"Change begins with me"

My project journey from Food Systems Youth Leadership Training

In 2022, I joined the Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament. Through this platform, young people have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, become aware of policy-making, and contribute to positive societal change.

Through the Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament, I learned about a three-day Food Systems and Leadership Training organized by Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) on February 20-24, 2024. This training was held in BodaGanj Upazila, Panchagarh district, and I had the opportunity to participate in it.

Insights Gained from the Three-Day Training

Food System:

I gained a deeper understanding of how a food product moves from its initial production stage to the consumer’s doorstep. This included comprehensive knowledge of food production, preservation, distribution, and ensuring food safety. I particularly learned about the challenges and necessary actions for producing and delivering safe food through a practical and hands-on approach.

Leadership:

As a young individual, I learned how to effectively engage with various stakeholders, such as farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, local administration, and community leaders, at the local level. I gained hands-on experience in how to coordinate with relevant parties and provide leadership in addressing challenges. Specifically, I learned how to collaborate with stakeholders to find effective solutions to local problems.

Outcomes and Future Plans

This training made me more aware of food security and the role of youth leadership, sparking my interest in working further in this field. I firmly believe that sustainable solutions to local problems can be achieved through the active participation and leadership of young people.

This experience has further inspired me to bring positive change to society. "For a healthy life and the assurance of safe food, conscious leadership is essential."

"Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka" Project Proposal

Problem Identification:

Lalmonirhat, a riverine district, faces significant challenges in ensuring access to nutritious and safe food for students in schools, colleges, and madrasas.

During tiffin hours, it has been observed that most students consume unhealthy, fried, and low-nutrition foods such as spicy puffed rice, singara, piyaju, and other deep-fried snacks.

These poor eating habits contribute to malnutrition and adversely affect students’ health. Moreover, many students leave school during tiffin hours due to hunger and hesitate to return, which disrupts their learning continuity.

Proposed Solution: “Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka”

To address this issue, I proposed and piloted the “Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka” project at Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila.

The initiative was implemented with the active collaboration of the school’s headteacher, managing committee, teachers, students, and parents.

I also discussed this initiative with Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Lalmonirhat District, Mujibur Rahman, District Education Officer, and members of the school’s managing committee and teaching staff to explore possibilities for broader implementation.

Objectives:

• To ensure affordable, nutritious, and safe food for students.

• To increase student attendance during tiffin hours and encourage regular participation in school.

• To promote a shift in eating habits from unhealthy street food to nutritious and hygienic options.

How It Works:

• A balanced and nutritious khichuri is provided for just 10 Taka, ensuring essential proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

• The khichuri includes lentils, rice, vegetables, and egg/paneer to meet the nutritional needs of students.

• It is distributed through the school’s cafeteria or a designated food distribution center.

• Awareness campaigns are conducted to educate students about the importance of consuming nutritious food.

Expected Impact:

• Reduction in malnutrition among students.

• Decrease in dropout rates during tiffin hours, ensuring learning continuity.

• Lower dependence on unhealthy street food, reducing health risks.

The “Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka” project aims not only to provide affordable and healthy food to students but also to build long-term healthy eating habits.

With the joint effort of educational institutions, parents, local administration, and the community, this initiative can evolve into a sustainable model for improving student nutrition in Bangladesh.

Inauguration of the “Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka” Project

On May 23, 2024, the “Nutritious Khichuri for Ten Taka” project was officially inaugurated at Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School, Lalmonirhat Sadar, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Through this initiative, students can now enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal during tiffin hours for only 10 Taka, helping to meet their daily nutritional needs and promote better health and learning outcomes.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests.

Chief Guest:

 Md. Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Director, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, Rangpur Division.

Special Guests:

•  Md. Mojibur Rahman, District Education Officer, Lalmonirhat.

•  Lipika Dutta, Upazila Secondary Education Officer, Lalmonirhat Sadar.

•  Md. Murad Hossain, Upazila Academic Supervisor, Lalmonirhat Sadar.

•  Khayruzzaman Mondal Badol, President, Bangladesh Teachers’ Association, Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila.

•  Abdul Majid Mondal, General Secretary, Bangladesh Teachers’ Association, Lalmonirhat District Branch.

•  Md. Rajibur Rahman, Head Teacher, Gias Uddin High School, Lalmonirhat Sadar.

•  Md. Minhajul Islam Bappi, Member, Bangladesh Youth Shadow Parliament, Lalmonirhat-01.

Chairperson:

 Md. Golam Mostafa Swapon, President, Managing Committee, Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School.

Conducted by:

 Md. Rakibul Hasan Amin, Assistant Teacher, Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School.

This youth-led project marks a significant step toward ensuring access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for students promoting the message that “Healthy Food Means a Healthy Future.” 

Inauguration of the three school “Nutrition Canteen” Program

After the successful implementation of the project “Nutritious Khichuri for 10 Taka” at Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, I began to think about making the initiative more sustainable and far-reaching. As a continuation of that effort, I launched the “Nutrition Canteen” program in three schools under Khuniyagachh Union of Sadar Upazila.

With the support of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and SUN Youth Network Bangladesh, the inauguration and discussion session of the “Nutrition Canteen” program was held on 15 January 2025 at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Lalmonirhat.

This program was organized as part of the Youth Festival 2025, with the active collaboration of the Lalmonirhat District Administration.

The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Lalmonirhat.

Special Guests included Mr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, District Education Officer, and Mr. Md. Abdus Salam, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Development, Lalmonirhat. Also present were head teachers, assistant teachers, journalists, students, and young leaders from the three participating schools.

In his speech, the Chief Guest Mr. Mahbubur Rahman said:

 “The Nutrition Canteen is an exemplary initiative that can bring positive change by making nutritious food easily accessible to students. I urge all head teachers to implement this program successfully and to help expand it to other educational institutions.”

Inauguration of the "Nutrition Canteen" Program at Kalmati Ideal High School

On January 16, 2025, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Lalmonirhat, officially inaugurated the "Nutrition Canteen" program at Kalmati Ideal High School. I personally invited him to this special event, and he gladly accepted the invitation. On the scheduled day, he arrived at the school, spent time with the students, interacted with them, and later formally inaugurated the "Nutrition Canteen" initiative.

It was truly an inspirational moment. Mahbubur Rahman Sir joined us and the students for a meal, which made the event even more meaningful. The entire school community including students, teachers, school committee members, and local residents came together to celebrate the occasion in a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere. Seeing the students’ smiles and excitement made it clear how essential and impactful this initiative was for them.

This event was not just an inauguration ceremony; it was a milestone in turning a vision into reality ensuring safe and nutritious meals for students while also raising awareness about the importance of nutrition in their daily lives.

Grand Inauguration of the "Nutrition Canteen" at Khuniagach S.C. High School

The grand inauguration of the “Nutrition Canteen” was successfully held at Khuniyagachh S.C. High School, located in Sadar Upazila, Lalmonirhat. With the sincere support of the headteacher, assistant teachers, the school managing committee, parents, and local residents, I was able to successfully implement this initiative.

The event was graced by two distinguished guests from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN):

Mehedi Hasan Bappy, Project Coordinator, Youth and Adolescent Nutrition.

Zawad Alam Zarif, Consultant, Youth and Adolescent Nutrition Program.

Currently, around 200 teachers and students are benefiting from this program by gaining access to safe and nutritious meals. This initiative is not just about providing food it is a vital step toward promoting healthy and nutritious eating habits among students.

The “Nutrition Canteen” aims to ensure the physical well-being of students while also contributing positively to their educational performance. I am committed to expanding this program in the future so that more students can benefit from nutritious and affordable meals.

Inauguration of "Nutrition Canteen" at Harinchara High School, Lalmonirhat

In a remote area by the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, I successfully inaugurated my self-initiated project, "Nutrition Canteen," at Harinchara High School.

Reaching this region from Lalmonirhat Sadar is quite challenging as it is nearly isolated. However, the students here were thrilled about this initiative. Their active participation has made this project even more impactful.

This initiative aims to ensure access to nutritious food for students, fostering a healthier learning environment.

Project: Formation of Nutrition Club & Discussion Session

To encourage school-going students to consume safe and nutritious food, a Nutrition Club is being formed at school, along with a discussion session to raise public awareness. It has been observed that most students prefer snacks like spicy puffed rice, singara, piyaju, and oily fast foods during tiffin time, which can be harmful to their health in the long run. Therefore, the journey toward good health must begin with awareness.

Through the “Nutrition Club,” students themselves will become ambassadors of awareness. They will hold monthly meetings, discuss safe and nutritious food, and inspire others to develop healthy eating habits. We hope that this club will play an effective role in creating a healthy environment within the school.

To spread the message of health awareness and safe food among teenagers, an important discussion session and the formation of the “Nutrition Club” was held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at Kakina Mahima Ranjan Smriti Dvimukhi High School, Lalmonirhat, initiated by the Lalshalu Team, with support from Swadhin Bangla Youth Library and overall cooperation of Hasimukh Social Welfare Council.

Chief Guest:

Md. Mojibur Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Management, Uttara Bangla College, Kakina, Lalmonirhat.

Special Guests:

Asaduzzaman Asad, Head Teacher, Kakina Mahima Ranjan Smriti Dimukhi High School.

Md. Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq, Founder & President, Hasimukh Social Welfare Council.

Members of the Lalshalu Team, Sadhin Bangla Jubo Pathagar, and Hasimukh Social Welfare Council were also present, whose contributions made the day meaningful and productive.

We believe  Small steps of awareness lead to great change. Today’s conscious teenagers are the healthy leaders of tomorrow.

Project: Maternal Nutrition and Prenatal Health Awareness

The main objective of this project is to create awareness among pregnant women about essential nutritious food habits, necessary prenatal care, postpartum health management, and newborn care. As part of this initiative, free medical consultation and personalized guidelines were provided by an experienced physician.

Continuing this effort, an important awareness discussion session was organized on Sunday, 27 April 2025, at Saptana Housing Project-01 area, conducted by the “Sabuje Matrivora Pushti Team” in collaboration with Shadhin Bangla Youth Library and with the full support of Bogra Clinic & Nursing Home, Lalmonirhat.

Chief Guest & Medical Consultant:

Dr. Md. Aminur Rahman

MBBS (A.M) CM, U; DM,U (DU) A.T.O, M.U (India), Clinical Sonologist & General Physician, Bogra Clinic & Nursing Home, Lalmonirhat.

Special Guests:

Md. Shahid Islam Sujan, President, National Youth Forum, Rangpur Division.

Md. Rashed Islam, President, Saptana Housing Project-01.

Honorable members of Sabuje Matrivora Pushti Team and Shadhin Bangla Youth Library were also present.

Through this initiative, our goal was to raise awareness about one of the most crucial yet neglected areas of society maternal nutrition and prenatal health. We believe that ensuring proper diet and care for pregnant women can help build a healthier future generation, and this message will continue to spread through our activities.

Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth Project

Under the initiative of Youth for Change Bangladesh, and with the support of Plan International Bangladesh and Grameenphone, I implemented a project on safe internet usage in Lalmonirhat district.

The project focused on educating students from schools, colleges, and madrasas, as well as people at the community level, about how to stay safe on the internet. I conducted awareness sessions on safe internet usage in all schools and colleges within Lalmonirhat Municipality. During these sessions, I shared messages on the importance of safe internet practices, including topics like password security, online scams, misinformation, and cyberbullying. Additionally, I provided detailed guidance on where to seek help and whom to contact in case of any internet-related issues.

The schools and institutions in Lalmonirhat district where these awareness sessions were conducted include: Collectorate Collegiate School, Lalmonirhat, Lalmonirhat Government High School, Lalmonirhat Government Girls' High School, Church of God High School, Lalmonirhat, Batris Hazari High School, Kulaghat High School, Lalmonirhat Railway Children's Park High School, Kashipur High School, Teesta K.R. Khadem High School, Harivanga Dakhil Madrasa, Khocabari Model School, Mojia Sobhan Model School, Aditmari Girija Shankar School and College, Golden Gate School and College, Fulgachh High School, Velabari School and College, Lalmonirhat Government College, Sheikh Safiuddin Commerce College, SBF Nursing College, Majida Khatun Women's College, Lalmonirhat

Through these sessions, I have reached over 25,000 students, raising awareness about safe internet practices and their importance in today's digital age.