Raichur, Karnataka: the District Administration of Raichur in collaboration with, GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), mark ten years of driving meaningful change in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through the Born Learning Campaign (BLC), a flagship initiative of UWBe that has strengthened Anganwadi ecosystems and improved early learning outcomes across Karnataka.
Implemented in Raichur, one of Karnataka’s aspirational districts, the campaign has worked to transform Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into vibrant, child-friendly spaces that support holistic development during the most critical years of a child’s life. Around 48 Anganwadi centers in Raichur have been refurbished, benefiting around 4200 children (0-6 years). The partnership has also extended to Bengaluru’s Whitefield, KR Puram, and Kadugodi to support early childhood care.
The success of the initiative in Raichur has been driven by the strong partnership between
GE HealthCare, United Way Bengaluru, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, district and block-level departments, Anganwadi workers, local stakeholders, and communities. The partnership has focused on improving Anganwadi infrastructure, enhancing access to age-appropriate learning materials, strengthening the capacities of Anganwadi workers, and engaging parents and communities in early childhood development. The campaign aligns closely with the Government of India’s vision for Saksham Anganwadi and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recognizes the importance of universal access to quality early childhood education.
Over the past decade, the partnership has demonstrated measurable improvements in children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development, along with increased attendance and participation across supported centers. Through sustained collaboration with Anganwadi workers, the program has contributed to creating nurturing environments where young children can learn, play, and thrive.
“Investing in early childhood is investing in the future of our district. The Born Learning Campaign has not only improved Anganwadi infrastructure and learning environments but has also strengthened community participation and institutional capacity. We appreciate the sustained commitment of GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru in strengthening Anganwadi centers and supporting early childhood development in Raichur. These efforts are helping create a strong foundation for our children and contributing to the district’s long-term development” said Smt. Poovitha S., IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Raichur.
“For over ten years, our partnership with GE HealthCare has demonstrated the power of investing early in a child’s development. Together, we have strengthened Anganwadi Centres as community hubs that nurture learning, health, nutrition, and well-being. Long before ECCE became a national priority under NEP 2020, this partnership recognized the importance of the early years and invested in creating sustainable systems that support children, caregivers, and communities. We are proud of the impact achieved and remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive,” – Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.
As the partnership enters its next decade, GE HealthCare and United Way Bengaluru remain committed to strengthening early childhood ecosystems and creating enabling environments where every child can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
