Adolescent Intervention Program

The Adolescent Intervention Program in Raghunathpur-II Block, implemented by AGMSWT with support from UNICEF and the Purulia District Administration, successfully addressed critical issues affecting adolescents. By focusing on health, education, sanitation, and social protection, the program empowered adolescents, reduced harmful practices like child marriage and teenage pregnancy, and improved access to education. This initiative stands as a model for adolescent-focused development programs in rural areas.

Location - All adolescent girls and boys of Raghunathpur-II Block, Purulia, West Bengal.

Overview - The Adolescent Intervention Program was initiated in August 2015 by the Purulia District Administration with technical support from UNICEF. The program aimed to address key thematic areas such as health, education, sanitation, nutrition, and social protection with the following strategic goals:

• Reduce child marriage by 3%.
• Increase adolescent enrolment in secondary education by 3%.
• Reduce teenage pregnancy by 2%.

AGMSWT was selected as the implementing partner based on its extensive experience in the thematic areas mentioned above.

Activities

• Mapping of Adolescent Population
• In 2015, a total of 107,750 adolescents were identified in Raghunathpur-II Block.
• Mapping was conducted in 5 Gram Panchayats (GPs), but Nutandih GP could not be covered due to administrative challenges.

Baseline Survey

• Conducted in 2015-16 to assess the current status of adolescents in terms of health, education, sanitation, and child marriage.
• Conducted in 2015-16 to assess the current status of adolescents in terms of health, education, sanitation, and child marriage.

Stakeholder Liasioning

Established strong collaborations with PRI members, block-level officers, and Childline members to ensure effective implementation of the program.

Interventions

• Health: Promoted awareness about adolescent health, including reproductive health and nutrition.
• Education: Encouraged enrolment and retention in secondary education.
• Sanitation: Improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
• Social Protection: Advocated against child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

Achievements

• Reduction in Child Marriage: The program contributed to a 3% reduction in child marriage rates.
• Increased School Enrolment: Achieved a 3% increase in secondary school enrolment among adolescents.
• Decline in Teenage Pregnancy: Recorded a 2% reduction in teenage pregnancy rates.