Objective:

Through Muskaan, SEED strives to give climate-affected children a fair start — where they can learn, play and thrive — even amidst the uncertainties of a changing climate. The project aims to build resilient futures for the youngest members of Sundarbans’ displaced communities.

Overview:

The Muskaan - Early Childhood Care Centres (ECCCs) project is SEED’s integrated initiative to provide early childhood education, nutrition and psychosocial support to young children from climate-affected families in some of the most fragile islands of the Sundarbans. Children in Ghoramara and Sagar Islands face multiple risks due to climate-induced displacement, loss of livelihoods and disrupted access to education and health. The Muskaan project offers them a safe, nurturing space where their holistic development is supported, laying the foundation for long-term resilience.

Key Components:

• Daily operation of 2 fully equipped ECCCs (one in each island), serving 100 enrolled children.
• Play-based early learning and Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) activities.
• Provision of nutritious midday meals and regular health and nutritional assessments.
• Regular nutritional supplements distribution and administering deworming drives.
• Psychosocial activities led by trained counselors to support emotional well-being.
• Parental workshops to strengthen positive parenting and community support.

Impact to Date:

• 100 climate-vulnerable children accessing early learning, nutrition and healthcare services.
• Stronger parental awareness on early childhood development practices across 8 villages.
• Strengthening community ownership and participation through 2 Community Advisory Committees having 20 members.