Meeting with balwadi helpers

As we told you in this post, we have started new balwadis in partnership with the NGO Saprem. With 25 new balwadis opening, we are particular that we want everyone involved -- coordinators, teachers, helpers etc -- to be on the same page with the same focus -- that of giving the kids the best care and learning. After a workshop for teachers and self-help groups, we had a meeting yesterday with the helpers who take care of the kids in the balwadis.
As always, the event started with lamps being lit. Here you can see the delightful rangoli with the Mumbai Smiles logo :)

The meeting started off with some of the helper women singing a song, after which one of the balwadi coordinators introduced the Mumbai Smiles team members, who were also presented with small bouquets of flowers.

The point of the meeting was to connect with the helpers and talk to them about their responsibilities and functions. The helpers are crucial to the smooth running of the balwadis as they assist the teachers and also look after the children. They will also help keep a check on the self-help groups who will provide the food to the balwadis, and observe if the teachers are performing their duties correctly.

At the meeting, the women were also given ID cards, which will not only help us track them but also gives them a sense of belonging and responsibility.

Each helper was presented with a rose and an ID card, by the Mumbai Smiles team.

Ending with tea and snacks, it was, all in all, a successful meeting :)