Physical Health India Project #28930

Give the Gift of Play to a Child in Need in India

by Karuna-Shechen

Summary

Toys encourage more than play - they develop essential cognitive skills and are part of early childhood development. In the remote region of Jharkhand, India hundreds of destitute children spend their days lingering in government-run nurseries, where they are not provided with the stimulation their young minds need. With your help, Karuna-Shechen will bring educational toys and engaging playtime to 6 remote nurseries (240 children), providing the resources children need to reach their potential.

$10,000
total goal

$1,343
remaining

84
donors

2
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

4
years

Challenge

In developing countries, over 200 million children under 5 years of age do not reach their developmental potential because, in part, of inadequate cognitive stimulation. In government-run nurseries in rural India, children ages 3-6 are just left alone in a bare room, without interaction or educational play throughout the day. The lack of financial resources and poor staff training results in a lost opportunity to help develop the children's capacities and incentives.

Solution

Karuna-Shechen's innovative solution is simple: develop an Early Child Care and Development Program that provides toys, training, and support so that children in the critical development stage receive engaging cognitive education. With your help, we will provide training to nursery employees, hire and teach village women to coordinate and lead activities, and operate 6 nurseries in remote villages. Together, we will help 240 children develop their minds through educational and enjoyable play.

Long-Term Impact

Educational toys and engaging play delivered to under-served children at this critical time in their development can make a difference throughout their lives. Through our program these children will not only develop their own thinking capacities, but they will also learn how to cooperate and communicate. By playing and interacting creatively, they will develop socialization and problem-solving skills that can improve the quality of their lives for years - and decades - to come.