Bhubaneswar, Apr 22 () The Odisha government hasjoined hands with UNICEF to keep over 16 lakh children in thestate busy with several fun-filled activities during theongoing lockdown.
As many as 72,587 Anganwadi or child care centres,having a strength of 16.13 lakh in the age group of three-sixyears, are closed since the lockdown was imposed, an officialsaid.
There was a need for engaging and stimulating thesechildren, he added.
The Women and Child Development and Mission Shaktidepartment along with UNICEF, therefore, on Tuesday released'Ghare Ghare Arunima' -- a calendar-based fun-filled list ofactivities for children to be implemented with the support ofparents and grandparents, he said.
This will help sustain early learning and ensureschool readiness of the children, the official said.
It is important for families to keep their childrenengaged in meaningful activities at home, said thedepartment's secretary Anu Garg while launching the programmethrough video-conference.
She hoped that the activities will keep the childrenstimulated and improve their psychosocial well being.
It will also strengthen the bond between the membersof the family, she said.
The programme stresses on reaching out to parents forkeeping their children engaged in activities such as actionsongs, dance, painting and storytelling based on theprescribed theme of the month.
It also focuses on the practice of good habits such aswashing hands, hygiene and sanitation, and social distancingto prevent infection.
Further, the children will also be taught householdchores such as folding clothes and watering plants, she said.
She said the calendar of activities will be shareddigitally with parents by the Anganwadi workers.
For homes without internet connectivity, printedcopies of the calendar will be circulated, she said. AAMSBNSOM SOM