Annual Best Anganwadi Awards 2019

by Priya Jadhav

Mumbai, March, 2019: LIFE (Landmark International Foundation for Empowerment) Trust hosted the Annual Best Anganwadi Awards on March 15th, 2019 along with Chief Guest, Bollywood director & humanitarian, Farah Khan. The highly anticipated awards completed its 9th edition this year.

The Annual Best Anganwadi Awards recognized the commendable work carried out by Anganwadis and individuals across India in three key categories- 3 Best Anganwadi Sevikas, 3 Best Pre-School Teachers from 80 Balwadis operating in 34 MCGM MPS schools and the highlight of the night, 3 Best Anganwadis which were selected out of 2344 Anganwadis that have partnered with LIFE Trust.

The award ceremony was an amalgamation of rich cultural events, including dance performances and a skit on Gender Equality by Anganwadi Sevikas along with a play on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi by students from M.D. College. The event also witnessed dazzling fashion show by LIFE Leaders in the community, where apparel was sponsored by MAX Fashion and accessories by TONIQ.

Speaking on the Annual Best Anganwadi Awards, Mrs. Poonam Lalvani, Managing Trustee, LIFE Trust said, “Empowering women is empowering society. LIFE Trust was the first to institute the Best Anganwadi Awards. With this award, we continue to recognize, empower and motivate Anganwadi Sevikas to give their 100% in the development of kids.”

On the awards, Farah Khan, Director & Humanitarian, said, “Women empowerment is a cause that is close to my heart and I am happy to be a part of the Annual Best Anganwadi Awards. The significant work put in by LIFE Trust, led by Mrs. Poonam Lalvani, is changing lives with unique solutions to every social issue.”

With over 14 lakh Anganwadis in India under the ICDS program and the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, the Anganwadi addresses critical social issues such as education, health, and nutrition of kids between 3-6 years (pre-schools). LIFE Trust’s partnership with the ICDS from 2006 continues to ensure the provision of monthly teacher training, developing model Anganwadis & parental guidance along with imparting life skills to adolescent girls. Additionally, they also conduct regular health camps and work on resolving malnutrition.

About LIFE Trust, India: For over 18 years, LIFE (Landmark International Foundation for Empowerment) Trust has devoted its work to breaking the cycle of poverty through service and education. LIFE Trust works in collaboration with the local government to run community service and learning programs in over 2,000 Anganwadis (Child Care Centers) and over 160 public schools, across Mumbai.

Today, LIFE Trust is the largest educational partner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. The organization’s programs include teacher training and operational support for public education institutions, extra-curricular and life-skills classes, parent coaching, as well as health and nutritional initiatives.

LIFE Trust has impacted over 2.1 million lives and continues to work closely with the government to increase the number of children enrolling into school, reduce student dropout rates, improve the quality of public education and empower youth.