A three-day refresher training program on the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" initiative was inaugurated on December 26 at the DC Conference Hall in Leh. The training was organized by the Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the 17000 ft Foundation.

Deputy Chairman LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchok, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Attendees included Director of Social and Tribal Welfare, Tashi Dolma (JKAS); District Programme Officer ICDS, A.G. Zargar (JKAS); Director of 17000 ft Foundation, Sonam Dawa; and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Supervisors, and Anganwadi workers. 

Director of Social and Tribal Welfare, Tashi Dolma, highlighted the significance of the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" training for Anganwadi workers. She noted that while Anganwadi workers are proficient in the "Poshan" (nutrition) aspect, there is a need to strengthen their knowledge in the "Padhai" (education) component. To address this, she invited the expertise of the 17000 ft Foundation to train workers in the "Padhai" section and encouraged CDPOs to focus on enhancing skills in the "Poshan" domain.

She emphasized that the training is mandatory for all Anganwadi workers, stressing the collective effort required to maximize the reach and impact of the scheme's benefits.

Sonam Dawa, Director of 17000 ft Foundation, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare. He underscored the importance of capacity-building efforts, particularly for the critical 0–6 age group, and assured that his team would deliver effective training to enhance learning outcomes.

Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchok, praised the contributions of 17000 ft to Ladakh’s education sector. He underscored the value of such training programs in benefiting children and assured the attendees of his efforts to advocate for improved honorariums for Anganwadi workers.

District Programme Officer, A.G. Zargar, encouraged Anganwadi workers to actively participate in the training, emphasizing their responsibility to train others. He urged participants to ask questions and engage proactively to ensure effective learning and implementation.

As part of the initiative, Deputy Chairman Angchok distributed cell phones to Anganwadi workers to enhance the "Poshan Tracker" system. It was announced that 50% of the devices would be distributed this year, with the remaining scheduled for next year.

The training program, scheduled from December 26 to 28, aims to strengthen the Anganwadi workers' capacity to implement the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" scheme, ensuring holistic development for young children in Ladakh.