Provide Nutrition to Migrant Children For a Year

The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, lay the foundation for a child's lifelong health, learning, and development. Yet for migrant children, frequent mobility and limited access to essential services often mean missing these critical early opportunities, leaving them at a significant disadvantage. In India, while 6.2% of children under five are not enrolled in any form of preschool education, the challenge is far more severe for migrant families, with nearly 40% of migrant children lacking access to education in both their native villages and destination cities.

Addressing this gap requires systems that are designed around the realities of migration. Sampark's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres provide migrant children with a safe, nurturing environment that supports their learning, nutrition, health, and overall development during their formative years.

Sampark operates 34 ECCE centres across Bangalore, reaching over 1,200 young children. This report highlights the progress and impact of 8 of these centres during the reporting period from April to July 2026.

The centres are:

1. Kadugodi Centre- Kadugodi Post, Bangalore- 560067
2. Patalamma Centre- VS Reddy Layout, Patalamma Layout, Bangalore – 560067
3. Hoodi Centre- Basavanna Nagara, Hoodi, Whitefield, Bangalore- 560048
4. Bidadi Center- Manchanayakana Halli, Bidadi, Ramanagar – 562109
5. Siddapura Center- Siddapura, Whitefield, Bangalore - 560066
6. Haraluru Centre- Haralur, Bangalore - 560102 
7. Bellandur Centre- Green Glen Layout, Bellandur, Ibbaluru, Bangalore- 560103
8. Doddakannelli Centre- Doddakannelli, Bangalore- 560035

Across these 8 centres, 750 migrant children (368 boys and 348 girls) have been provided early years support, giving them a second chance towards attaining a healthy start and a bright future. 

Nourishing the first 1,000 days

• Adequate nutrition during this period lays the foundation for cognitive development, immunity, and future learning outcomes. For migrant children, however, food insecurity and inconsistent access to nutritious meals often put these vital developmental gains at risk.
• To bridge this gap, every child at Sampark's ECCE centres receives three nutritious, freshly prepared and balanced meals each day: breakfast, lunch, and an evening snack. Regular access to balanced nutrition strengthens immunity, supports healthy growth, improves concentration, and enables children to participate actively in learning and play.

Monitoring the growth and development during the first 1,000 days

• Children's height and weight are tracked periodically to ensure they are achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones.
• During the reporting period, 80 children (48 boys and 32 girls) across 8 centres were identified as undernourished. They were immediately provided with supplementary nutrition, along with multivitamin and iron supplementation. By the end of the reporting period, 59 children (31 boys and 28 girls), i.e., 74% of the total identified, have shown measurable improvements in their nutritional status and overall health.

Protecting health in the first 1,000 days

• Regular health screenings enable the early identification of growth delays, malnutrition, and developmental concerns, allowing timely interventions that keep children on a healthy developmental trajectory. Sampark conducts regular health camps at its ECCE centres. During the reporting period, 665 children (371 boys and 294 girls) accessed healthcare services through health camps. 31 children (17 boys and 14 girls) received age-appropriate vaccinations. Children also received vitamin A supplementation and deworming tablets to strengthen immunity and promote healthy growth. 
• A child's well-being begins with the mother's health. Ensuring pregnant and lactating women receive quality pre- and postnatal care is essential for giving children the healthiest possible start in life during the first 1,000 days. During the reporting period, 47 pregnant and lactating migrant women were linked to government health services and social protection schemes, improving their access to maternal healthcare and nutrition support. By strengthening both child and maternal health, Sampark helps create a supportive ecosystem where children can survive, thrive, and reach their full potential from the very beginning of life.

Building strong foundations through early years' education

• Sampark groups children according to their developmental stage: crèche (0–3 years), balwadi (3–5 years), and bridge course (5+ years) and provides age-appropriate learning through a structured STEB-based, tech-enabled curriculum. During the reporting period, the 8 ECCE centres supported 136 children in the Crèche, 223 in the Balwadi, and 216 in the Bridge Course. Through play-based learning and structured activities, children develop the foundational skills needed to grow, learn, and interact confidently with the world around them. 
• A strong start in the early years is most meaningful when it leads to continued education. Sampark supports school-age children in enrolling in nearby government schools, ensuring a smooth transition from non-formal to formal education. During the reporting period, 88 children (37 boys and 51 girls) were enrolled into formal schools, building their strong foundation for a bright future. 
• A strong start in the early years paves the way for lifelong learning. Sampark supports eligible children in enrolling in nearby government schools, while the Bridge Course prepares them for a smooth transition into formal education. Additionally, 175 migrant children benefited from the after-school programme, which reinforced classroom learning and addressed learning gaps. Together, these interventions ensure that the strong foundation built during the early years continues to support children as they progress through school and beyond. 

Engaging families for better beginnings

• The first 1,000 days are shaped not only by the care a child receives at the ECCE centre, but also at home. Through regular Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Sampark works closely with parents and caregivers to promote responsive caregiving, early learning, nutrition, and health practices.
• During the reporting period, 526 parents participated in PTM and FGDs across 8 ECCE centres. By empowering caregivers with knowledge and encouraging active participation, Sampark helps create a nurturing environment that gives every child the best possible start in life. 

Case Study: Protecting a Child During the First 1,000 Days and Beyond

When 5-year-old Manisha (name changed) was enrolled at Sampark's ECCE Centre in Siddapura, Bangalore, a routine review of her immunisation records revealed that she had missed several critical vaccinations after the age of 10 months, including her booster doses. Concerned that post-vaccination fever would harm their daughter, her parents had discontinued her immunisation schedule.

Recognising that timely immunisation is critical for healthy growth and development, Sampark’s ECCE teacher counselled the family, addressed their concerns, and coordinated with the local ASHA worker (community health volunteers that act as a link between the public health system and the community) and Primary Health Centre. With regular follow-up and support, Manisha (name changed) received her pending vaccinations.

Today, her parents understand the importance of completing childhood immunisation and are committed to ensuring regular health check-ups. Sampark's ECCE centres go beyond early learning, helping families access essential health services that give children the strongest possible foundation for a healthy future.

The first 1,000 days offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape a child’s future. Through integrated support in nutrition, health, early learning, and family engagement, Sampark is ensuring that migrant children receive the strong foundation they need to learn, grow, and thrive. 

As we conclude this reporting period, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood with Sampark in giving migrant children the strong start they deserve. Your support has helped ensure that children receive the nutrition, healthcare, early learning, and nurturing care they need during the most critical years of life. We look forward to your continued partnership in ensuring that every migrant child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning. 

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