School-Based Competition for a Healthy Future
"Competitions organised in our school have enriched our knowledge. We learned so many new things as well through this which turn our monotonous life into an interesting one. I really hope this continues and this happy learning journey keep continue in the long run", said Lima Akhter, a student in 7th grade from Rangpur who attended annual campaigns in her school.
Students from the northern parts of the country are given different topics to write on adolescent health, social issues, health and nutrition, the importance of gender equity, reproductive health, violence against women, sexual harassment and so on to show their creativity in these types of competition-based campaigns.
The annual campaigns ia a great success area where Joint Action for Nutrition Outcome (JANO) initiated the campaign consisting of art competitions, good handwriting competitions, and quiz competitions. Students form groups to take part in interactive debate competitions where they learn about nutrition, health issues, gender equity and equality through logic and evidence-based conversation. Even during COVID-19 pandemic, it continued in an alternative modality via online platforms. Students the events and teachers, parents, and Government officials also appreciated this initiative.
"This annual campaign makes our students more competent and competitive as well as knowing their adolescent problems, changes and other related issues through an open platform. It is not only changing their lives but also impacting their community in a positive manner, said Md. Rafiqul Islam, Assistant Teacher of Haldibari High School of Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this campaign was held on a virtual platform and received tremendous appreciation.
Md. Hasanur Rahman Shohag, a guardian from Rangpur said, "The competitions with interesting events were amazing. Our children had a great opportunity to learn and to disseminate learnings on adolescent health, nutrition and gender equity issues through the event with others and absolutely they did excellently.."
Marina Akter, a Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer said, "We too are greatly supported by JANO during COVD-19 pandemic. Their staff cooperated with us in many ways. They went home to home on foot and served our localities."
The main purpose of continuing the campaign is to improve and make adolescent and community awareness on adolescent health, nutrition, gender equity etc. using the strongest medium school which is proven a great way to help the students of the project areas to be confident and stay physically and psychologically fit.
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