In Mawngap Mawkharshiing village, Mawphlang Block, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, a quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding, one that blends compassion, community action, and forward-thinking approaches to child development. At the centre of this change is a creche run entirely by the Mawkharshiing Village Organisation (VO), a women-led collective committed to addressing the most pressing needs of their community.
This initiative was not born out of policy directives or external interventions alone, it grew from the lived realities of women in the village. For many working mothers, securing reliable childcare has always been a challenge. Domestic help or nannies are often unavailable or unaffordable, and leaving children in the care of elderly relatives can be both physically demanding for the caregivers and limiting for the children. The absence of safe, structured childcare meant that women either had to compromise on their income-generating activities or leave their children in less-than-ideal arrangements.
Recognising this gap, the Mawkharshiing VO decided to act. They conceptualised and launched a community-managed creche—a safe, nurturing space where children from the VO members’ families and the wider community could be cared for by a trained nurse. This choice was intentional: while a creche could be staffed by volunteers or untrained helpers, the VO wanted to ensure that children’s health, safety, and developmental needs were properly addressed.
A Space for Learning, Not Just Babysitting
What sets the Mawkharshiing creche apart is that it is not merely a holding space for children while their parents work. The VO has embedded Early Childhood Development (ECD) principles into the daily routine. The trained nurse, alongside helpers from the community, ensures that the children have a balance of free play, structured activities, and rest.
From simple puzzles and picture books to group play and storytelling, the environment encourages curiosity and early learning. In a rural context where access to pre-school facilities may be limited, the creche plays a dual role, functioning both as a safe childcare option and as a preparatory learning environment.
Affordable and Accessible by Design
The creche’s operational model reflects the VO’s commitment to inclusivity. Families are charged only a minimal registration fee, ensuring that even low-income households can benefit. This fee structure is not meant to generate profit but to create a sense of ownership and accountability within the community.
The affordability factor is especially important in rural Meghalaya, where income levels vary widely and cash flow can be irregular. The VO’s model ensures that no family has to choose between earning a livelihood and ensuring their child’s safety and development.
Run by Women, for the Community
Management of the creche is entirely in the hands of the Mawkharshiing VO, showcasing the power of women-led community institutions in driving local solutions. This self-governance means decisions about staffing, facilities, and daily operations are made collectively, reflecting the priorities and realities of the people who use the service most.
A Model Worth Replicating
The Mawkharshiing VO creche is more than a local solution—it is a model that could be adapted in other rural areas facing similar challenges. Its success lies in a few key factors:
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Community ownership that ensures long-term sustainability.
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Trained staff who provide not just care but quality developmental support.
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Affordability that keeps the service accessible to all income levels.
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Integration with ECD principles, preparing children for a smooth transition to school.
As the initiative continues to grow, it stands as a testament to what can happen when communities are trusted to identify their own needs and supported to design solutions that fit their unique context.