Anganwadi centres in UP's Shravasti combine learning, nutrition and childcare

In villages of Shravasti’s Jamunaha block, Anganwadi centres are becoming spaces where early learning, nutrition and childcare come together. At Kori Purwa, the day begins at 8 am, with children learning letters, calendar concepts, seasonal information and basic hygiene through songs, activities and play. Assistant worker Sarla Devi said the centre now has basic facilities, including chairs, books and learning kits. At Khalifatpur, Anganwadi worker Gauri Devi said 56 children attend the centre, where colours and games are used to make learning easier. “From 8 am to 12 noon, we have to teach the children. From 12 to 1, we maintain the registers,” she said. For workers, the job continues after the children leave. Shalini Arya said afternoons are spent on home visits, registers and entries on the Poshan Tracker app, including face-based verification during supplementary nutrition distribution. Workers say improved facilities, painting and higher honorariums have also brought visible changes to the centres.