Nedumpuram: If anganwadis were to be given star ratings, this one would have surely earned a `five-stars'. The anganwadi at Vazhaparambil Nagar in Ward Five of the panchayat offers not only comfort and facilities but also security, hygiene, modern learning equipment and an exceptional learning atmosphere.

The double-storied anganwadi was built with an investment of ₹41 lakhs. The first floor is reserved for an adolescents’ club.

The compound wall is high and decorated with colourful cartoon characters on both sides. A gooseberry tree stands at the entrance. The floor features colourful tiles and a soft, colourful magical mat welcomes children inside. The walls are adorned with alphabets and numbers, displayed in a way that leaves a lasting impression in the infant minds. The air-conditioned room, meanwhile, provides a cool and comfortable learning environment.

Study equipment everywhere
The kitchen is modern and includes a water purifier. There are more child-friendly rooms both inside and outside. Equipment includes a slide, see-saw, rocker, mat, basketball hoop and pony rocker have been arranged to help children to play indoor. A moon-shaped dining table adds to the charm.

Large digital boards have been installed for learning English and Malayalam alphabets and numbers. That children here would be encouraged to aspire to better living conditions and facilities is one of the highlights. 

The building spans 1,226 sq. ft., with funding contributions of ₹20 lakhs from the Centre, ₹11 lakhs from the district panchayat, ₹5 lakhs from the block panchayat and an additional ₹5 lakhs from various other projects. At the same time, private donations helped install digital alphabet boards, curtains, shelves and courtyard tiling.

The panchayat has now allocated ₹1 lakh for setting up a nutrient garden in growbags, said Panchayat Vice-President Sailesh Mangat. The anganwadi is scheduled to be inaugurated next week.

Of the 15 anganwadis in the panchayat, 13 have their own land and buildings. Among these, nine are air-conditioned. Nedumpuram, meanwhile, is home to two anganwadis, 66 and 125, which were also the first in the district to receive ISO certification.