In a groundbreaking move to bolster early childhood education, Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development in Punjab, officially inaugurated the “Aarambh” program today. The event, held in the presence of Social Security Woman and Child Development Special Chief Secretary Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava and Director Dr. Shena Aggarwal, marked a significant step toward enhancing the quality of early education across the state.
Dr. Kaur underscored the program’s commitment to fostering holistic development for children attending Anganwadi centers. “Aarambh” is set to transform early childhood education by actively involving parents and local communities, aiming to elevate the standards of learning environments within these centers.
The initiative is firmly rooted in the principles of the National Education Policy 2020 and aligns with national programs such as “Aadharshila” and “Poshan bhi Padhai bhi,” which focus on foundational training in early education. By integrating these frameworks, “Aarambh” seeks to provide a comprehensive educational experience from the ground up.
A notable partner in this endeavor is Rocket Learning, a social enterprise specializing in early education. Rocket Learning’s innovative approach leverages technology to support educators, students, and parents alike, ensuring that children between the ages of 3 and 6 benefit from engaging and effective learning experiences.
Dr. Kaur emphasized the critical importance of early childhood education, noting that 85% of a child’s brain development occurs by the age of six. Recognizing this pivotal period, “Aarambh” is designed to offer a nurturing, play-based learning environment that actively involves both parents and Anganwadi workers.
The program’s hybrid model will blend traditional educational methods with digital tools to maintain robust parental engagement and awareness. This approach is tailored to fit the needs of all Anganwadi centers across Punjab, with support from district offices and local community partnerships.
Through “Aarambh,” the state aims to enhance cognitive, pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, social-emotional, and motor skills in children. The program will provide accessible activities for parents and educators, ensuring alignment with the state’s curriculum and facilitating easy implementation at home.
Dr. Kaur concluded by highlighting the program’s focus on building active, sustained engagement among Anganwadi workers and parents. By employing simple, scalable technologies, “Aarambh” aspires to strengthen trust within Anganwadi centers, improve parental behaviors, and ultimately achieve better educational outcomes for the children.
The launch of “Aarambh” represents a bold step forward in Punjab’s commitment to enhancing early childhood education, promising a brighter future for the state’s youngest learners.
