Thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation, Children International’s Early Childhood Development Program in Kolkata, India, Is Giving Kids in Poverty a Head Start

Kansas City, MO, July 28, 2014 /3BL Media/ - The Guru Krupa Foundation is providing funding to continue Children International’s Early Childhood Development program in Kolkata, India, for the second consecutive year. Children International’s Early Childhood Development program helps give kids in poverty a head start as they prepare for primary school.

USAID identifies the early childhood period as “a critical foundational moment in human development.” Citing research from a variety of sources, USAID explains how brain development is at its fastest and most complex during a child’s early years.

By funding Children International’s Early Childhood Development program, the Guru Krupa Foundation is helping enrich the lives of children ages 3 to 5 by ensuring opportunities for learning and growth. The curriculum for the program is focused on early mathematical skills, language development, hand-eye coordination, and emotional and social development. By mastering these skills early, children are put on the right track for being successful in school. 

With the Guru Krupa Foundation’s support, Children International’s Early Childhood Development program in Kolkata, India, launched in February 2013. The results from the first year show that the program is having a significant impact on the children’s understanding of basic concepts in the areas of English, mathematics, art and music. In 2013, participants in the program increased their average competency by 27 percentage points over their baseline score.

Another major benefit for the parents and guardians of children involved in the Early Childhood Development program is that Children International can provide counseling on how to enroll their children in primary school. In fact, parents are encouraged to be an active part of the early childhood development process. Parents participate in meetings with teachers so that they can learn more about topics, such as approaches to learning, the education system, use of technology in education and nutritious food for children.

In addition to funding Children International’s Early Childhood Development program in Kolkata, the Guru Krupa Foundation has worked with Children International to fund vaccinations, an antiparasite program and rebuilding efforts after Cyclone Aila hit India in 2009.

Mukund Padmanabhan, the president and founder of the Guru Krupa Foundation, says, “Improving the life of a child has the potential to make a great impact because the positive effects of the investment keep compounding at every stage as the child grows up into a successful and productive adult. The Guru Krupa Foundation is pleased to support Children International’s efforts to help prepare kids living in impoverished communities for success in primary school and in life.”

Learn more about Children International’s Early Childhood Development program in Kolkata.

About Children International

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Howard
Corporate Communications
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3730
Email:  choward@children.org

Brittany Gelbach
Public Relations
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3832
Email: bgelbach@children.org