On March 16, 2026, in a significant step toward strengthening adolescent health services, SERAC-Bangladesh recently conducted an online orientation session for newly appointed volunteer peer leaders (VPL) under the Space to Lead Project in Barguna Sadar. The session aimed to familiarize the peer leaders with the project’s goals, ongoing activities, and their crucial roles in supporting adolescent-friendly health services at the community level. By equipping the peer leaders with knowledge and practical guidance, SERAC-Bangladesh aims to enhance community engagement and promote better health awareness among adolescents in the region.
The orientation was presided over by SM Shaikat, Executive Director, SERAC-Bangladesh. During the session, he provided detailed guidance on the project’s objectives, key activities, and the expectations from peer leaders. He emphasized the pivotal role these young volunteers play in assisting the delivery of services at adolescent-friendly health service centers and in creating awareness among adolescents about essential health and well-being practices.
Mr. Shaikat encouraged the peer leaders to take an active role in their communities, highlighting the potential of their engagement to bring about meaningful and positive changes. He also stressed the importance of teamwork and collective efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the project, urging each peer leader to contribute actively to the project’s vision of empowering youth and improving adolescent health outcomes.
The session was also attended by key members of the project team, including Shahina Yasmin, Program Lead, SERAC-Bangladesh, Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Program), SERAC-Bangladesh, Md. Emran Hossain, Deputy Director Finance and Admin & Project Focal “space to lead”, SERAC-Bangladesh, Md. Omar Faruk Khan Finance & Admin Coordinator; and Md. Shafiullah Lemon, Project Coordinator. Their participation ensured that peer leaders received comprehensive guidance on operational procedures, coordination mechanisms, and effective community engagement strategies.
This orientation marks a major milestone in the Space to Lead Project’s efforts to strengthen adolescent health services in Barguna. By preparing peer leaders to take proactive roles in promoting health awareness, facilitating service delivery, and engaging with young people at the grassroots level, SERAC-Bangladesh continues to advance its mission of building healthier, empowered communities.
Through this initiative, the organization aims not only to enhance the quality and reach of adolescent-friendly health services but also to foster a culture of youth leadership and active community participation, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued in the decision-making processes that affect their health and well-being.