In Bangladesh, thousands of young people remain outside the formal school system—yet they are among the most vulnerable when it comes to accessing essential information about health, rights, and relationships. To bridge this gap, SERAC-Bangladesh conducted a pioneering SRH Evidence Generation Mini-Pilot on the impact of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for out-of-school youth.
The findings are clear: when young people receive accurate, age-appropriate information in safe spaces, they gain the confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures. Participants in the pilot demonstrated improved knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), greater awareness of services, and a stronger sense of agency. Many expressed that CSE helped them challenge harmful social norms and better understand issues such as consent, gender equality, and preventing early marriage.
But the report also highlights critical gaps. Out-of-school youth often face barriers to SRH information due to stigma, lack of tailored programs, and limited policy focus. This makes them particularly vulnerable to misinformation, unsafe practices, and rights violations. By investing in targeted CSE interventions, policymakers and communities can ensure that no young person is left behind.
At SERAC-Bangladesh, we believe evidence like this is more than research—it is a roadmap. It shows that inclusive, participatory, and youth-friendly education is not only possible, but urgently needed. Our call is simple: let us expand CSE access beyond the classroom, so every young person—regardless of where they learn—can thrive.
Please find the full report here: APA SRHR Mini Report 3 SERAC