Community-Based Education to Promote Health and Well-Being for the Children of Migrant Construction Workers in Mumbai, India

Abstract

The United Nations recognises education as a central measure for the attainment of theSustainable Development Goals. Access to information and education is especially crucial forvarious marginalised sections of the society who often remain at the periphery ofdevelopmental initiatives. Mumbai Mobile Crèches (MMC) is a well-established non-profitorganisation that has been catering for over four decades to the children of migrantconstruction workers in Mumbai, one of the most vulnerable populations of urban India.MMC annually provides comprehensive health care and education to over 4,500 migrantchildren by operating day care centres at construction sites. The paper focuses on the capacitybuilding and community outreach initiatives of MMC that equip members from theconstruction workers’ and other vulnerable communities to deliver improved health care andnutritional services to very young children. Comprehensive intervention that providespreventive, curative, and rehabilitative health care and nutritional services at a very young age(birth to six years) not only ensures healthy lives and well-being for children living indifficult circumstances but also sets the foundation for lifelong learning. These grassrootsinitiatives create opportunities for vulnerable communities to improve child health outcomesand thereby realise the true essence of education for sustainable development.