JAAGO Foundation Trust has launched a three-day awareness campaign in Cox’s Bazar to improve access to health, protection and legal support services for school-going adolescents in the coastal region. Supported technically and financially by UNICEF under the Shopner Sharothi Seashore Girls Project, the campaign began on August 30 and will continue until September 1, 2026.
The initiative started at Abul Kasem High School and will continue at Kurulia High School and Khurushkul High School, with 750 students across the three schools receiving information on safety, rights and emergency helpline services through daily three-hour sessions held from 1pm to 4pm.
Organisers said many adolescents in coastal areas face challenges accessing timely support because of limited awareness about available services related to health, education, employment, vocational training and legal assistance. The campaign aims to address this gap by focusing on child protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, safeguarding, youth-friendly services provided by government and non-government organisations, and a dedicated Service Directory.
Amjad Hossain, Project Manager of the Shopner Sharothi Seashore Girls Project, said in a press release, “The true value of the service mapping will be realised when adolescents and young people are able to use the information in their everyday lives and when support is needed.”
Students are also being informed about referral pathways and national emergency helplines, including 999 (National Emergency Service), 109 (Violence Against Women and Children Helpline) and 1098 (Child Helpline). The campaign includes interactive activities such as a child protection-themed art competition, quizzes and open question-and-answer sessions to maintain engagement beyond classroom discussions.
Nur Mohammed, Head Teacher of Abul Kasem High School, said the initiative would help students understand where to seek support, how to access services and what their rights are. He added that such programmes could strengthen students’ awareness while helping them become more confident, responsible and better prepared to stay safe.
According to the organisers, the awareness campaign will help students better understand their rights and available services, build confidence in seeking assistance and create stronger links between schools and local service providers.
Asfika Islam, a Class 10 student at Abul Kasem High School, said the session helped her understand helplines, available services and students’ rights more clearly. She added that she now feels more confident about seeking appropriate support when needed and guiding others towards available services.
The Shopner Sharothi Seashore Girls Project supports adolescent girls in coastal areas by improving access to education, life skills and protection services. The Service Directory developed under the project provides students with reliable information and guidance on national and local support services.
