JAAGO Foundation Launches Adolescent Health and Safety Campaign in Cox’s Bazar

COX’S BAZAR, August 30, 2026: JAAGO Foundation Trust has launched a three-day awareness campaign in Cox’s Bazar to strengthen adolescent students’ access to health, protection, safety and essential legal services in the coastal region.

The campaign, being implemented under the ‘Swapno Sarathi – Sea-Shore Girls Project’ with technical and financial support from UNICEF, began on August 30 and will continue until September 1, 2026.

The initiative opened at Abul Kashem High School and will subsequently be held at Kurulia High School and Khurushkul High School. Organizers said around 750 students from the three schools are taking part in the campaign through three-hour sessions held daily from 1pm to 4pm.

The sessions are designed to address information gaps among adolescents regarding child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, safeguarding and access to youth-friendly services provided by government and non-government organizations.

Participants are also being introduced to a dedicated Service Directory, designed to help adolescents identify and access relevant healthcare, education, employment, technical training and legal assistance.

“The true value of the data and recommendations we obtained through service mapping will only be realized when adolescents can apply them in real life,” said Amjad Hossain, Project Manager of the Swapno Sarathi – Sea-Shore Girls Project.

The campaign also provides practical guidance on national emergency and protection helplines, including 999 for the National Emergency Service, 109 for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Helpline, and 1098 for the Child Help Helpline.

To encourage active participation, the program features a child protection-themed art competition, quizzes and open question-and-answer sessions.

Nur Mohammad, headmaster of Abul Kashem High School, said awareness should go beyond simply knowing where services are available.

“Students must also learn how to access them when needed and understand their rights,” he said, emphasizing the role of such initiatives in building students’ confidence, safety and sense of responsibility.

Asfika Islam, a 10th-grade student at the school, said the session helped her understand where to seek assistance during difficult situations and how to access relevant services.

The organizers said the campaign aims to strengthen adolescents’ awareness of their rights and available services while encouraging them to seek help without fear during emergencies. It is also expected to strengthen connections between schools and local service providers.

The Swapno Sarathi – Sea-Shore Girls Project focuses on empowering adolescent girls in coastal communities by promoting access to education, life skills and safety-related services. Its service directory provides students with information and guidance on relevant services at both national and local levels.