Strengthening Families and Communities: Shushilan Empowers Champion Parents to Drive Positive Change across Bhola

Strengthening Families and Communities: Shushilan Empowers Champion Parents to Drive Positive Change across Bhola

Shushilan, with UNICEF support, held two-day training sessions for Champion Parents across all seven upazilas of Bhola from 9–27 August 2026, under the "Social and Behavior Change Programme for Promoting Maternal, Child and Adolescent Well-being."

Facilitated by Shushilan's Md. Sajib Rahman (Project Coordinator) and Marufa Sultana (Training and Monitoring Officer), the training emphasized how Champion Parents can model positive practices for other families.

The training covered maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, safe motherhood, and timely use of health services, alongside a strong focus on Positive Parenting respectful communication, listening to children, and avoiding physical or psychological punishment. Sessions also addressed child safeguarding, adolescent well-being, and community-level support, using discussions, group work, and practical exercises. Each participant received a Parent Education Package to reinforce key messages at home and in their communities.

A key outcome was a Quarterly Action Plan developed in each upazila, where participants identified priority issues, target families, local services, and referral steps for the following quarter helping sustain momentum beyond the training itself.

Overall, the initiative positions Champion Parents as community change agents, advancing maternal and child health, nutrition, child safeguarding, and positive parenting, while strengthening ties between families and local health and social services.