recognizing the pivotal role of Anganwadi workers, at ANNADA we partner with them in the fight against early childhood malnutrition. Our programs are designed to complement their efforts by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to amplify their impact.
Anganwadi play an instrumental role in implementing ANNADA’s nutrition programs.
We provide them training on Safe food handling which includes food preparation and storage hygiene. This enables Anganwadi workers to play a key role in providing our fortified meals efficiently and educate families on adopting healthier eating habits.
As members of the beneficiary community, they bring our initiatives to life, ensuring the programs reach the most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Building Healthier Futures Together
Anganwadi workers are more than facilitators; they are changemakers. By collaborating with them, ANNADA extends its reach and effectiveness in combating malnutrition.
Together, we enable children to be healthier, empower mothers, and build stronger communities. With continued support and collaboration, these sevikas remain the pillars of grassroots health interventions, shaping a brighter and healthier future for all.
When it comes to early childhood malnutrition, the role of geographies and locations is critical in the complexity and the scale of the crisis, particularly in the Indian landscape where a majority of the population lies in rural and remote areas.
Micronutrient deficiency, also known as “hidden hunger”, refers to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for physiological and cognitive development.
While the availability of staple foods may be sufficient to meet caloric needs, these diets frequently lack diversity and are deficient in key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine.
Even when communities seem to have access to food, the absence of critical nutrients in their diet can have long-lasting consequences, affecting not just individual health but also the overall well-being of future generations. (explain in detail)
This deficiency leads to a silent crisis, where children and adults may not exhibit the overt signs of hunger but suffer from impaired immune systems, cognitive delays, and a higher risk of diseases.
Key Challenges to Nourishing Children in Rural Areas
Fragmentation
Reaching children in remote rural areas is a significant challenge due to their dispersion across small, isolated clusters of villages. This fragmentation limits their access to diverse and nutritious food, making safe nourishment with fortified meals more complex.
Unsafe cooking infrastructure
Many marginalized communities may have unhygienic cooking infrastructure & practices such as inadequate handwashing, and limited access to clean water.
Beliefs
The challenges are compounded by traditional beliefs, limited knowledge of nutrition, and pervasive gender disparities that often neglect the nutritional needs of women, particularly those of reproductive age.
Logistic barriers add another layer of complexity. Preparing meals in centralized facilities and transporting them over vast distances to remote villages is not only resource-intensive but also poses risks to food safety.
Interventions to Address Deficiencies
ANNADA tackles these challenges by offering micronutrient-fortified, preservative-free food mixes that are easy to store, transport, and require minimum skills or cooking equiments to prepare. The food mixes consist of community relevant meals made mostly with traditional ingredients such as sattus, millets, rice, dal, peanuts and more.
These mixes ensure safe and effective nourishment for children in even the most remote areas, bridging critical gaps in rural nutrition delivery.
Targeted nutrition programs are essential in addressing micronutrient deficienciIn addition to distributing nutritious food, ANNADA emphasizes education and awareness to drive lasting change. Through tailored campaigns, the organization helps communities understand the importance of balanced diets and equips the m with practical knowledge to enhance nutrition using locally available resources.
Addressing hidden hunger demands a collective effort—combining fortified nutrition, targeted interventions, and awareness. ANNADA’s comprehensive approach empowers communities to combat malnutrition, ensuring healthier futures for children and generations to come.
Combating early childhood malnutrition not only requires nutritious meals but it also demands engaging children in a way that resonates with their young, curious minds.
Experiential learning ensures children don’t just hear about healthy habits—they live them.
At ANNADA, we’ve developed creative tools to simplify nutrition education, making it fun and memorable for children. From fun & playful songs to interactive puppet shows and art-based activities, each tool serves a unique purpose in fostering healthy behaviors and holistic growth.
Fun Songs
Team ANNADA has created multiple fun & playful songs in native languages, designed to connect with children. These songs are crafted around fun characters and relatable scenarios, teaching the importance of nutritious meals, hygiene, and healthy living.
The rhymes and repetitive patterns ensure that children not only enjoy singing along but also retain these critical lessons. Music enhances memory and understanding, and culturally familiar songs simplify nutrition concepts, blending education with entertainment.
Puppet Shows
We conduct vibrant puppet shows that transform learning into an engaging experience for children. Through colorful puppets and amusing storylines, we simplify complex ideas about nutritious diets, hygiene, and health.
The lively interactions hold children’s attention, encouraging them to stay immersed in the lessons for extended periods. Puppetry uses visuals and storytelling to make lessons memorable and spark curiosity around healthy habits.
Art Activities
Art competitions and drawing activities are other essential tools we use to reinforce nutrition lessons. Children are encouraged to express their understanding of food and health through creative media.
Whether it’s drawing a balanced meal or illustrating healthy habits, these activities allow children to internalize what they’ve learned in a fun, hands-on way. Art activities help children retain information, express their understanding, and build confidence.
Hands-On Learning in Schools: Building Habits That Last
We collaborate with schools to introduce hands-on initiatives like gardening and basic cooking lessons. These activities teach children the value of fresh produce and its nutritional benefits, creating a direct link between food and health.
Schools, being a structured environment, are ideal for instilling lifelong habits, and these initiatives integrate seamlessly into their daily routines.
These activities promote behavior changes that extend beyond the classroom, encouraging healthier choices at home and in the community.
Shaping a Healthier Future Through Creativity
These methods not only combat malnutrition but also enable emotional well-being, confidence, and creativity, empowering children to take charge of their health.
With the blend of education and creativity, we inspire young minds to adopt healthier behaviors, one creative activity at a time, shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish.
Energy-dense & micronutrient-enriched supplementary nutrition plays a critical role in addressing the large-scale challenge of malnutrition faced by India today.
Pregnant & lactating mothers, newborns and children under 6 go through a critical window of growth where their need for adequate nutrition cannot be ignored or delayed.
Further to bridging their nutrition gap with supplements, addressing malnutrition in rural and remote communities also requires an integrated approach that leverages local resources.
The key to creating lasting change lies in empowering local populations and leveraging their resources in sustainable ways.
In many parts of India, indigenous food systems—rich in nutrition and deeply embedded in local culture—offer a solution that is both sustainable and scalable. By tapping into these local food sources, malnutrition can be addressed in a way that is aligned with local practices & traditions while fostering long-term resilience.
Utilizing Indigenous Foods: Promoting Traditional and Locally Available Nutritious Foods
India’s diverse food culture is a treasure trove of nutritious ingredients, many of which are native to specific regions and have been used for generations to nourish families. Indigenous foods, such as millets, pulses, leafy greens, and locally grown fruits, are packed with essential nutrients.
Despite their availability, these foods are underutilized in modern diets, particularly in impoverished areas where access to processed or shipped junk foods & snacks is becoming more common.
They are often more affordable, culturally accepted, and better suited to the environmental conditions of their regions.
Millets are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals and are well-suited to the climatic conditions of drought-prone regions. Leafy greens such as drumstick (moringa) leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, yet these are often overlooked in favor of less nutritious, easily available foods.
At ANNADA, we emphasize the importance of incorporating pulses, millets, and leafy vegetables into daily diets, along with making communities aware of the value of indigenous foods available in their environment.
Through initiatives like micro farming kits, we empower communities to grow nutrient-rich leafy vegetables like spinach and fenugreek in small spaces. This innovative solution enables families to enrich their meals with fresh produce, addressing malnutrition at its root while reducing reliance on external food sources.
In the rural landscapes of India, where entrenched traditions shape societal structures, the interplay of gender, malnutrition, and economic empowerment significantly influences the future.
Malnutrition, particularly among women and girls, creates a cycle of poor health, reduced productivity, and limited opportunities, perpetuating poverty. Tackling this issue requires a nuanced understanding of gender disparities and the powerful connection between nutrition and economic empowerment, emphasizing early childhood malnutrition as the foundation for enduring change.
Gender Disparities: Addressing Malnutrition Among Women and Girls
Women and girls in rural India face unique challenges when it comes to nutrition. Cultural norms and gender biases often lead to unequal food distribution within households, with women and girls receiving smaller portions or being the last to eat.
This disparity contributes to elevated rates of malnutrition among females, severely impacting their health and the well-being of future generations.
Pregnant and lactating mothers are particularly vulnerable; inadequate nutrition during these crucial periods can result in complications for both mother and child.
The Critical Role of Mothers in Combating Early Childhood Malnutrition
Mothers are the cornerstone of any child’s health and development. Their nutrition during pregnancy and lactation directly influences their child’s chances of survival, growth, and cognitive development.
Malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to malnourished babies, perpetuating a cycle of poor health that can be difficult to break.
In this context, addressing maternal nutrition is essential to combating early childhood malnutrition. Ensuring mothers have access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education is crucial for preventing malnutrition in children from the outset.
Interventions targeting both mothers and children can create a powerful ripple effect, improving health outcomes for present and future generations.
Economic Empowerment: The Ripple Effect of Improving Women’s Nutrition
Enhancing the nutrition of women and girls has significant implications for community development and economic empowerment. Well-nourished women tend to be more productive both at home and in the workforce, directly contributing to the economic growth of their families and communities.
With access to adequate nutrition, women are better able to care for their children, support their education, and contribute to household income, which help break the cycle of poverty.
Moreover, improving women’s nutrition leads to broader social and economic benefits. Healthy women are more likely to engage in decision-making processes within their households and communities, fostering equitable and sustainable development.
As primary caregivers, women play a crucial role in shaping the future of their children, making their health and nutrition a critical factor in the fight against early childhood malnutrition.
Cultural Barriers: Navigating Gender-Based Obstacles in Nutrition Interventions
Cultural barriers often hinder efforts to enhance nutrition among women and girls in rural areas. Deeply ingrained gender norms can restrict women’s access to resources, education, and healthcare, complicating the implementation of effective nutrition programs.
Overcoming these challenges necessitates a culturally sensitive approach that respects local beliefs while advocating for positive change.
Many communities require education and awareness initiatives that challenge harmful practices and encourage a more equitable distribution of food and resources within households.
By collaborating closely with local leaders and enrolling community members to work within the program, organizations can ensure their programs are accepted and embraced by those they aim to support.
A Holistic Approach to Gender, Nutrition, and Empowerment
At the nexus of gender, nutrition, and economic empowerment lies the opportunity for transformative change.
ANNADA’s holistic approach to tackling malnutrition recognizes the essential role women play in shaping the health and future of their families and communities. By focusing on nutritional adequacy for children, lactating and pregnant mothers, and adolescent girls, ANNADA aims to disrupt the cycle of malnutrition that traps families in poverty.
Through culturally sensitive interventions, robust awareness programs, and partnerships with community members, ANNADA seeks to build support systems that empower women and safeguard society’s most vulnerable members—children.
By enhancing maternal nutrition and ensuring that women have the resources they need to thrive, ANNADA is committed to cultivating stronger, healthier communities where every child can realize their full potential.
Ending malnutrition requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to long-term solutions. As we continue this journey, it is crucial that we support programs that not only address immediate needs but also empower women to lead healthier, more productive lives.
In doing so, we can create a future where early childhood malnutrition is a thing of the past, and every child has the chance to thrive.
The impact of child malnutrition transcends an immediate individual health crisis,
reverberating across generations and influencing the socio-economic future of entire
communities.
In our fight against early childhood malnutrition, ensuring food safety is a fundamental necessity. At ANNADA, we understand that delivering nutritional adequacy at scale requires a steadfast commitment to food safety assurance.
Here is a quick look at the measures we take to ensure food safety & quality in our health & nutrition programs that cater to thousands of children across multiple rural and remote locations spread out across large distances and rugged terrain.emphasizes the need for robust safety protocols and standards throughout the supply chain.
Sourcing of right ingredients
Quality assurance begins with sourcing ingredients from vendors certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These vendors undergo rigorous QA/QC checks to ensure the safety and purity of processed food materials.
Processing at Certified Units
Processing takes place at certified units adhering to ISO 22000:2018 and FSSAI standards. Strict QA/QC checks are conducted alongside nutrition testing, following statutory requirements and industry best practices. The manufacturing facility follows GMP and HACCP protocols.
Zero preservatives – Excluding preservatives, additives, and flavoring agents helps to prevent any unnecessary exposure to any chemical agents which may be harmful to the child. Food mixes for ANNADA are blended and processed in a way that increases their shelf life without the need for preservatives.
Packaging methodology
Materials are packaged in food-safe, multi-layered metallic pouches to maintain food safety during transportation. This is in alignment with FSSAI guidelines.
Efficient Warehouse and Material Management
Efficient inventory management reduces wastage and prevents items from expiring. A simple warehouse and material management system ensures prompt distribution to Anganwadi Centers (AWCs).
First in First out – FIFO
Although the food mix packets have a shelf life of over 5 months, beneficiaries are provided enough nutritious food material enough only for 1 month’s consumption. The beneficiaries are also provided with an airtight container to store the food mix packets once opened. Each of the 3 packets are to be consumed within 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks).
Field supervision teams conduct home visits to educate them on good nutrition and health practices and to monitor the adequate consumption of food mixes by the beneficiary. This also helps to prevent any leftover food mixes beyond the date of expiry.
Ensuring Quality during Transit
For transport to the beneficiary community, the food mix packets are secondarily packed for bulk deliveries, packed and sealed individually for identification. Logistics partners chosen are also FSSAI certified and undergo QA/QC checks.
Empowering Anganwadi Workers
AWC workers receive extensive training in food safety, hygiene, and personal hygiene practices. They verify incoming deliveries and report any non-compliance to the designated helpline.
Meal Service Safety
After a critical safety check, hot-cooked or ready-to-eat meals are served at AWCs or beneficiaries’ homes. Mothers or caregivers taste the food first and are trained in safe storage and meal preparation practices.
This approach ensures that beneficiaries receive safe, nutritious meals, promoting their well-being and health. Through stringent standards, continuous training, and efficient management practices, ANNADA’s model prioritizes quality, compliance, and food safety and nutrition accountability.
Child malnutrition is a pervasive global issue that not only infringes upon the basic human right to health but also hampers the overall development of societies. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the role that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays in addressing such critical challenges. Among the myriad of social issues that companies can choose to engage with, child malnutrition stands out as an imperative, both from a moral and strategic standpoint.
From a moral perspective, addressing child malnutrition aligns with the core principles of social responsibility and ethical business conduct. Companies, as integral members of the global community, bear a moral obligation to contribute to the well-being of the societies in which they operate. Children, being the most vulnerable members of any community, deserve special attention and protection. By investing in programs that combat child malnutrition, corporations demonstrate a commitment to the fundamental values of compassion and empathy.
Moreover, tackling child malnutrition is an investment in the future. Malnourished children face a myriad of challenges that extend far beyond their formative years. Poor nutrition during early childhood can lead to stunted physical and cognitive development, compromising the individual’s potential for a healthy and productive life. As these children grow into adults, the consequences of malnutrition reverberate across society, impacting workforce productivity, educational attainment, and overall socio-economic development.
CSR initiatives that focus on child malnutrition contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. When children receive adequate nutrition, they are more likely to perform well in school, leading to better employment opportunities in the future. This, in turn, fosters economic growth and community development. In essence, addressing child malnutrition becomes a catalyst for creating a positive and sustainable impact on society at large.
Strategically, corporations can derive substantial benefits from investing in child nutrition programs. First and foremost, such initiatives enhance a company’s reputation and brand image. Consumers today are increasingly discerning, and they prefer to support businesses that actively contribute to social and environmental causes. By aligning with efforts to tackle child malnutrition, companies can build trust and loyalty among their customer base.
Furthermore, addressing child malnutrition can have direct positive implications for a company’s workforce. Healthy communities foster a healthy workforce, reducing absenteeism and increasing overall productivity. Companies that invest in the well-being of their employees and the communities they operate in are likely to attract and retain top talent, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both the organization and the society it serves.
Collaboration between corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations is key to the success of CSR initiatives addressing child malnutrition. By pooling resources and expertise, a collective impact can be achieved, amplifying the effectiveness of individual efforts. Partnerships can also help in developing sustainable solutions, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond short-term relief to create lasting change.
The imperative of tackling child malnutrition in CSR is evident on both moral and strategic grounds. Corporations have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the communities they operate in, and investing in child nutrition aligns with fundamental principles of social responsibility. From a strategic perspective, addressing child malnutrition not only enhances a company’s reputation but also has long-term positive implications for workforce productivity and community development. As businesses continue to evolve in a rapidly changing world, embracing CSR initiatives that focus on child malnutrition is not just a choice—it is an essential commitment to building a better, more sustainable future for all.
The Imperative of Tackling Child Malnutrition in CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to positively impacting society and the environment. Companies must consider various factors when crafting CSR portfolios to ensure their initiatives are comprehensive and impactful. One critical aspect that should be regarded is the inclusion of efforts to tackle child malnutrition.
In this blog, we’ll understand why addressing child malnutrition is essential for a comprehensive CSR portfolio and the positive impact it can have on children, individuals, and entire nations.
Investing in Future Generations:
Children are the future leaders, innovators, and workforce of tomorrow. By addressing child malnutrition, CSR initiatives directly invest in the well-being and development of future generations. Adequate nutrition during the crucial early years of life sets the foundation for physical and cognitive development, ensuring children reach their full potential. By prioritizing child nutrition, companies contribute to building a healthier and more prosperous future for society.
Improving Individual Well-being:
Malnutrition affects physical health and has far-reaching implications for mental and emotional well-being. 1 Children who receive proper nutrition are likelier to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. By addressing malnutrition in CSR initiatives, companies play a vital role in improving the quality of life for children, empowering them to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Moreover, healthier individuals contribute to stronger communities and economies, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
Enhancing National Development:
Child malnutrition poses significant challenges to the socioeconomic development of nations. It hinders productivity, increases healthcare costs, and perpetuates cycles of poverty. By including efforts to tackle child malnutrition in CSR portfolios, companies contribute to broader national development goals. A healthier and well-nourished population translates to a more skilled workforce, reduced healthcare burden, and increased economic productivity. Furthermore, addressing child malnutrition fosters social cohesion and stability, creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and prosperity.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals:
Tackling child malnutrition aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, and reduced inequalities. By integrating efforts to address child malnutrition into CSR portfolios, companies demonstrate their commitment to advancing these global goals and contributing to positive social change on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, such initiatives enhance corporate reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and foster a sense of purpose and pride among employees.
Incorporating efforts to tackle child malnutrition into CSR portfolios is a moral imperative and a strategic investment in communities’ well-being and businesses’ sustainability. By prioritizing child nutrition, companies can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, individuals, and entire nations, advancing their corporate objectives and contributing to a more equitable and prosperous world. As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, addressing child malnutrition must remain a central pillar of CSR initiatives, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Malnutrition in children under 6 years of age is a significant global health concern with far-reaching consequences. Beyond its immediate impact on physical development, cognitive abilities, and overall health, malnutrition plays a critical role in weakening a child’s immune system. This link between malnutrition and immunity has long-term implications that can affect a child’s entire life.
Nutrition & Immunity
The human immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that work together to protect the body from infections, diseases, and other health threats. Adequate nutrition is essential for the development and functioning of this defense system. Malnutrition can severely compromise a child’s immune response.
How Malnutrition Affects Immunity –
Reduced White Blood Cells: Malnutrition can lead to a decrease in the production of white blood cells, which are the soldiers of your immune system. Fewer white blood cells mean there are fewer troops to defend your body against infections.
Weakened Barriers: Your skin and the lining of your digestive tract act as barriers to keep germs out. Malnutrition can weaken these barriers, allowing pathogens to enter your body more efficiently.
Diminished Antibodies: Malnutrition can also reduce the production of antibodies, which are like guided missiles that target specific invaders. With fewer antibodies, your immune system has a more challenging time fighting off infections.
Inflammation Issues: Malnutrition can lead to excessive inflammation, which might sound counterintuitive. While inflammation is part of the immune response, too much can damage your body’s tissues and make you more susceptible to infections.
Children suffering from undernutrition, particularly protein-energy malnutrition, lack the necessary nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, that are crucial for the immune system’s effectiveness. A malnourished child’s body struggles to produce immune cells, antibodies, and other defense mechanisms, making them more susceptible to a wide range of infections, including respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and even vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Nutrient Arsenal – Nutrients and Their Roles in Immunity:
Proteins: Proteins are essential for the production of antibodies and immune cells. A deficiency in protein can impair the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response.
Vitamins: Various vitamins play vital roles in immune function, such as vitamin A, which helps maintain the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, and vitamin C, which supports the production of immune cells.
Minerals: Minerals like zinc and iron are critical for immune cell development and function. Zinc, for example, is necessary for the activation of T-cells, a type of white blood cell important in the immune response.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids, found in foods like fish, can modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, contributing to a healthier immune system.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, help protect the immune cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can weaken the immune system.
Micronutrients: Other micronutrients like selenium, copper, and folate also play roles in supporting immune function.
The Vicious Cycle
Here’s the tricky part: malnutrition and infections can create a vicious cycle. This reduced immunity can lead to several chronic health issues leading to a cycle of poor health that persists throughout their life. At the same time, these conditions can worsen malnutrition because they increase the body’s nutritional needs.
Prevention and Intervention:
As they say, “Prevention is better than cure’, it is imperative to prioritize nutrition and healthcare interventions for children under 6 years of age to help them lead healthier, longer and prosperous lives. Here are a few key interventions.
Nutrition adequacy: Ensuring that not only children but also pregnant & lactating mothers get a diet rich in micro & macro-nutrients to help them build their immunity,
Nutrition awareness: Building awareness and prioritizing the need for good health & nutrition practices in the child’s eco-system:
WASH – Good Water & Sanitary hygiene practices
Encourage Exclusive Breastfeeding – During the first six months of life, exclusive breast feeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster the child’s immune system.
Improved access to Healthcare: Ensuring children have access to regular healthcare check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for malnutrition is essential.
The link between malnutrition and immunity in children under 6 is undeniable. We have the power to break this cycle. By providing young children with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, we can help them build their immunity.
Malnutrition weakens the immune system, leading to a cascade of health and developmental problems that can impact a child’s entire life. It is our collective responsibility to prioritize early interventions and support systems that safeguard the health and well-being of the youngest members of our society, ensuring they have the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.
Building awareness in a way that truly connects with our beneficiaries can be quite a challenge, especially when our audience is full of lively school kids.
As part of our school nutrition programs, we conduct periodic awareness sessions on good health & nutrition with students. The topics can focus on WASH, avoiding junk food, importance of a balanced diet and choosing healthier options.
Member of team ANNADA explaining ppt
The goal is to convey key learning lessons in a fun way. This enables students to begin inculcating the right health-seeking behaviours at this fundamental age.
A fun approach
Puppet show
The operations team at ANNADA has met the challenge with a simple & creative way. The team makes use of hand-made puppets. The puppets have been made in-house by the entire team and are used in storytelling, capturing the students’ imagination and interest.
Team ANNADA & school teachers with puppets
The puppet show is complimented with a short & colourful presentation which makes use of animations. The presentation language and delivery are in the local language.
Assessments
Assessments are a key part of this activity to help us understand if we are on the right track and of the program has in fact delivered the intended message. To measure this effectiveness, the team conducts a brief pre-test and post-test
Student taking pre-post-test
This helped us measure how much the students had absorbed and understood during the session, ensuring that the message resonated and made a lasting impact.
Spreading awareness can be educational and enjoyable, especially catering to young minds. Combining creative elements like puppet shows with informative presentations can effectively convey important messages while keeping our audience engaged and informed.