The closing and collaboration workshop of the TMT+ project
On March 6, 2023, CINOP, Consiglieri, SERAC and SKS organized a closing and collaboration workshop for the TMT+ project “Improving SRHR Services of SKS Hospital and its Satellite Clinics in Bangladesh” at Gaibandha. The TMT+ project is a part of the OKP (Orange Knowledge Programme) funded by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic. This grand finale of the project brought together consortium partners, beneficiaries, as well as local stakeholders of like local NGOs and regional government officials from the department of health, youth development and education. During the workshop local partners, government officials, and project participants engaged in a stimulating discussion on the challenges that were identified during the project and are similarly experienced by the other stakeholders and proposed solutions. One of the important conclusions was that policies, curricula and good intentions are available. The biggest challenge is to ensure the right implementation of these policies. Government officials promised their support in this and stressed that they are also expecting supports from the NGOs due to their limited resources. All stakeholders at the workshop concluded that better collaboration and synergy would yield better result in overcoming SRHR issues.
Four adolescent girls who received SRHR training attended the workshop and discussed their experiences around the training. Representatives of regional NGOs like RDRS, TMSS, Dipshikha, Dalit, ESDO shared briefly their work on SRHR whereas other local NGOs like WDP, Uddyog Foundation, SMS also participated in the open dissuasion. The Civil Surgeon, Deputy Director of DYD (department of youth development) and District Education Officer shared their remarks and commitment aligning SRHR services.
With closer collaboration of the regional stakeholders the project results will be able to continue to educate young adolescents on essential knowhow regarding sexual reproductive health and rights in Gaibandha. Especially with local government officials on board a real impact could be realized in maintaining the momentum. SKS foundation, CINOP and Consiglieri ltd are currently working hard to ensure the continuation of SRHR activities and sharing of knowledge in Gaibandha.
