In Domasar, a remote village in Tisri block, a community-supported Balwadi centre helped young children begin learning closer to home. For families such as Aditya Soren's, the centre also offered a safer place for children while parents worked.
Learning opportunities were difficult to reach
Domasar lies more than 15 kilometres from the block headquarters. Poor connectivity and limited local services made access to education, health support and childcare difficult. The case study describes the absence of a functioning local school and Anganwadi service, with children depending on a school near the village.
Aditya was six when his story was recorded. His parents had depended on mica collection and later worked in a stone-crushing mill. Their uncertain income made it difficult to meet the family's education, nutrition and healthcare expenses. Taking young children to hazardous workplaces presented further concerns.
Building the centre with the community
SPS held meetings with the Village Development Committee and prepared a list of children who could attend a Balwadi. The community helped identify a suitable teacher. With permission from local elected representatives, the centre was set up in an unused school-building room.
Teaching and learning materials, toys and the necessary records were arranged. SPS workers, a local volunteer, teachers and other residents helped the centre begin operating and supported its day-to-day work.
Early learning and a route into school
The case study recorded 25 children enrolled initially, of whom 14 became ready for admission to primary classes in a nearby school. At the time of follow-up, 12 children were attending the centre regularly.
Parents described a positive change in their children's learning, routines and enjoyment. The centre also gave families greater freedom to work without taking young children to risky workplaces.
For SPS, the achievement was not simply opening a room for classes. It was the community's participation in sustaining early learning and the collaboration that helped children move towards formal schooling.