The challenge

Many children and youth in Bangladesh face strong pressure from family, school, peers and the society to

• study continuously to get top grades in school
• look handsome and pretty
• have the latest technology
• secure socially respected jobs and high salaries
• gain high social status
• show off a perfect life
• obey their parents, teachers and authorities
• marry early, have children and be good housewives who take care of their in-laws

This pressure, coupled with lack of awareness about how to maintain good mental and physical health, lead to very negative consequences.

Our response

EDS change agents raise awareness of sound mental and physical health through dialogues, giving information, mentoring and though sports, play and social activities like cultural evenings and picnics with the EDS students.

During Covid our change agents

• create awareness of hygiene regulations
• delivered food to vulnerable families
• called and checked that the EDS students were well at home
• maintained hygiene in EDS

Results