Odisha govt, UNICEF join hands to keep children busy during lockdown

Bhubaneswar, Apr 21 () The Odisha government alongwith UNICEF on Tuesday released a calendar-based fun-filledlist of activities for children to keep over 16 lakh childrenengaged in a meaningful way during the lockdown.As many as 72,587 Anganwadi centres having studentstrength of 16.13 lakh, between the age group of 3 and 6years, have remained closed since the lockdown imposed in thewake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said.There is a need for engaging and stimulating thesechildren, the official said, adding that the Women and ChildDevelopment (WCD) and Mission Shakti (MS) department alongwith UNICEF, therefore, has released 'Ghare Ghare Arunima', acalendar-based fun-filled list of activities for children tobe implemented with the support of parents and grandparents.

This will help sustain early learning and ensureschool readiness of children at home, the official said.The WCD & MS Secretary Anbu Garg while dedicating theprogramme through a video-conference, said that it isimportant for families to keep young children engaged inmeaningful activities at home.

She hoped that the activities will keep themstimulated and improve their psychosocial well being.It will also strengthen the bond between the membersof a 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 (AWWs).For families without net connectivity, printed copiesof the calendar will be circulated as far as possible, shesaid. AAMSBN SBN