The Anganwadi Project Incorporated

The Anganwadi Project Incorporated is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to designing and building anganwadi or preschool facilities in disadvantaged communities of India, primarily in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. These preschools provide a nurturing environment where young children can access early education, health, and nutrition services that are often lacking in informal settlements and rural villages.

Mission and Vision

The organisation’s vision is grounded in the belief in the human rights of children and the critical importance of early educational experiences for their lifelong well-being and development. It emphasises the power of good design to uplift lives, guided by principles such as integrity, equity, sustainability, collaboration, and the impact of small positive actions. The mission focuses on building sustainable, low-cost educational, health, and community facilities for children and their families in disadvantaged communities in India. It also supports the economic sustainability of these communities by training and employing local builders, artisans, and professionals, while raising awareness of community-centred, low-tech design strategies both in Australia and abroad.

Main Objectives

• Design and construct safe, bright, and well-ventilated preschools that foster early learning and health education.
• Collaborate closely with local communities and partner NGOs to ensure projects meet specific cultural and social needs.
• Empower local communities by involving them in the building process and promoting ownership of the facilities.
• Promote sustainable building practices using local labour and recycled materials.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the longevity of the schools.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries are children under six years old living in disadvantaged urban slums and rural villages, many from marginalised social groups such as scheduled tribes and castes. Their families also benefit through improved access to community facilities and economic opportunities created by local employment in construction and maintenance.

Types of Services and Activities

• Construction of purpose-built anganwadi preschools with classrooms, kitchenettes, toilets, washing facilities, and outdoor play areas.
• Provision of daily meals and lessons in health, hygiene, and literacy within a safe learning environment.
• Recruitment and training of Australian volunteer architects and designers who live and work onsite for six months, overseeing design and construction.
• Community engagement activities to build trust, understand local needs, and foster ownership.
• Use of sustainable building methods emphasising reuse, recycling, and reduction of materials.
• Ongoing evaluation, maintenance, and repair of existing preschools to ensure their continued function and safety.

The Anganwadi Project Incorporated relies on partnerships with local Indian NGOs and the active involvement of the communities to create lasting, positive change in early childhood education and health in some of India’s most vulnerable areas. Support through donations helps sustain and expand these vital services.