Odisha has started a new project called 'Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare,' which means 'We Will Learn in Our Own Language.' This program is very important because it focuses on helping young children learn in their native languages. The project will begin on January 13, 2026, and will continue for five years. This means the project will run from 2026 until 2031, giving many children a chance to learn better in their own languages.
The main goal of this project is to improve education for children who are between 3 and 6 years old. These young children are in a special age group, often called preschool age. During these early years, children learn the most quickly, and providing education in their own language helps them understand better.
The project will focus on six districts in Odisha: Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri. These areas have many children who speak different languages that are not the official language of Odisha. Some of these languages are Munda, Kui, Saura, Kuvi, Gondi, and Koya. These are local languages that many children speak at home but often do not have enough teaching materials or support for learning in school.
This effort is very important because speaking and learning in one’s native language helps children feel more comfortable and confident in school. When children learn in their own language, they are more likely to stay interested and do better in their studies. It also helps preserve and value local cultures and languages.
To support this project, the government will train Anganwadi workers. Anganwadi workers are community workers who help with early childhood education and health. They will receive special training to teach these local languages effectively. They will also get teaching materials such as books, flashcards, and other resources that are in these languages. Moreover, they will be provided with audio-visual content like videos and recordings to make learning more engaging for children.
This initiative is a part of India’s larger plan called the National Education Policy 2020. This policy encourages the use of local languages in school education. It believes that children learn better when they are taught in a language they understand well. The policy aims to make education more inclusive and accessible for children from different backgrounds.
Besides the language learning project, the government has started a 100-day campaign to prevent child marriage. Child marriage is a serious problem because it can harm the health, safety, and future of young girls and boys. The campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent girls and boys from getting married at young ages.
There is also a pilot project in Mayurbhanj, which is trying to prevent adolescent pregnancies and help young mothers. This project wants to support girls and young women who have become mothers early in life. It offers them guidance, health services, and support to continue their education and improve their lives.
In addition to these education and health efforts, Odisha has made some new developments for the well-being of women and children. One major step is the construction of a new administrative building for the State Institute for Women and Children at Barpali. This building will help the institute work more efficiently and serve more people.
Furthermore, residential quarters are being built for ICDS field officers in the districts of Boudh and Kandhamal. ICDS stands for the Integrated Child Development Services, which is a government program that supports maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood education. Providing living spaces for officers will help them stay close to the communities they serve, enabling better support and more effective work.
Overall, these efforts show Odisha’s strong commitment to improving education, health, and safety for children and women. The new language learning project aims to help children learn better in their own languages, which is very important for their development. The campaign to prevent child marriage and the support for young mothers focus on keeping children safe and healthy.
All these initiatives are part of Odisha’s bigger plan to create better opportunities for children and their communities. The government hopes that, through education and support, children can grow up healthy, confident, and ready for a brighter future. These steps are designed to respect local cultures, promote equal opportunities, and ensure every child has a chance to learn and succeed.
