In a significant step toward strengthening early childhood education in Meghalaya, the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Education Department of the Government of Meghalaya have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kalike, a Bengaluru-based non-profit organization on March 11th 2025. The partnership aims to improve Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in government-run Anganwadi Centres and Pre-Primary schools across the state.
Transforming Early Childhood Education
The MoU ensures children aged 3-6 receive quality education, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development during their foundational years. Recognizing existing challenges in the ECCE system, the collaboration is designed to empower Anganwadi workers and teachers with improved training and resources. The initiative will introduce play-based, experiential learning models to improve early learning outcomes, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key elements of the MoU include:
- Capacity Building: Comprehensive training programs for teachers, frontline workers, and state officials to enhance ECCE delivery.
- Learning Resource Development: Child-friendly, interactive learning materials to support early education.
- ECCE Resource Centres: Establishment of dedicated centers at multiple levels to provide ongoing professional development.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementation of a Management Information System (MIS) for data-driven decision-making and performance tracking
Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, emphasized the program’s potential to bridge developmental gaps: “This partnership with Kalike ensures that Meghalaya’s Anganwadi Centres and Pre-Primary Schools provide structured, high-quality learning opportunities. By strengthening capacity at multiple levels, we aim to create a more responsive and effective early education system.”
The initiative will begin with a pilot rollout in two districts, with plans to scale statewide in phases. Kalike will deploy program managers and resource experts to support implementation, while the Meghalaya Government ensures logistical and infrastructural backing. A Steering Committee, comprising Social Welfare and Education Department representatives alongside Kalike experts, will oversee project progress, ensuring adaptability and impact based on field insights.
Building a Better Future
The MoU signifies more than a partnership — it represents a transformative step toward ensuring Meghalaya’s children have access to high-quality early education. This collaboration aims to improve foundational learning outcomes, align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.
With this initiative, Meghalaya reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young minds, strengthening human development, and creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.