On 24 November 2024, SERAC-Bangladesh, as part of USAID’s Swapno Jatra Activity, organized two impactful field tests in Shingair, Manikganj. These initiatives are vital steps toward improving adolescent-friendly health services, reducing early child marriage and childbearing, and inspiring Very Young Adolescents (VYA) to aspire for a brighter future.
Volunteer Peer Leader (VPL) Module Field Test: Promoting Life Skills and Aspirations
The VPL Module Field Test, held at Manikganj Sadar by the student of Dakshin Jamsha High School, focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), directly targeting the life skills session of Very Young Adolescents (VYA). This module aims to instill essential skills, provide adolescents with the tools to build resilience, and create aspirations for their future, all while addressing the health and social issues that impact their well-being.
Through active participation, the students provided valuable feedback to refine the module, ensuring it effectively supports adolescents and equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health, marriage, and futures. The inclusion of Social Emotional Learning in the VPL Module fosters healthier relationships, improves decision-making, and contributes to reducing early marriage and childbearing.
Scorecard Field Test: Enhancing Adolescent-Friendly Health Services
Simultaneously, the Scorecard Field Test at the Jamsha Union Health & Family Welfare Center involved Very Young Adolescents, healthcare providers, and stakeholders such as FWVs, FWAs, FPIs, and SACMOs. The purpose of this field test was to use the scorecard tool to assess the quality of adolescent-friendly health services, identify resource gaps, and develop strategies for resource mobilization.
The scorecard provided a platform for the community to directly participate in the evaluation process, which will help strengthen the quality of services and increase the accessibility of health services. By addressing issues such as infrastructure, staff behavior, and service timeliness, the scorecard tool plays a crucial role in improving health services, includes AFHSC for adolescents and promoting transparency and accountability.
SERAC-Bangladesh remains committed to empowering adolescents and youth, enhancing adolescent-friendly health services, and reducing the harmful impacts of early marriage and childbearing through innovative solutions and community-driven action.