Madhya Pradesh, May 16, 2024 – CBM India Trust, a non-profit organization leader in disability-inclusive development, is pleased to announce the successful implementation of the Mothers’ Group Initiative as part of its “Engage, Educate, and Empower for Life: Inclusive Hamara Gaon” program. This inclusive education initiative operates in the Babai and Narmadapuram blocks of Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district and seeks to empower parents and strengthen community awareness and capacity.

Early intervention is essential for children with disabilities as it provides the foundation they need to develop their full potential. School readiness is another critical piece of the puzzle. It ensures they are ready to make an easy and successful transition into school. However, parents, particularly mothers in rural and marginalized communities, often do not have access to the necessary resources and knowledge to support their children with disabilities.

This is where the Mothers’ Group initiative, a key component of CBM India Trust’s “Engage, Educate, and Empower for Life” project, serves as a critical resource. It helps mothers to become confident caregivers through ongoing training on nutrition, health, daily living skills, literacy and numeracy skills—all crucial for effectively supporting their children’s development—and equips them to recognize developmental variations. Importantly, these groups also function as safe spaces for mothers to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive network, free from stigma or stereotypes.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, stated, “In Narmadapuram, we’re building something special. These groups are about fostering an inclusive community where every mother feels empowered to be their child’s biggest champion. With the Engage, Educate, and Empower for Life project, we’re planting the seeds for a future where every child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Currently, the initiative has established 75 active Mothers’ Groups, engaging about 750 mothers across 100 villages in the Babai and Narmadapuram blocks. The impact of this initiative is evident, with over 500 children, including children with disabilities, benefiting from inclusive educational opportunities and holistic support.