A two-day training program for Champion Fathers and Mothers was held in Charfasson, Bhola, to strengthen Social and Behavior Change (SBC) activities aimed at improving the well-being of mothers, children and adolescents.

The training was held on Wednesday and Thursday (August 19 and 20) at the Aminabad Union Parishad Hallroom under the SBC project for the well-being of mothers, children and adolescents. The project is being implemented by Shushilan with technical and financial support from UNICEF Bangladesh.

Participants received training on maternal and child care, social and behavior change, positive parenting, communication during adolescence, community engagement, referrals for accessing services and obtaining necessary support. Emphasis was also placed on developing practical action plans at the community level.

Various sessions covered the role of positive parenting in children’s development, communication during adolescence, the role of parents in preventing Early Childhood Marriage (ECM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), community engagement, referrals and access to services.

The sessions were conducted by Shushilan Project Coordinator Sajib Rahman and Project Officer Jagannath Roy.

The speakers said positive behavioral practices within families and communities can help ensure the health, safety and well-being of mothers, children and adolescents. Champion Fathers and Mothers can play an important role in creating awareness in their families and communities.

They further said participants would use the knowledge and skills gained from the training to help prevent child marriage, promote positive parenting, encourage people to seek healthcare services and contribute effectively to the well-being of children and adolescents.

On the final day of the two-day training, participants took part in a post-test, evaluation and closing session. Emphasis was also placed on developing practical community-level action plans by applying the knowledge gained through the training.