With the slogan “সচেতনতা, সমতা ও নেতৃত্ব—তরুণরাই গড়বে আগামীর পরিবর্তন” (Awareness, Equality, and Leadership—Youth Will Lead Tomorrow’s Change), RHSTEP–Aparajeyo Tarunno Rajshahi Unit organized “School-Based Awareness Program – 02” on 25 April 2026 at St. Louis School.

The program featured discussions on several important and timely topics relevant to adolescents and youth. Key discussion areas included physical and mental changes during adolescence, the risks of child marriage and early pregnancy, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health, friend selection and learning to say “No,” climate change-related health risks, and digital safety and cyberbullying.

At the beginning of the event, a teacher from the school delivered the opening remarks. This was followed by an engaging ice-breaking session conducted by Youth Advocate Jiniya, where students participated in interactive games designed to remove hesitation and encourage active participation.

Medical student Toma conducted a session on physical changes during adolescence, nutrition, and healthy food habits. Project Officer Dipti Sarkar discussed the physical, mental, and social risks associated with child marriage and early pregnancy. Mentor Raziya Sultana raised awareness regarding menstrual hygiene management and encouraged healthy practices among students.

Mentor Nurul Islam highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being, while Mentor Sanzida Akter facilitated an interactive discussion on choosing good friends and developing the confidence to say “No” in challenging situations.

Youth Officer Md. Faridul Islam conducted sessions on climate change, health risks, digital safety, and cyberbullying. During the session, students participated in paired activities where they introduced one another to the group, helping to improve communication skills, confidence, and interpersonal understanding.

In the final phase of the program, an open discussion and question-answer session was organized. A quiz competition was also conducted with active student participation, and prizes were distributed among the winners. Feedback was collected from participants at the end of the program to evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions.

The program was chaired by Project Officer Dipti Sarkar and conducted by Youth Officer Md. Faridul Islam.

Overall, the initiative played an important role in increasing awareness, building confidence, and encouraging students to adopt healthy, responsible, and informed lifestyles.