The first day of the training, held on 13 August, focused on Communication Skills. The session aimed to help scholars and mentors understand how to communicate clearly and effectively in both formal and informal situations. Participants learned how to express their thoughts in a simple and clear way, explain things briefly and effectively, and communicate appropriately in formal settings. They also learned about basic E-mail communication.

The session was highly interactive, with scholars and mentors actively participating throughout the training. After the main session, a demo test was arranged to give participants an opportunity to practice what they had learned. Through this practical activity, participants were able to identify their strengths and areas where they could further improve their communication skills.

The second day, on 14 August, focused on Responsibility and Accountability. The session helped scholars and mentors develop a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the program. They learned about the importance of properly carrying out their assigned duties, taking responsibility for their actions, and maintaining accountability in their work. The concept of the chain of command was also discussed to help participants understand how responsibilities and communication should flow within an organisation.

Both training sessions were highly relevant and beneficial for the scholars and mentors. The Communication Skills session will help mentors perform their official responsibilities more effectively and communicate with greater clarity and professionalism. For the scholars, stronger communication skills will help them express their ideas, interact confidently with others, and being able to become future leader and represent their Federation. As supporting their Federation is one of the major goals of every scholar.

The session was facilitated by Mr. Jiptha Bairagee, Head of Operations at The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh (TLMIB), who has expertise in the field of human rights. He provided valuable insights into the fundamental principles of human rights and their relevance to the lives of people affected by leprosy.

The training brought together scholars and mentors from all regions participating in the Young Scholar Program. In addition, four other members of ALO Society attended the session, creating an opportunity for participants from different regions to learn and exchange ideas.

The session began with an overview of human rights, introducing participants to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the protection of human dignity, equality, and justice. Following the introductory discussion, the facilitator conducted a team-based workshop that encouraged participants to work collaboratively, share their perspectives, and engage actively with the topic.

In the next session, Mr. Bairagee discussed key articles of human rights and explained how participants could apply this knowledge in their work related to leprosy. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the rights of people affected by leprosy and recognising how human rights principles can help address discrimination, stigma, and barriers to equal opportunities.

The interactive nature of the training allowed participants to connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations. It also encouraged them to reflect on their roles as scholars and mentors in promoting dignity, equality, inclusion, and respect for the rights of people affected by leprosy.

Overall, the training was a valuable learning experience for the participants. By strengthening their knowledge of human rights and its practical applications, the session contributed to the continued leadership development of the Young Scholar Program participants and reinforced the importance of a rights-based approach to leprosy-related work.

Through initiatives like this, ALO Society continues to invest in the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity of young people affected by leprosy, empowering them to become advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The visit was an opportunity to see the progress of the Education for Empowerment Project and the Young Scholar Program, meet participants and mentors, and experience the impact of these initiatives at the community level.

The day began at the BRAC Learning Centre in Sreemangal, where students from the Education for Empowerment Project shared their experiences, activities, and learning journeys with the visiting delegation. Young Scholars and mentors also presented their progress and ongoing activities, followed by an engaging discussion and exchange of views with the SHF delegation and ALO Society team.

From there, the delegation travelled to Shri Gobindapur Tea Garden, where ALO Society supports educational activities for marginalized communities, including families affected by leprosy. The delegation visited adult education and primary coaching activities, interacted with learners and community members, and distributed educational materials among primary-level students.

The journey continued on 26 September with a visit to the home of Young Scholar Rumon Almik in Champa Rai Tea Garden. The delegation also spent time with the surrounding tea garden community, meeting local people and learning more about their everyday lives, challenges, dreams, and aspirations.

For ALO Society, these visits are not simply about reviewing programs. They are about listening to people, understanding their realities, celebrating their achievements, and strengthening our commitment to creating opportunities for education, empowerment, and a better quality of life.

The visit also brought together the supporting organization, ALO Society, students, scholars, mentors, and community members, creating a meaningful space to share experiences and look toward the future.

Through the Education for Empowerment Project and the Young Scholar Program, ALO Society continues to stand with people affected by leprosy and other marginalized communities, working together to build confidence, leadership, opportunity, and stronger communities.

This was our journey in Sreemangal—where education meets empowerment, and where every story has the power to inspire change.

ALO Society — empowering people, strengthening communities, creating opportunities.

The training focused on visual storytelling and basic videography skills. Panam City was chosen because its historic surroundings provided an ideal setting for hands-on learning and creative practice.

Participants learned the basics of camera composition, video framing, lighting, interview techniques, and storytelling for reports and awareness campaigns. They then put these skills into practice by filming short videos around Panam City.

One of the highlights of the training was a live documentary filming exercise using mobile phones. Guided by Klinton Malakar, participants worked together to film a short documentary based on the life of Rumon, one of the Young Scholars. Through this exercise, they learned how powerful personal stories can be used to raise awareness and inspire positive change.

Young scholars from Dhaka, Sylhet, and the Chattogram Hill Tracts joined the event with their mentors. The training aimed to strengthen their knowledge on Project Proposal Writting & Small Scale Projects. As the projects going to be implement this year by the scholars.

Day 1: Introduction and Proposal Writing Training

The program began with an introduction session and welcome breakfast. Project Manager Klinton Malakar provided an overview of the Small Scale Program that the scholars will implement this year.

Later, trainer conducted a session on Project Proposal Writing. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, participants learned how to prepare effective project proposals, including objectives, activities, and budgeting. Both scholars and mentors actively participated throughout the session.

Day 2: Group Work and Project Planning

On the second day, the scholars visited for an outdoor learning session. In a relaxed and creative environment, participants worked in groups to discuss ideas for their small-scale projects.

With guidance from mentors and facilitators, the teams identified important community issues and selected focus areas for their projects. The outdoor session encouraged teamwork, creativity, and open discussion among the participants.

Day 3: Community Visit and Final Proposal Submission

The final day included a visit to a local communities (LPOs). Scholars had the opportunity to interact with community members and leaders to better understand local challenges and realities.

After returning to the office, the scholars finalized their project proposals and budgets by applying the skills and knowledge gained during the training. By the end of the day, all teams successfully submitted their proposals.

This training program provided the scholars with practical experience in project planning, teamwork, and community engagement. Most importantly, participants were able to immediately apply what they learned during the sessions.

ALO Society believes that initiatives like this help young people become confident leaders and positive change-makers within their communities.

Exposure visit in Sreemangal-YSP program

On February 20, teachers from three remote hill districts shared their real-life experiences of providing education in geographically isolated and resource-limited areas. They openly discussed challenges such as poor infrastructure, long travel distances, and socio-cultural barriers. Listening to these experiences gave the Young Scholars a deeper understanding of the realities in the hill regions.

The Young Scholars also shared their own challenges, aspirations, and initiatives, and explored ways to collaborate and support each other. In addition, the team shared their learning experience from the Indonesia visit organized by Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative, which added an international learning perspective to the discussion.

On February 21, the team traveled by boat to the remote Juraichhari upazila to visit the home community of Young Scholar Sushanta Chakma. There, they met with a local LPO and interacted with the LPO leader, Laxindra Chakma, who has personally experienced disability due to leprosy. He shared his life journey and advocacy work for people affected by leprosy in his community. His story highlighted both the stigma surrounding the disease and the resilience needed to overcome it.

The delegation also visited a local Buddhist monastery, where they learned about the spiritual and cultural traditions of the hill communities and gained insights into teachings rooted in Buddhism. On their way back, the team made a brief stop in Barkal upazila for refreshments.

On February 22, the team visited the local leprosy office to observe ongoing health services and community-based interventions. Participants were introduced to clinical procedures, including the dressing of a complex ulcer case, and listened to a patient’s personal story of struggle and recovery.

Later, Klinton Malakar conducted a training session for the scholars and mentors, with special focus on mentors, on bill and voucher management. Through this session, participants gained a clear understanding of proper financial documentation, accounting procedures, and compliance requirements, which strengthened their capacity for transparent and accountable financial management.

The visit concluded with a reflection and question-and-answer session where participants shared their key learnings and discussed how these experiences would influence their future leadership journey.

Overall, the exposure visit clearly highlighted the differences between Bangladesh’s mainland and the hill regions in terms of geography, culture, access to services, and daily life realities. Through direct engagement, local food, cultural exchange, and community interaction, the Young Scholars developed a deeper understanding of inclusivity, diversity, and grassroots development challenges.

This three-day workshop included community visits, safeguarding training, exposure trips, reflection sessions, and daily planning meetings—ensuring that each scholar not only learned but also practiced organizing, communicating, and coordinating a full three-day program.

Day 1: Community Visit to Trimohoni Federation – Hosted by Dhaka Scholar Bristi

The first day began with a warm gathering as visiting scholars and mentors joined the Trimohoni Federation. The Dhaka team facilitated the visit, where scholars:

· Held a discussion meeting with federation members

· Interacted with coaching students from ‘Education for empowerment project 1st phase 2nd year’ gifting school bags to young learners arranged by Trimohoni Federation and members.

· Met with adult education participants

· Spoke with federations members and leprosy affected individuals and came to know about self-employment initiatives

· Conducted a field visit to observe community-led development activities

This first day served as a model of community-based learning, demonstrating what each scholar will later organize in their own federation when it is their turn to host.

Throughout the day, participants admired the unity, teamwork, and resilience of federation members. They gained deep insights into local leadership, community ownership, and sustainable development practices.

Day 2: Exposure Visit to National Zoo & Botanical Garden – Learning in Nature

The second day was designed as a refreshing learning visit, giving the scholars space to reflect, bond, and broaden their perspectives and knowledge beyond their own communities, while also helping them build a stronger team.

Visit to the National Zoo, Mirpur: Scholars explored the main National Zoo of Bangladesh, viewing rare and endangered species. Seeing animals that are disappearing from many local areas helped them understand the urgent importance of:

-Wildlife protection for their won community

-Biodiversity conservation

-Community responsibility in protecting nature

Many participants shared that they had never seen some of these species before—making the experience both educational and eye-opening.

Visit to the Botanical Garden: After the zoo, the group visited the Botanical Garden, where they sat together in a calm natural setting for an open group discussion. Scholars exchanged ideas, shared their experiences from Day 1, and reflected on how nature connects to leprosy affected indidudulas and how climate changes is realted to nature. They also discussed the account policy for the program to ensure that everything runs smoothly, without any difficulties for scholars in receiving their individual skills development courses.

This outdoor session strengthened friendships, communication skills, and confidence among the young leaders.

Day 3: Safeguarding Training & Reflection Session – Building Responsible Leadership

The final day took place at the ALO Society office, starting with a focused Safeguarding Training. Scholars learned about:

-ALO’s Safeguarding Policy

-How to ensure safety, respect, and accountability in community work

-Practical ways to apply safeguarding principles in day-to-day activities

This training was essential, as every scholar will soon lead community visits and work directly with children, women, and vulnerable groups.

Reflection Session

The workshop concluded with a brief yet powerful reflection session. Participants:

-Reviewed their learnings from all three days

-Shared personal insights

– Expressed how the workshop strengthened their leadership, communication, and planning abilities

-Highlighted how the experience helped them understand each other’s communities and contexts

Although short, the session created a strong sense of unity among scholars from different regions of Bangladesh.

Leadership Development Through Real Practice

A key highlight of this three days workshop was its leadership-focused design. Every scholar:

-Observed how a three-day program is organized

-Practiced daily communication and coordination

-Learned how to host and guide visitors

-Understood Dhaka federation’s work and community initiatives

-Prepared themselves to later invite other scholars to their region and replicate the same model

-Other scholars inspired to learn from Bristy and her leadership in community

-Connection with fellow scholars from diverse regions

-This ensures that each scholar will grow into a confident young leader capable of promoting community development and strengthening LPO’s network across Bangladesh.

Over these three days, the scholars built a strong foundation for future collaboration and empowered themselves to take the lead in their own federations and communities. The workshop not only inspired them but also nurtured a vision of responsible leadership and collective growth within the community.