Community centres combine play-based early learning, nutritious meals and health awareness to improve child development and maternal well-being
TFP Bureau, Korba,November 14, 2026: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is promoting early childhood education, nutrition and maternal health through its network of 111 Nand Ghars in Chhattisgarh, which have benefited more than 7,000 children and mothers so far.
The community-based childcare and learning centres aim to support the holistic development of children by combining play-based education, nutritious meals, health check-ups and hygiene awareness. They also provide guidance to pregnant women and nursing mothers on balanced diets, maternal care and infant nutrition.
At the centres, children learn basic concepts such as alphabet recognition, English vocabulary and counting through creative and interactive activities. Regular health-related interventions and nutritional support are also intended to encourage healthy habits and promote physical, mental and intellectual development.
Nisha Yadav, a resident of Dondro, said her son had become enthusiastic about attending the Nand Ghar and was learning new things through play and interaction with other children. She said the nutritious meals provided at the centre had also helped him develop healthier food habits.
Mamta Chauhan, an assistant teacher at a government primary school, said the initiative was helping children develop foundational learning skills and improve their readiness for formal schooling. She noted that activities involving alphabets, English vocabulary and counting were encouraging children to understand and engage with new concepts, while complementing government efforts to strengthen early education.
Nutritionist Anju Yadav said awareness of nutrition, health and hygiene was essential for improving maternal and child well-being. She highlighted the centres’ efforts to explain the nutritional benefits of Take-Home Rations (THR) and demonstrate ways to prepare nutritious meals at home.
She said access to accurate information and changes in household food habits were important in addressing malnutrition, adding that Nand Ghars were emerging as community centres for maternal and child health, early education and awareness.
Through these centres, BALCO is seeking to encourage learning among young children and promote better nutritional practices among families. The initiative focuses on creating a supportive environment for early childhood development while strengthening awareness of maternal and infant health in rural communities.
