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Tag: ‘Rural Rising

Marvell Collaborates With United Way Bengaluru‘s’Rural Rising’ Initiative towards Sustainable Development in Bagepalli taluk of Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka

Bengaluru, June 18, 2024: Marvell, in collaboration with NGO partner United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), is driving an impactful intervention, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural development program, in the Chikkaballapura District of Karnataka. The program is designed to meet the Mission Anthodya and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, validated through an in-depth needs assessment in collaboration with local authorities and community members.

This intervention addresses fundamental needs across key thematic areas, including education, health and well-being, safe drinking water, and renewable energy in the Guluru Gram Panchayat.

Marvel - United Way Bengaluru Rural Rising 2

Under the initiative, an ambulance is provided to Bagepalli Taluk Govt. Hospital, which caters to a catchment population of 1,20,000+ people and lacked a dedicated ambulance. Two new Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been constructed alongside the setting up of kitchen gardens and provisioning of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in the AWCs. Based on the need, a government school has been strengthened through refurbishment support, making the environment conducive to learning.

To address the need for a functional toilet facility, a new toilet has been constructed and an incinerator has been provided to a government school. Additionally, the initiative focuses on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component, particularly for raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among female students. Sanitary napkins have been distributed in five schools.

To ensure the availability of safe drinking water, three water purifier units have been installed in Anjinapura and Laxman Thanda villages, and at a government school, benefiting numerous households and students. In commitment to renewable energy, 150 solar streetlights have been successfully installed at strategic locations across the gram panchayat.

The intervention has reached over 5,285 direct beneficiaries and numerous indirect beneficiaries.

Today marked a significant day as key stakeholders involved in the initiative came together to officially announce the launch of the intervention. Key delegates present included Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Marvell India Country Manager, Ms. Bharathi Kanuj, Marvell India CSR Head and Mr. Ganesh Karnatakam, Marvell India Finance Controller, Sriram Ananthanarayanan UWBe Director or Projects, Varun Kumar UWBe Corporate Relations, Pravin Kumar UWBe Rural Projects Lead.

“Convergence and collaboration are key elements for achieving lasting effects. The Rural Rising initiative has demonstrated the power of bringing together Gram Panchayat, NGO, corporate and community members towards a shared goal,”, said, Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Marvell India Country Manager.

“Prioritising the need to invest in rural development, the Rural Rising program intends to build self-sustainable rural communities with assured access to quality education, better health and well-being, safe drinking water, and a clean environment. We are grateful to our CSR partner, Marvell, and the local community for supporting us since the inception of the program at Guluru Gram Panchayat.“, said, Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, of United Way Bengaluru.

About United Way Bengaluru (UWBe)

UWBe is an NGO focused on social issues that seek immediate and long-term attention. United Way Bengaluru marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. True to the organization’s mission “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world”, UWBe catalyzes unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies, and citizen associations to bring about visible and sustainable change in the lives of the communities. The organization works in four key areas – environment, education, healthcare, and rural development.

From Aspiration to Action: ‘Rural Rising’ brings positive change in Wayanad’s Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Sulthan Bathery Block, Kerala

Rural Rising Wayanad

Broadcom, under its CSR initiative, in collaboration with NGO United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe) and Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, proudly announced the official inauguration of the ‘Rural Rising,’ an innovative integrated rural development program at Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat in Sultan Bathery block, Wayanad. The Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat has a population of 14,133. It is the second largest tribal-populated gram panchayat in the state. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive interventions, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural rising program, was kickstarted.

Grounded in a meticulous need assessment, the initiative strategically addresses critical needs such as the health and nutritional needs of children through a unique Cooked Meal intervention and early education facilities for children.

Addressing the health and nutritional needs of children, particularly those malnourished and from the tribal communities, the Cooked Meal intervention was conceived to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious meals three times a day, six days a week, benefiting 315 children across 26 Anganwadi Centres. Six Community Kitchens have also started in six Anganwadi Centers, involving mothers in food preparation to foster healthier food habits at home.

Fifteen nutrition promoters, serving as influencers, are actively engaged in community mobilization under this initiative. They play a crucial role in conducting awareness sessions for mothers emphasizing the importance of consuming healthy and nutritious meals.

The positive outcome of the Cooked Meal intervention is evident, with a substantial improvement in children who were initially underweight. In September 2023, 79% reached a normal height-to-weight ratio, marking a positive trend with 81% in October and an impressive 85% in November.

Addressing the need to create a conducive early learning environment for children, 26 Anganwadi Centres have been revamped, aligning with ICDS guidelines. The transformation of Anganwadi Centres to safe and conducive learning spaces includes new facilities and services, infrastructure support, and the establishment of play areas.

Recognizing the crucial role of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), the ‘Rural Rising’ initiative also focussed on building the capacities of 200 AWWs and AWHs in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related skills. This is helping to enhance the quality of services at the AWCs and interactions between caregivers and children, making the entire Anganwadi ecosystem child-friendly.

As expressed by one of the retd. Anganwadi Workers, “In my 39 years of service, I have seen many AWCs located in the forest area grapple with challenges. Today, I express heartfelt gratitude for the positive changes in the AWCs – the introduction of play areas and other improvements ensures a nurturing and vibrant environment for children’s growth and well-being. “

For the initiative, a new milestone was achieved today, as one of the refurbished Anganwadi Centres was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Renu Raj IAS, the District Collector and District Magistrate, who was present at the event. Dr. Raj said, “Ensuring kids aged 0-6 grow up in a safe and nurturing environment is crucial. This early phase is a big chance for positive development. Investing and putting effort into these early years can build the foundation for a thriving society in the next 20 years.”

Other delegates present today included govt. officials from the Women and Child Development Department, representatives of the Panchayat and team from United Way Bengaluru.

“The intervention is designed on a ‘convergence model,’ focussing on the strength of every stakeholder. In partnership with the local administration and our CSR partner Broadcom, this collaborative effort is significantly contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4 – Quality Education,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.