Introduction:
From May 19 to May 21, 2024, Swabhiman Samiti successfully conducted a three-day training under the Kishori Sashaktikaran Pariyojna (Adolescent Empowerment Project) in Siddharthnagar District. The training aimed at empowering adolescent girls by providing them with essential knowledge and skills to tackle various challenges they face in their lives, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, education, and leadership.

Objective:
The primary goal of the training was to:

  • Educate adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual hygiene, and safe practices.
  • Encourage girls to continue their education, reduce dropout rates, and prevent early marriages.
  • Foster leadership skills and promote active participation in sports as part of holistic development.
  • Provide a platform for girls to discuss their challenges, exchange experiences, and learn from each other.

Key Activities and Sessions:
The three-day training covered various important topics, including:

  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR): Girls learned about their rights related to health and reproductive choices, as well as the importance of menstrual hygiene management.
  • Prevention of Early Marriage: The training emphasized the harmful impacts of early marriage on girls and focused on raising awareness to prevent it.
  • Educational Empowerment: Encouraged girls to stay in school, highlighting the importance of education in shaping a better future.
  • Leadership Development: The training helped build leadership skills, fostering confidence and self-reliance among the participants.
  • Sports and Physical Health: Emphasized the role of physical activities in maintaining good health, boosting self-esteem, and encouraging teamwork.
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Community Engagement and Peer Support:

  • Adolescent Groups (AGs): The training sessions were organized through 20 Adolescent Groups (AGs), where girls had the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss issues related to their health, education, and personal growth.
  • Peer Group Leaders: Selected girls served as leaders within their groups, acting as mentors to guide and support their peers on the topics discussed during the training.

Training of Field Staff:
As part of the project, 26 staff members were trained to effectively implement the program, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to support the girls and conduct community outreach programs.

Conclusion:
The three-day training organized by Swabhiman Samiti under the Kishori Sashaktikaran Pariyojna was a successful initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls in Siddharthnagar. By providing education on essential health issues, promoting education, and encouraging leadership, the project is helping to create a generation of informed, confident, and empowered young girls who can contribute positively to their communities.

Acknowledgments:
Swabhiman Samiti thanks the girls who actively participated in the training and all the field staff who contributed to the success of the program. Special thanks to the Kishori Sashaktikaran Pariyojna team for their efforts in making the event impactful and meaningful for the participants.