Child Welfare Projects by NGO in Maharashtra

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Improving Nutrition through a Multi-Sectoral Approach in Urban Slums of Mumbai’s N-Ward By NGO in Maharashtra

Bal Raksha Bharat, an NGO in Maharashtra and K-Corp Charitable Foundation partnered on its commitment to addressing under-nutrition and improving child health in vulnerable communities through its project, “Improving Nutrition through a Multi-Sectoral Approach in Urban Slums of N-Ward, Mumbai Suburban District, Maharashtra.”

The project aims to enhance the nutritional status of children under two years of age by delivering comprehensive nutrition actions at scale. This initiative integrates various sectors, including health, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to combating under-nutrition. By strengthening existing government services, the project seeks to create lasting change in the lives of children living in some of Mumbai’s most disadvantaged urban areas.

The central objective of this project is to reduce the prevalence of underweight and wasting among children under two years of age, building upon baseline data to track improvements. In pursuit of this goal, the project has set ambitious targets, which include ensuring that at least 80% of the households in the targeted urban slums receive quality, nutrition-specific interventions. This initiative also focuses on equipping caregivers with optimal knowledge of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, emphasizing the importance of dietary diversity and meal frequency. By fostering awareness and behavioural change among caregivers, the project ensures that children receive the necessary nutritional support during their crucial developmental years.

The project operates through a range of carefully designed interventions. In collaboration with the ICDS and the Health Department of N-Ward, Ghatkopar, Bal Raksha Bharat, a social NGO in Maharashtra delivers services that aim to improve both maternal and child health outcomes.

Key Highlights

One key aspect of the project is the early registration of pregnant women for antenatal care, which plays a vital role in ensuring regular health check-ups and early identification of potential risks. Additionally, the project includes comprehensive counselling for both pregnant and lactating mothers, focusing on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a period known to have a lasting impact on health and development.

Home visits and family counselling are also integral to the project’s approach, offering personalized support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and families with children suffering from severe or moderate acute malnutrition. This direct engagement with families ensures that high-risk individuals receive the necessary interventions, whether through counselling on appropriate feeding practices or referrals to specialized care. The project also promotes institutional deliveries, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and timely introduction of complementary feeding. To monitor progress, monthly growth monitoring of children under two years of age is conducted, allowing for the early detection of under-nutrition and ensuring that children receive the care they need to thrive.

Immunization is another critical focus of the project. The facilitation of regular immunization camps in collaboration with local health authorities ensures that children are protected from preventable diseases. This component not only safeguards the health of children but also contributes to their overall well-being, as good health and nutrition are inextricably linked.

The project has demonstrated considerable progress where a total of 730 pregnant women have been identified and supported, and 299 referred to health facilities for further care. Efforts to prevent anaemia among pregnant women are evident, with over 520 women receiving essential supplements, including iron and folic acid. For postnatal care, 887 lactating mothers have been supported through regular check-ups and counselling, with special attention given to those delivering low birthweight babies.

The project’s impact on children under two years of age has been equally significant. Of the 1,478 children monitored, 569 successfully completed their immunizations. Notably, 28 children suffering from severe under-nutrition returned to normal growth patterns after receiving targeted interventions.

The involvement of community-based groups, such as the Maata Samiti, has been pivotal in driving these outcomes. These groups play a crucial role in referring families to health services, disseminating knowledge on child nutrition, and engaging the community in health and nutrition campaigns.

Innovation is central to this project’s approach to improving nutrition. One proposed idea is the launch of a helpline or digital portal where pregnant women can enroll and receive ongoing counselling and support. Such an initiative would provide timely reminders for antenatal check-ups, vaccinations, and other essential health services. Additionally, the project seeks to strengthen community involvement by expanding the role of Maata Samiti groups and adolescent groups, enhancing their capacity to support health interventions and promote best practices within their communities.

Through a multi-sectoral approach that integrates nutrition, health, and sanitation services, we have been successful in improving the nutritional outcomes for children in Mumbai’s urban slums. The project’s collaboration with government services, combined with direct community engagement, ensures that these efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable.

By focusing on the most vulnerable populations and addressing the root causes of under-nutrition, Bal Raksha Bharat, the best NGO in Maharashtra, is working towards creating a healthier future for children and families in N-Ward, Mumbai.

This online donation initiative reflects Bal Raksha Bharat’s ongoing commitment to delivering life-saving interventions and fostering long-term development in underserved communities. As we continue to address under-nutrition in urban settings, we remain focused on scaling our efforts, advocating for policy improvements, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.

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Multi Activity Center Project By NGO In Maharashtra, Mumbai

Pre and post-assessment of MAC children is crucial for tracking progress, identifying learning gaps, and evaluating program effectiveness. By establishing a baseline of children’s knowledge before MAC participation and tracking their development over time, ASFs can tailor interventions to address specific needs, fostering motivation and engagement. It helps us examine the quality of educational input that we are giving through these MAC centers. Regular assessment is essential for learning and important for improving the quality of classroom practices. It also ensures accountability, informs data-driven decision-making, and ultimately enhances children’s learning experiences within the MAC environment.

The assessment strategy for the MAC involves using BRB-developed tools to evaluate children’s learning and development comprehensively. All children attending the MAC are included in the assessment process, ensuring inclusive sampling.

As a registered education NGO in Maharashtra, supported through education donation,this approach enables the MAC team to monitor progress, identify learning needs, and refine teaching strategies effectively. Continuous tool development and inclusive sampling ensure the assessment’s relevance and validity, supporting the holistic development of all children in the MAC.