Bangla Youth Rising

We are working to address a multi-faceted problem within the context of the Solve Challenge: "Innovating for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)". The specific problem we are tackling is the pervasive issue of limited access to comprehensive SRHR information among young people in Bangladesh, particularly in low- and middle-income communities.

In Bangladesh, the scale of this problem is substantial. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, with approximately 52% of girls being married before the age of 18, and 15.5 percent before the age of 15. Consequently, 24 percent of girls give birth before the age of 18. This early marriage robs young girls of their autonomy, education, and, often, their health. Additionally, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in providing young people, especially young women, with accurate and age-appropriate SRHR information. Limited access to healthcare infrastructure, coupled with socio-cultural norms, economic disparities, and gender inequalities, hinders young people from realizing their right to the highest attainable standard of health, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3.7.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these obstacles, disproportionately affecting young people. UNFPA reports that the unmet need for SRHR remains particularly high in the world's least resourced countries, further underscoring the gravity of the issue in Bangladesh.

Child poverty, child marriage, and unsustainable families are interconnected aspects of this broader problem. The number of children in street situations in Bangladesh is alarming. While there is no recent reliable data, UNICEF reports that 30.1 percent of children live and sleep in public or open spaces without basic amenities. An even more concerning statistic reveals that 71.8 percent of these children cannot read or write. When young people lack access to SRHR education and services, they are more likely to experience early pregnancies, which can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and unstable families. The economic exclusion of young women, limited access to comprehensive reproductive health education, and transportation barriers contribute to this issue, making it difficult for young people to access essential SRHR care. Moreover, societal taboos, stigmatization, and fear of judgment often discourage young individuals, especially young women, from seeking SRHR care, leading to a lack of bodily autonomy.

The challenges encompassing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh are profound. With staggering rates of child marriage and limited access to age-appropriate SRHR information, young girls' autonomy, education, and health are at stake. These challenges, intertwined with child poverty, child marriage, and unstable families, paint a stark picture of the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to ensure the well-being of the youth in Bangladesh.

Our solution, a collaborative effort between the Amal Foundation, a humanitarian organization that empowers thousands in Bangladesh and LETS, a US-based nonprofit that delivers reproductive health education to communities globally, takes a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenge of limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information among young people in low- and middle-income communities in Bangladesh.

At its core, our solution prioritizes the empowerment of both men and women through culturally sensitive and age-appropriate SRHR education. With the Amal Foundation's established presence in these communities, we are well-positioned to provide inclusive education that reaches a broad audience. The key to our program's success lies in the involvement of university-aged volunteer educators from within the very communities affected by these issues. These dedicated educators play a pivotal role in delivering SRHR education, ensuring that it is not only informative but also culturally relevant and relatable to the local context.

Our program encompasses a variety of educational tools and resources to facilitate this learning process. The LETS approach to reproductive health education is rooted in empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. Our solution combines tangible tools with culturally sensitive and age-appropriate education to ensure that both men and women have access to the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. By leveraging the LETS Bracelet, a wearable menstrual tracking calendar, individuals can understand their cycle and fertility with remarkable accuracy. The LETS Bracelet is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, ensuring that it can be utilized effectively by individuals regardless of access to electricity, technology, or ability to read. The LETS approach disseminates information while also fostering a deeper understanding of reproductive health, thereby breaking barriers and empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. It's a transformative approach that paves the way for healthier, more empowered lives in Bangladesh and beyond. You can see a demonstration of the LETS Bracelet here: https://youtu.be/CRejrQdHQXw?si=p80Cw1O5y4De_IbP

In essence, our solution is a transformative educational program that leverages powerful tools, community engagement, and culturally sensitive approaches to empower both men and women in Bangladesh with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. It's a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of the issue, including socio-cultural norms, economic disparities, and gender inequalities, and equips young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate these challenges. It's about breaking barriers, fostering empowerment, and creating a brighter, more secure future for the youth of Bangladesh.

Our solution serves youth and adult men and women in low-income communities in Dhaka, Bogura, Nilphamari, Cox's Bazar, Kustia, Rajshahi, and Syhlet, Bangladesh. These individuals are currently underserved in terms of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education and resources.

The public school system in Bangladesh allocates minimal resources to the instruction of reproductive health. These subjects are considered so sensitive that educators frequently omit sections related to sexual health, sometimes even physically removing those chapters from textbooks or binding the pages together. Moreover, discussing these topics remains largely taboo within the majority of Bangladeshi households, leading to a multigenerational dearth of knowledge concerning reproductive health and the proliferation of misconceptions about sexuality.

Educating men and women side-by-side about reproductive health is of paramount importance for fostering healthy and equitable societies. When both men and women are educated about reproductive health, it reduces the burden of responsibility on one gender and fosters open and informed communication within relationships and communities. It creates a foundation for shared decision-making, family planning, and the overall well-being of individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Through the collaboration of the Amal Foundation and LETS, our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution because we have an established relationship with the communities we aim to serve. Ever since its establishment in 2014, the Amal Foundation has played a proactive role in these communities, running programs to enhance women's economic empowerment, deliver education to children, and offer health and emergency aid. Over the years, they have forged robust relationships with both community leaders and beneficiaries, fostering trust and a high level of community engagement and cooperation.

Since 2019, the Amal Foundation and LETS have partnered to deliver localized SRHR classes in various communities throughout Bangladesh. These hands-on experiences and valuable feedback have allowed us to refine the core LETS curriculum to cater to the distinct requirements of the Bangla population. This adaptation includes addressing harmful and antiquated practices like virginity testing and maternal blame. Recently, a cohort of 17 university-aged students in Cox's Bazar undertook the LETS reproductive health course to become instructors. Their insightful feedback and suggestions have spurred numerous modifications and innovations, tailoring the course to effectively resonate with a Bangla audience.

Our team's composition is diverse, bringing together individuals with different perspectives and experiences, ensuring that we can effectively address the multifaceted issues related to SRHR education. We are committed to creating a solution that is culturally sensitive, inclusive, and resonates with the communities we serve. Our deep involvement with the local context, combined with our collaborative approach, makes us the right people to design and deliver a solution that directly and meaningfully impacts the target population.

Number of LETS Reproductive Health Essentials classes taught in Bangladesh during pilot program: 6

Total number of students instructed: 113

Number of university-aged Bangla volunteers who are certified to teach: 17 

Our solution is primarily pioneering through the involvement of young people who are actively transforming their communities. The innovation lies in empowering these young volunteers to become educators and change-makers, addressing the pervasive issues related to SRHR in a new and improved way. Our solution maximizes the potential of peer-led education. By training university students, who are intimately familiar with the cultural nuances and challenges of their communities, we are tapping into a dynamic resource. These young educators bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, making SRHR education more relatable and acceptable to their communities. Through youth involvement, these educators bring a fresh perspective on traditional gender norms, engage in advocacy and activism, and leverage digital platforms to spread awareness.

1. Youth educators challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes. By actively promoting gender equality and advocating for both men and women's involvement in SRHR, they challenge and change societal norms. This can have a cascading effect, encouraging others to reconsider their beliefs and behaviors.

2. Advocacy and Activism: Youth leaders are often at the forefront of advocacy and activism. Their passion and energy can mobilize larger movements and create public awareness around SRHR issues. They have the power to influence policy changes and push for reforms in the healthcare and education sectors.

3. Digital and Social Media: Youth are often well-versed in digital and social media platforms. They can use these channels to amplify their voices and reach a broader audience. By creating content that resonates with their peers, they can disseminate accurate SRHR information, challenge misconceptions, and promote positive behaviors.

Next Year Impact Goals (within 1 year):

1. Deliver Comprehensive SRHR Education: Deliver the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials course to 1,000 women, youth, and men in targeted communities across Bangladesh, improving their knowledge and awareness of sexual and reproductive health.

2. Assess Program Efficacy: Conduct pre-assessments and 3-month post-assessments to evaluate the program's impact and effectiveness, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the Bangla population.

3. Community Engagement: Foster community engagement and dialogue on SRHR issues, breaking the silence and taboos surrounding sexual and reproductive health.

Next Five Years Impact Goals (within 5 years):

1. Scaling Across Bengal: Expand the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials class to reach all 55,000 Amal Foundation participants and their communities in Bangladesh, providing comprehensive SRHR education to a broader audience.

2. Catalyze Broader Positive Impacts: Empower local youth educators to catalyze positive impacts within their communities, challenging traditional gender norms and fostering advocacy and activism for SRHR.

3. Changing Norms: Create a culture of openness and understanding around SRHR, breaking the cycle of child marriage, poverty, and misinformation.

How We Plan to Achieve These Goals:

To achieve the impact goals within one year, we will begin by selecting and training youth instructors in the 8-week LETS Instructor Training course. Next we will commence the launch of the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials course on the field level, which consists of six lessons addressing sexual and overall health. We plan to teach 1,000 individuals in the first year. Data collection through pre-assessments and 3-month post-assessments will allow us to assess the program's effectiveness and make necessary adaptations to address cultural differences.

Over the next five years, we will expand our reach to all 55,000 Amal participants in targeted areas. Local youth educators will play a pivotal role in delivering the program and catalyzing positive impacts within their communities, challenging traditional norms, and advocating for SRHR. We will continue to assess the program's impact through data collection and adapt the content as needed.

Our emphasis on data-driven evaluation, community engagement, and empowerment of local educators will be central to achieving our impact goals. Through this, we will bring comprehensive SRHR education to Bangladesh and create lasting change in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

Our educational solution is designed to have a meaningful impact on the pervasive problem of limited access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information among people in Bangladesh, especially in low-income communities. Our theory of change is based on the following logical framework:

Activities:

• LETS, in partnership with the Amal Foundation, will provide the Instructor Training course and educational materials to young adult instructors.
• These instructors will teach the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials course to youth and adult men and women in their communities.
• Data will be collected through pre- and post-course assessments to measure retention and the impact of the program in terms of family planning.

Outputs:

• Trained LETS instructors will provide comprehensive SRHR education to target communities.
• Participants will gain knowledge and skills related to SRHR, helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
• Data collected from assessments will provide insight into the effectiveness of the program and areas for improvement.

Immediate Outcomes:

• Increased awareness and understanding of SRHR among participants.
• Empowerment of participants to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
• A shift in cultural norms and attitudes regarding SRHR issues.

Longer-term Outcomes:

• Improved overall sexual and reproductive health in target communities.
• Reduction in the prevalence of child marriage, child poverty, and unsustainable families.
• Enhanced gender equality and autonomy for women and girls.
• A positive impact on the economic development and well-being of youth and communities.

Our theory of change revolves around building local capacity, increasing knowledge, and fostering a shift in societal attitudes. We believe that by providing comprehensive SRHR education through the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials course, we can empower young people and adults to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ultimately leading to healthier communities, reduced child poverty, and an end to early marriages and unsustainable families.

LETS Team - 4 part-time staff members

Amal Foundation Team - 2 full-time staff members, 4 part-time staff members, 12 part-time student team members

Since 2020, LETS and Amal Foundation have partnered to provide a foundation for this solution (nearly 4 years).

The commitment to diversity and inclusivity in this solution is exemplified by the strong partnership between Amal Foundation and LETS. Through years of collaboration, both groups have consistently supported each other's efforts. This partnership is rooted in the principles of cross-cultural communication and mutual respect. It underscores our belief that recognizing the shared humanity of all individuals is central to our initiative. Our goal is to uplift humanity, transcending age, gender, language, nationality, and affiliations.

Our commitment extends to delivering high-quality, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education to every community member. Given the societal divisions in this context, we recognize the importance of conducting separate classes for men and women. Additionally, we are dedicated to reaching out to vulnerable and marginalized groups who often face ostracism, such as the transgender community and sex workers. Our approach is all-encompassing, ensuring that SRH education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The LETS/Amal Foundation business model is based on a collaborative and socially responsible approach to addressing the critical issue of limited access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Bangladesh. Here's an overview of the business model:

1. Educational Services: LETS and Amal Foundation provide educational services focused on SRH, targeting youth and adult men and women in Bangladesh. These services include the LETS Reproductive Health and Wellness Essentials course, and are generally facilitated by community organizations.

2. Instructor Training: Amal Foundation team members, who are based in Bangladesh, undergo the LETS Instructor Training course, becoming certified LETS Instructors. They then teach all six lessons of the LETS Training Program.

3. Material Development and Translation: LETS is responsible for developing educational materials, assessments, and course content. They manage the Bangla translation process with the assistance of Amal Foundation to ensure that the content is culturally and linguistically appropriate.

4. Data Collection: Both LETS and Amal Foundation prioritize data collection. Assessments are administered to students before and after the course, measuring the impact of the SRH education provided.

5. Publicity and Outreach: Publicity and outreach efforts are crucial for the success of the program. LETS seeks to partner with policymakers, educators, and visionaries to support the initiative. This includes marketing campaigns and potentially documentary videography.

6. Partnership and Collaboration: LETS and Amal Foundation work closely together to ensure a successful implementation of the SRH education program. They collaborate on various aspects, including bracelet manufacture, project budgeting, and communication.

7. Fundraising: Both organizations engage in fundraising activities to secure the financial resources needed to implement and manage the project effectively. The financial support for this initiative primarily comes from various sources, including corporate sponsorships, private donations, and grants. Additionally, LETS conducts a "Buy a Bracelet, Gift a Bracelet" campaign to generate funds and offers the reproductive health curriculum for sale on a global scale.

8. Manufacture of Educational Products: LETS and Amal Foundation work together to develop, manufacture, and distribute educational products, including the LETS bracelet, which serves as a tool for SRH education.

9. Scaling and Expansion: The long-term goal is to expand the LETS Training Program to other communities in Bengal. This expansion involves creating a Bangla LETS team for training and further expanding the reach of SRH education.

10. Community Engagement: The business model is rooted in engaging with the communities in Bangladesh to understand their specific needs and challenges related to SRH education. This approach ensures that the program is tailored to the communities it serves.

11. Sustainability: While the primary focus is on providing essential SRH education, the program also aims to create opportunities for job creation and sustainability within Bangladeshi communities.

In summary, the LETS/Amal Foundation business model revolves around providing comprehensive SRH education, leveraging the expertise of the Amal Foundation team in Bangladesh, and collaborating to create a sustainable and impactful program that can be expanded to benefit more communities in Bangladesh.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability is a multi-pronged approach:

1. Product Sales: We will continue to sell the LETS bracelet, reproductive health curriculum, and related educational materials, both locally and globally. By expanding our market reach and product offerings, we aim to generate sustainable revenue.

2. Partnerships and Sponsorships: We will actively seek partnerships with organizations and institutions that share our vision. Corporate sponsorships and collaborations with NGOs, educational institutions, and healthcare providers can provide a stable source of financial support.

3. Philanthropic Donations and Grants: We will continue to pursue philanthropic donations and grants from foundations, governmental bodies, and organizations that align with our mission. By diversifying our funding sources, we can mitigate financial risks.

4. Service Contracts: In the future, we may explore opportunities to offer our educational services and programs to governments, schools, and community organizations under service contracts. This can create a steady income stream while expanding our reach.

5. Community Engagement: Empowering the communities we serve is a central part of our model. We aim to engage local communities in income-generating activities that support our programs. This may involve the production and sale of educational materials, artisanal crafts, and more.

6. Social Enterprise: By building a social enterprise component into our work, we can reinvest profits into our programs and services. This approach allows us to operate sustainably while maximizing the social impact of our efforts.

Our long-term vision is for these revenue streams to cover our operational expenses and fund the expansion of our programs to reach more communities across Bangladesh. This comprehensive financial strategy will ensure the sustainability of our mission to provide essential reproductive health education and tools to those who need it most.