Balawadi Preschool Programme
Balawadi preschool programme strengthens the educational foundation of children and is an
important strategy for achieving universalisation of primary education. If every child can avail of some kind of
early childhood education, the chances that the child will go on to a regular school are high. This preschool
exposure will enhance and strengthen the child's subsequent school performance, in terms of achievement
and attendance.
Pratham Mysore's Balawadi programme targets children from low-income families in the age
group of 3-5½ years and familiarizes them with schooling such that "school-going" becomes a habit.
Located either at a municipal school, community space, place of worship or a teacher's home, each class has
around 15-20 children with an instructor from the local community and runs for 2-3 hours a day. These
children are taught to mix with other children, play and enjoy the experience, as they learn.