Field visit report

On November 6-7, 2024, the SBC Chief of UNICEF Bangladesh, Ms. Bridget Job Johnson, visited the Bagerhat area to observe project activities. The delegation included Ms. Sataraia Jannat (SBC Officer) and Ms. Tania Sultana (SBC Specialist), along with Sushilan staff including Deputy Director & Project Focal Ms. Shahina Pervin and Project Coordinator Mr. Shankar Kumar. The Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Project is a government initiative implemented by the UNICEF in collaboration with the community-based implementing partner, Shushiln, in Khulna Division. The project launched on October 18 of 2023 and will run until March 31 of 2025. It aims to address significant issues in the region including Child Marriage, Violence against Children and Women, and impacts of Climate-related disasters. In addition, the project focuses on enhancing awareness regarding vaccination coverage, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, and education, particularly for children and adolescents. The project brings together various stakeholders, including government ministries, local administration, community leaders, and service providers, to create a child-friendly environment and promote positive norms. During visit the team Community Dialogue session in Bagerhat Sadar Upazila, engaging local people in discussions on Child Marriage, Child Labor & Violence against Children, Mothers' Meeting facilitated by a Peer Leader (Mother) with local mothers in discussion on Child protection related issues in Fakirhat Upazila and IPT Show - An interactive popular theatre show focused on raising awareness about child protection in Mongla Upazila. The UNICEF team praised the engaging nature of the performance and the active response from the audience. Ms. Bridget Job Johnson and the UNICEF team became highly amazed and expressed their satisfaction with the effectiveness of the project’s approach, particularly the use of community dialogues and theatre performances as tools for social change. They highlighted the project’s potential to bring about lasting behavioral change in the communities. The Social & Behavior Change Project in Khulna Division is making significant strides in addressing key issues related to child protection, gender equality, and disaster resilience. The project’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, train local leaders, and engage the communities in dialogues and theatre have proven to be effective in achieving its objectives. The project continues to play a vital role in improving the lives of children and families in the project areas.