YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY FOR COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION: A youth-led training and mentoring program
Duration: June 2019–ongoing
Location: 10 villages of Bakraur and Mocharim panchayats, Bodhgaya block, Gaya district, Bihar

This program is youth-led, and young adult trainers and mentors work alongside adolescent peer educators from the community to:

• Disseminate comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents: this encompasses sexual reproductive health, sexuality, adolescent rights, gender equality, prevention of RTI/STI & HIV/AIDS, family planning and contraception
• Carry out environment building activities
• Advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive sexuality education in the school curriculum

The program helps counteract myths and false perceptions about sexuality and gives adolescents a rights-based perspectivethat enables them to take responsible decisions reagrdaing their reproductive and sexual health.

The program aims to develop self-esteem, respect for human rights and gender equality, and builds life-skills that encourage critical thinking, communication, negotiation, decision-making and assertiveness. The program acts to protect against, and deal with, sexual harassment, gender-based violence and discrimination.

The program has worked with parents, teachers and other influential adults to build a positive environment for adolescent development in the community.