For nearly a month, a leaking roof changed what a regular day looked like at the Hoshiarpur
Anganwadi Centre. Heavy rains during the 2025 monsoon left a hole in the roof, allowing water to seep into the Centre. The floor remained wet, forcing children to move their tables and chairs away from the affected area and leaving them with little space to learn or play. They could no longer sit together on the mats, and physical activities became difficult.
As the seepage spread, it damaged the electrical wiring, leaving the Centre without working fans or tube lights. Damp walls and peeling paint made the space feel increasingly unsafe and unwelcoming. Even as these challenges persisted, Anganwadi Worker Dipikaji (*name changed) continued running the Centre, doing her best to ensure that the children’s learning was not disrupted. She had repeatedly raised the issue with the school Headmaster, hoping the repairs would be prioritised, but the problem remained unresolved.
Located within the Government School compound in Hoshiarpur village, Noida Sector 51, the Centre has served young children in the local community for nearly 15 years. NalandaWay Foundation has been working closely with them for the past 5 years. Today, 43 children—27 girls and 16 boys—attend the Centre, where they access early childhood care, learning opportunities, nutrition and other essential services. During a routine field visit, a Gutar Goo facilitator noticed the condition of the Centre and shared the concern with the team. In September 2025, the roof was repaired, the damaged electrical wiring was replaced, and new tube lights were installed. Colourful mats, tables and chairs were added, and after the monsoon, the Centre was repainted, restoring it to a brighter, safer and more child-friendly space.
The difference was immediate. Children could once again move freely across the Anganwadi
Centre, sit together on the mats, participate in physical activities and enjoy learning without
worrying about wet floors or unsafe surroundings. Parents, who had been anxious about the
leaking roof and the risk it posed to their children, also felt reassured. As one parent shared, “Ab hamare bachchon ke liye jagah surakshit hai.”
Looking back, Dipikaji said, “I am very grateful to the team. I had become tired of listening to parents’ concerns about getting the roof repaired. I had sought help, but the issue was not being prioritised. When I shared my concern with the team, they stepped forward to help. I am glad they are with us, and I really wish they continue to stay for a long time.” Today, the Hoshiarpur Anganwadi Centre is once again a space where children can learn, play and participate with confidence. Sometimes, restoring a child’s learning environment begins with something as simple as fixing a roof.
(by Hiya Takal, with input from Astha Jha, NalandayWay Foundation)
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