Formative assessment of a UNICEF supported phone call-based parenting (Dulaar) Programme in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, 2022

Author - | Published - 2022

Dulaar is a digital service that provides information and advice on Early Childhood Development to parents and caregivers of children in the age group 0 to 6 years through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). UNICEF created this phone call-based parenting program to address stress, build resilience and support children’s early education and overall development (from birth to 6 years). This program got implemented through state Anganwadi System in UP and by a NGO partner in Jharkhand.

CMS conducted an assessment in Ranchi of Jharkhand, Banda and Chitrakoot of Uttar Pradesh. From a list of 7514 registered caregivers who completed listening to the calls as on September 2022 CMS called up and identified locations of 3874 caregivers. Out of this, 2301 were surveyed along with 127 NGO mobilisers and AWWs. The study took both qualitative and quantitative approaches to address the research objectives. The recommendations given after synthesizing the findings were well accepted and applied in the programme for a scale up that is being planned in UP and other states.