Community Context
Umbarvihir, a small village of Maharashtra’s Palghar district, has around 250 residents. Most villagers depend on farming, which in turn relies heavily on the monsoon. During lean seasons, many families migrate for wage labour. With limited resources, parents often struggle to provide even small items like toys or learning materials for their children. The local Anganwadi serves over 70 children, but for years, they lacked basic play resources.
A Spark of Joy Through Material Surplus
Through Goonj’s model of channelising urban surplus, toys were brought to the Anganwadi. This simple yet thoughtful gesture transformed the space. For the first time in years, children had access to play materials that assisted both joy and learning.
Teacher’s Perspective
Anganwadi teacher Ms. Usha Anoj Bambare shared: “For the last 3–4 years, the children in our Anganwadi had not even seen toys. Earlier, they would come in the morning, eat khichdi, and leave immediately. It was difficult to keep them engaged. Now, with the toys, they stay longer, enjoy themselves, and participate more in activities. This will benefit us a lot.”
Beyond Play: Building Engagement
This initiative not only assisted joy but also created an environment where children could stay engaged, learn better, and feel cared for. For a small Anganwadi in Umbarvihir, the toys became tools of dignity and development, channelizing urban surplus to strengthen early childhood learning.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
