Adolescent Resource Center (ARC)

The Adolescent Resource Center (ARC) was established by Agrogoti Sangstha in 2006 to enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and provide a practical learning and livelihood resource center for adolescents in Satkhira District. This region faces significant challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, lack of SRHR knowledge, male dominance, child marriage, child trafficking, and exploitation of women.

 

During our interventions, we observed that adolescent girls, in particular, struggled with managing menstruation and puberty-related changes. Due to social taboos, they lacked a safe space to discuss their concerns, access necessary hygiene resources, or seek medical help, often leading to health complications.

 

In response, ARC was established as a safe and supportive space where adolescents can openly discuss their challenges, receive essential SRHR education, and gain socio-economic and cultural development opportunities. Over the years, the initiative has gained recognition and support from development partners such as the German Embassy, CIDA, USCC-B, Bangladesh NGO Foundation, Save the Children, and VSO Bangladesh, enabling us to expand our impact.

 

Our strategy is programmatically focused on reducing the risks of reproductive tract infections (RTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), HIV/AIDS, early marriage, and human trafficking.

 

Additionally, we emphasize leadership development, income-generating skills, and environmental sustainability, ensuring adolescents are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

 

I. Objectives

  • Enhance knowledge and capacity for managing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescents.
  • Equip adolescents with skills in income-generating activities (IGA) to create future employment opportunities.
  • Foster a supportive environment where adolescents can discuss personal issues within their families and communities, enabling them to thrive in a positive societal framework.

 

II. Ongoing Projects

  • Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
  • Best School for Girls
  • Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children Online and in Travel & Tourism
  • Sustainable Interventions to Prevent Human Trafficking and Promote Safe Migration

 

III. Main Activities of ARC

  1. Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
  • Training on SRHR and menstrual hygiene management.
  • Workshops connecting adolescent girls and parents to break taboos surrounding puberty and
    menstruation.
  • Training on maternal healthcare for adolescents.
  • Counseling support for adolescent girls during menstruation.
  • Awareness sessions on preventing sexual exploitation.
  • Low-cost sanitary napkin distribution, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility
    (CSR).
  • Technical training on producing homemade, low-cost sanitary napkins.
  • Establishing an information center on hygiene, sanitation, and common diseases.
  • Training on HIV/AIDS awareness and other health concerns.

2. Continuing Education:

  • Library and reading programs for children.
  • Observance of national and international days related to adolescent rights and well-being.
  • Cultural and sports activities for adolescent engagement.
  • Community-based information centres to spread knowledge.

3. Income-Generating Activities (IGA):

  • Training in tailoring and weaving.
  • Training on biological agriculture and home gardening.
  • Packaging and entrepreneurial skills development.
  • Cultural and sports-based livelihood opportunities.
  • Training in computer and mobile servicing.

4. Protecting Adolescents’ Rights and Freedom:

  • Risk zone mapping to prevent eve-teasing and harassment.
  • Leadership development programs for adolescents.
  • Encouraging adolescent participation in sports for empowerment.
  • Early marriage prevention campaigns.
  • Capacity-building programs for adolescent facilitators.
  • Awareness campaigns on human trafficking and unsafe migration prevention.

 

IV. Contribution of ARC to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Through its diverse activities, ARC actively contributes to the following SDGs:
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture.
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment, and decent work for all.
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice, and build accountable institutions at all levels.


V. A Few Endeavors by ARC:

1. Educational Initiatives

  • Library services for children
  • Training in tailoring and sustainable agriculture
  • Computer training for adolescents
  • Programs to increase literacy rates

2. Health and Well-being

  • Medicine distribution
  • Reducing the rate of reproductive health issues and common diseases
  • Empowerment and Capacity Building
  • Capacity development of adolescents for income-generating activities (IGA)
  • Training programs to equip individuals with essential skills for employment

4. Social Development and Rights Protection

  • Reducing social taboos, stigmas, and discrimination against women by religious and social
    leaders
  • Protecting the rights of marginalized, indigenous, and lower-caste communities

5. Community Engagement

  • Sports and cultural activities promote community interaction and personal development.
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