When I first heard the word Phulwari, it immediately caught my attention. It sounded beautiful, but I had no idea what it actually was. It was only later that I learned about its significance and the profound impact it has on young children in rural communities.
Basic Healthcare Services, along with its Amrit Clinics, also runs Phulwaris—community-based childcare centers that provide care and nourishment to children between six months and five years old. These centers function similarly to Anganwadis, but with a crucial difference: Anganwadis typically admit children above three years of age, whereas Phulwaris focus on even younger children.
This is especially important because the early years of a child’s life are critical for their growth and development. If children are not properly nourished and cared for during this period, it can have long-lasting effects on their health, learning abilities, and overall well-being.
Why Phulwari Matters
In many villages, both parents go to work—often in farms or as daily wage laborers—leaving no one at home to care for their young children. This leads to several risks:
- Safety concerns – Young children are often left alone or in the care of slightly older siblings who themselves are too young to be responsible caregivers.
- Malnutrition – With no one to ensure they eat properly, many children miss out on essential nutrition.
- Lack of stimulation – Early childhood is a crucial time for cognitive and emotional development. Without proper guidance, children miss out on learning opportunities that shape their future.
The Phulwari steps in to fill these gaps. It ensures that children receive proper nutrition, are engaged in age-appropriate learning activities, and grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
A Day In The Phulwari
Curious to see how Phulwaris function, I decided to visit one. Before my visit, I had many questions: What do the children do all day? How many children attend? What kind of activities take place? Upon arrival, I was greeted by two dedicated Phulwari workers. Each Phulwari typically has two workers who manage everything—from cooking meals to engaging the children in learning activities.
The Daily Routine Of A Phulwari
9:00 AM – The workers start their day by cleaning the Phulwari. They sweep the floor, fetch water from the hand pump, and set up the space to welcome the children.
10:00 AM – Children begin arriving. Their parents drop them off before heading to work. As soon as they arrive, they are given sattu (a nutritious flour-based dish) to eat.
11:00 AM – After breakfast, the workers clean up the children. One applies oil to their hair while the other washes utensils and tidies up. Then, it’s time for learning! The children sing rhymes, recite numbers and alphabets, and listen to simple stories. The workers ensure that every child actively participates.
12:30 PM – Playtime! The children engage in simple games and play with toys that encourage their physical and mental development.
1:00 PM – Lunchtime. The children are served a nutritious meal—usually khichdi (a dish made of rice and lentils) along with an egg. This ensures they receive essential nutrients for their growth.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Nap time. After lunch, the children rest for a while. During this period, one of the workers steps out to visit the homes of children who are not attending the Phulwari. These home visits are essential to encourage parents to send their children regularly and to counsel them on child nutrition and health.
2:30 PM – The children wake up, freshen up, and engage in another round of learning and play. More rhymes, games, and storytelling follow.
4:00 PM – The children are given another serving of khichdi before heading home.
5:00 PM – The Phulwari closes for the day, and the workers finish up any remaining cleaning before heading home themselves.
Beyond Just Childcare
Phulwari is not just a daycare center; it is a holistic early childhood care initiative. Apart from providing meals and learning opportunities, the workers also conduct regular growth monitoring to track each child’s development. They maintain daily attendance records, organize parent meetings, and ensure that children are receiving adequate care both at the center and at home. The workers play a crucial role in identifying cases of malnutrition and connecting families with health services when needed. They also educate parents on the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood education.
Why Phulwari Is A Game-Changer
The Phulwari model is a simple yet powerful intervention. It provides children with a strong foundation for life while allowing parents to work without worrying about their child’s safety and well-being. More importantly, it ensures that the most vulnerable children—those at risk of malnutrition and neglect—receive the care they need.
Early childhood is the most critical phase for growth and development. If a child’s needs are ignored during this period, it can lead to weak immunity, cognitive delays, and poor health outcomes in the future. Phulwari ensures that these children grow up in a nurturing environment where they receive proper nutrition, education, and emotional support.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Phulwari was an eye-opening experience for me. It reinforced the importance of early childhood care and made me appreciate the dedication of the workers who run these centers. Their commitment to the well-being of these children is truly inspiring. For any child who would otherwise be left alone at home, the Phulwari provides a second home—a place where they are cared for, loved, and prepared for a brighter future.
It’s a simple initiative, but one that is making a world of difference.
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