Sunday, November 15, 2009



this is from one of the creches in babutola village. the worker was holding three children: one had fallen asleep, the other two refused to climb down, especially when they saw us.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009


this little girl, 18 months old, looked warily at us from the security of her swing in the "phulwari' or creche in daganiya village.

jan swasthya sahyog runs 77 such creches where 900 children 6 months to 3 years old are looked after during the day by one or more of the village women, while the parents are out at work. each woman looks after ten children. these creches are in great demand whenever NREGA work is available, and also now during the harvesting season. the children are provided food thrice during their 8 hour stay in the creche: khitchdi and sattu, with oil, as well as an egg twice a week. this is an attempt to prevent and treat malnutrition in this very vulnerable group of children. water is disinfected by U-V light, and iron supplements are also provided. each creche has one or more mosquito nets too for use when the children sleep. toys are also available. the village health worker takes care of any minor illnesses the children may have.

we are looking for funds to help us run these creches: food, and wages for the worker, as well as the logistics of supplies and supervision cost us about rs.10 per child per day. anyone willing to contribute is welcome. anyone wanting to know more may please write to us at janswasthya@gmail.com or ask me.