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The project in Bangladesh was implemented at Sonargaon, Narayanganj, and Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar. Ten youth initiators (5 men and 5 females) aged 15–24 years were identified from local youth clubs as youth initiators at each site. They appealed about ASRH issues tolocal authorities, religious leaders, journalists, and parents with the support of Local Support Team (LST) members, who are adult supporters in the community identified by the youth initiators. The voices and actual cases collected by the youth initiators were made into drama scripts on ASRH issues, such as early marriage and STIs/HIV/AIDS, and performed to advocatethe need for ASRH in the community and appeal for support. |
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The final project evaluation showed a good example of the advocacy efforts by the youth initiators and LST members. There was the case of a 13-year-old years old girl who sought the help of the local youth club at the project site to so it could help stop her impending marriage. Youth initiators approached the mother of the girl and talked to her about the possible ill - effects of early marriage on her daughter. The wedding was subsequently cancelled, and the girl has been invited to participate in the regular education activities of the youth club. One of the LST members is a journalist, who contributed to issuing 50 articles on ASRH in the local newspapers. Parents have become confident in talking to talk about ASRH with their children at home. Youth initiators have also started patrolling the areas that which are often utilized for coerced sex in the community to prevent unwanted pregnancy and infection of STIs/HIV. |
