Ama Kuni Pila Scheme Launch: Interventions during the first 1,000 days can have a significant impact on a child's cognitive abilities, emotional well-being and overall health throughout their life. So, Women and Child Development Department of Odisha launched Ama Kunipila Scheme on the occasion of children's day (14 November 2023).
Read this article till the end to know Ama Kuni Pila Scheme components and other aspects regarding the scheme.
About Ama Kuni Pila Scheme 2024 in Odisha
While launching the "Ama Kuni Pila" scheme, the Women and Child Development Dept. in press release said, "It is a campaign to institutionalise home-based care and stimulation of children less than three years of age through concrete intervention on home-based parent-led early stimulation programme for their brain development through men-streaming caregivers capacity building, low-cost toy-making by parents".Components of Ama Kunipila Scheme 2024
The major components of Ama Kuni Pila Scheme are as follows:-- Sensitising the parents and caregivers on the importance of early years,
- Involvement of father and male caregivers through men-streaming,
- Engaging young children with low-cost contextual and child-friendly toys by the parents and caregivers,
- Facilitating love, talk, touch and play through toys, stories, interactive talk and activity with children less than 3 years of age,
- Campaign grounding and its effective implementation by the Anganwadi workers,
- Parent and caregiver-friendly social behaviour communication programme (SBCC).
The press release further said, "The 'Ama Kunipila' activity is envisaged to promote parent-led home-based joyful child-friendly learning by creating an early stimulating environment. Various IEC materials including Mo Bikash Patra, Kuni CalendarAama Kunipila Flip Book, Sukhada Lalana Palana handbook, and Aama Kunipila toy kit have been developed to support and strengthen the programme".
Brain Development of Child in First 1000 Days
The first 1,000 days of a child's life are critical for brain development. This period is often referred to as the "critical window" because it lays the foundation for a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Several key factors influence brain development during this time:-- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for brain development. Adequate intake of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and vitamins, is crucial for the development of neural pathways.
- Stimulation: Positive experiences and interactions with the environment play a vital role in shaping the brain. Engaging in activities that stimulate the senses, such as talking, singing, and playing, helps to strengthen neural connections.
- Responsive Caregiving: Responsive caregiving is crucial for emotional and social development. When caregivers respond to a child's needs, it builds a sense of security and trust, creating a positive impact on brain development.
- Attachment: Building a secure attachment between the child and their primary caregivers is essential. A secure attachment provides a foundation for healthy social and emotional development.
- Early Learning Opportunities: Exposure to a variety of early learning experiences, such as reading, playing, and problem-solving, helps stimulate cognitive development. These experiences contribute to the formation of neural networks.
- Health: A child's overall health, including regular medical check-ups and vaccinations, is important for brain development. Illnesses and infections can have negative effects on the developing brain.
- Reducing Stress: Minimizing stressors in a child's environment is crucial. High levels of stress can release hormones that may negatively impact brain development.
- Quality Sleep: Sufficient and quality sleep is essential for brain development. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and undergoes processes that support learning and overall cognitive function.
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Odisha