Pangila Balaimunda and Mara Balaimunda are parents to two children. Their elder son, Chandan Balai Munda, aged about five years, is attending the Preschool Nutrition and Education Programme at the Chdakmara Centre. His younger brother, Srikanta Balai Munda, is also enrolled in the same pre-school.

The tribal couple earns their livelihood by working as daily labourers—either at construction sites or in agricultural fields—struggling to meet their family’s basic needs. During the rainy season, they also collect Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from the wild and rely on tubers, forest fruits, edible plants, and leafy vegetables for sustenance. Even securing two meals a day remains a challenge.

Health remains one of the most pressing concerns, significantly affecting their productivity. There is almost no routine health check-up available for children in the village or at the centre. In case of medical emergencies, they are forced to travel 10 km to Pallahara for treatment

“Pangila told, I never think up that my son have an education kit containing books, slate, alphabets colouring and many more, these materials certainly boost reading & writing ability. Thank you JDF team”.

Sarat Kumar Rout, the volunteer at the Chadakmara Centre, has been consistently monitoring Chandan’s progress. It has been reported that Chandan is grasping well and exhibiting leadership qualities. He has also taken the initiative to organize the children during prayer and playing activities in the ground.

Chandan Balai Munda and his younger brother, Srikanta Balai Munda, attend the school regularly, where they are served milk and Parle-G biscuits. They enjoy making friends with their classmates and are receiving basic education, including reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The centre has now completed over two years of operation, with generous funding from the JIV DAYA Foundation. In addition to providing milk and biscuits to tribal children, dry rations are also given to the families of school-going children. Mr. Debasish Patra, Regional Manager for the Eastern Region, has visited the centre three times.

Chandan's attendance in March 2024 was recorded at 18 days, and his health has improved: his weight has increased from 11 kg to 12 kg, and his height has reached 105 cm.