The KABP Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting in Sunamganj

With UNICEF's technical support, Shushilan is implementing a project titled '’Social and Behavior Change Interventions to Foster for the Wellbeing, Rights, and Empowerment of the Most Marginalized Children and Adolescents in Sylhet, Bangladesh''. The main objective of this project is to protect children and adolescents from any form of harm and make them empowered so that they can raise their voices on their issues, in addition to ending child marriage, preventing violence against children and women, addressing the impact of climate change, increasing EPI coverage, nutrition, and education, and activating families and communities through positive behaviours to create awareness and address issues and challenges surrounding children and adolescents. As part of these initiatives, a Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting on People's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices (KABP) was held on 13 November 2024 at the Upazila Parishad Hal Room, Bishwambarpur, Sunamganj to discuss and share the data obtained from the study on People's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices (KABP) on violence against children, ending child marriage, child protection, health care, and cleanliness. Mr. Abdul Malek, Upazila Coordinator of the SBC Sylhet Project, delivered the welcome speech. Following this, Mr. Mofizur Rahman, UNO, Bishwambarpur, Sunamganj, and the Chief Guest of the programme, gave the opening remarks. He greeted the participants and officially began the meeting. Following the inauguration, Mr. Md. Alamgir Mia, Coordinator of the SBC Sylhet Project, presented the project's objectives and shared the KABP study findings through a PowerPoint presentation. The meeting was attended by several special guests, including Mr. Chabab Mia, Chairman of Badaghat Union Parishad; Mr. Suman Chandra Barman, RMO of Bishwambarpur Upazila Health Complex; Mr. Moniruzzaman, Upazila Family Planning Officer; Mr. Swapan Kumar Barman, President of the Bishwambarpur Upazila Press Club; Mr. Saleh Ahmad, General Secretary of the Bishwambarpur Upazila Press Club; Mr. A. Aziz, Upazila Youth Development Officer; and Mr. A.K.M. Ehsanul Haque, Upazila Primary Education Officer, along with others. In the opening discussion, Mr. A.K.M Ehsanul Haque, Primary Education Officer said that they have some groups in every school, such as Little Doctor Team, Cub Scout Team and Cultural and Sports Team. If they move a little along with Shushilan’s team, it seems to be fruitful. Mr. Loman Mia, Assistant Sub Inspector of Bishwambarpur Police Station, said that they are trying to provide support to stop child marriage. He also emphasized that the chairman of each union should play a vital role in preventing child marriage. Mr. Moniruzzaman, Upazila Family Planning Officer, highlighted their focus on ensuring four antenatal care/checkups for every mother during pregnancy and encouraging hospital deliveries. He also emphasized that without stopping child marriage, reducing the maternal mortality rate would remain a challenge. Mr. Suman Chandra Barman, RMO, Upazila Health Complex emphasized their focus on healthcare initiatives. They strive to ensure that every individual has access to healthcare, with a particular focus on achieving 100% vaccination coverage for children. If any child misses their scheduled vaccination, their team visits the child's home to ensure it later in the month. Mr. Chabab Mia, Chairman of Badaghat Union stated that they have participated in different programme organized by Shushilan. Their efforts in disseminating various messages to the community people at the Badaghat Union as well as in this Upazila. He highlighted the issues of child marriage. He suggested enforcing laws to punish guardians who facilitate child marriages. He added that if one guardian faces penalties, others will become more careful. Mr. Mofizur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, expressed his gratitude to everyone for attending the event organized by Shushilan. Addressing the issue of child labour, he emphasized that raising awareness among parents is the first step. He also noted that when parents have a stable income, their children will no longer need to work. Drawing the attention of the Upazila Primary Education Officer, he will start discussing reintroducing the school feeding program, as it can encourage children to attend school knowing food would be available. This initiative will significantly improve the education rate. He also urged the Secondary Education Officer to take necessary action. Mr. Rahman also highlighted the sanitation issues that many households still do not use sanitary latrines and do not practice handwashing properly, which often leads to a rise in different diseases. Regarding child marriage, he emphasized that notary public officials do not have the authority to approve such marriages. He stated that only valid approvals from appropriate legal bodies, such as the Court, would be accepted. Furthermore, he urged all Union Parishad chairmen to take special initiatives to address this issue. He also advised, addressing to the Marriage Registrars (Kazi) that if any child marriage registrars under 18 for girls and 21 for boys, their licenses would be cancelled. Ms. Fahmida Yasmin, Upazila Women's Affairs Officer and the chairperson of the programme emphasized the importance of raising family-based awareness to prevent violence against women and children. She highlighted the collaborative work with UNICEF, which is impacting children's development. Through various clubs, activities focused on health, education, nutrition, child rights, and preventing child marriage are being conducted. She concluded the meeting by thanking the SBC Team of Shushilan for arranging the wonderful and interactive event.