On 26 July 2026, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (Unlocking Youth Potential) Mymensingh Unit organized “School Awareness Program – 02” at Mukul Niketan High School, Mymensingh, with the aim of providing adolescents with accurate knowledge about health and nutrition, increasing awareness of physical and psychological changes during puberty, and supporting the development of a confident, healthy and responsible future generation.

The awareness program was organized under the theme “An Aware Generation Will Build a Healthy, Beautiful and Safe Future.” The session provided an open platform for adolescent students to discuss important issues related to puberty, physical and mental changes, health awareness, food and nutrition, balanced diets and healthy lifestyles.

The school’s Head Teacher and Assistant Teachers were present throughout the program and encouraged the students to participate actively. Their support contributed to creating a welcoming, engaging and participatory learning environment.

The sessions were facilitated by Mentor Prabhat Das and Mentor Farzana. At the beginning of the session, they explained that adolescence is an important transitional stage of life and discussed the various natural physical and psychological changes that occur during this period. Students were encouraged to understand these changes positively, maintain personal hygiene, follow healthy lifestyles and seek guidance from trusted individuals or qualified healthcare providers whenever they experience physical or psychological concerns.

Special emphasis was also placed on food and nutrition during adolescence. Students learned about the importance of adequate and nutritious food during a period of rapid physical and mental development, the major components of a balanced diet and the importance of developing healthy eating habits. The discussion encouraged students to ensure adequate nutrients in their daily diets, choose healthier foods and avoid unhealthy eating practices.

The facilitators further highlighted that proper nutrition and healthy eating habits during adolescence are essential for healthy physical growth, mental development, disease resistance and overall well-being. Students were encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and nutrition while also seeking appropriate support from their families and communities.

The program also featured spontaneous cultural participation from the students. One student presented a song, while another performed a poem recitation, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere. Their enthusiastic participation added an enjoyable cultural dimension to the awareness program.

The Head Teacher also addressed the students and emphasized the importance of consuming nutritious food and developing healthy eating habits during adolescence. He highlighted the role of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle in helping children grow into capable and responsible citizens. He also expressed hope that awareness initiatives of this kind would help students become more conscious of their health and future.

The program was moderated by Md. Ershad Mia, Youth Officer, UYP, who welcomed the Head Teacher, teachers, students and other participants and provided an overview of the objectives and key discussion areas at the beginning of the event.

The program was chaired by Resmina Haque, Project Officer, UYP. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of adolescent health, nutrition and awareness, encouraging students to use accurate knowledge and information to make responsible decisions about their health and future. She highlighted that today’s adolescents will become tomorrow’s leaders and that ensuring their health, safety, confidence and awareness is essential for building a better future.

Throughout the program, students participated with enthusiasm and asked questions about puberty, physical and mental changes, food and nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. The facilitators responded to their questions and provided appropriate guidance, making the session an interactive, knowledge-based and participatory learning experience.

The program played an important role in developing students’ positive understanding of adolescent changes, awareness of proper nutrition and healthy eating, and a sense of responsibility toward their own health and well-being. The active participation of the students demonstrated that with accurate information, knowledge and appropriate guidance, adolescents can develop the confidence and capacity to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and future.