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.

On 14 October 2026, ALO staff visited Genderia Federation to review ongoing challenges, discuss possible solutions, and identify areas requiring further support. During the visit, the accounts and programme staff provided guidance and technical assistance to address the federation’s current issues.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to listen to members’ needs, understand their challenges, and offer practical recommendations for resolving existing problems. ALO staff guided the federation members on the steps needed to improve management, strengthen organisational capacity, and ensure the federation’s sustainability in the future.

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.

Despite the obstacles she encountered, she continued her education with determination and courage. Rupali has been part of ALO Society’s Education for Empowerment Project since its very beginning. Through the project, she has received financial support to continue her own education while also taking on a responsibility to support children in her community.Today, Rupali teaches 12 primary-level students through her coaching sessions. She approaches her teaching with genuine passion and a strong sense of responsibility. For her, teaching is more than simply helping children with their lessons—it is an opportunity to share what she has learned and contribute to the future of children who may face challenges similar to those she has experienced.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Last year, Rupali received the Best Sponsor Student Award in the Sylhet Region, recognizing her commitment to both her own education and the children she supports.Currently, Rupali is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS), second year. She has a clear ambition for her future: she wants to become a teacher. The Education for Empowerment Project has played an important role in helping Rupali continue her education. But her story goes beyond receiving support. She has transformed that opportunity into a responsibility to support others.

Rupali’s journey reflects the spirit of the Education for Empowerment Project: when one student receives an opportunity, that opportunity can reach many more. By continuing her education and sharing her knowledge with children in her community, Rupali is not only changing her own future—she is helping create new possibilities for others. Her story is a reminder that empowerment does not end with receiving support. It grows when people are given the opportunity to learn, believe in themselves, and give back to their communities. And Rupali is doing exactly that.

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.

ALO Society recently held a coordination meeting with the leaders of the eight federations in Dhaka to review ongoing initiatives, discuss future priorities, and better understand the support needed to strengthen the organizations and their members.

During the meeting, federation leaders shared that since 2023, ALO Society has been providing various forms of organizational and technical support to all eight federations in Dhaka. These initiatives have helped the federations strengthen their self-help groups, increase membership, and improve their overall organizational capacity.

The leaders also highlighted the positive impact of the Education Support Program implemented from 2024 to 2026. Through this initiative, many students from leprosy-affected and disadvantaged families received educational assistance, enabling them to continue their studies and pursue better opportunities. In addition to educational support, ALO Society has continuously provided technical guidance, capacity-building activities, and organizational development support.

During the discussion, ALO Society Executive Committee Member Nurjhst Jahan inquired about the progress of the federations, the challenges they are currently facing, and new initiatives they are planning to undertake in their respective areas.

The meeting was attended by Klinton Malakar, Program Manager of ALO Society, and Arpon Andry, Assistant Accountant. Mr. Arpon Andry was formally introduced to the federation leaders and will work closely with them to improve financial reporting, documentation, and regular progress tracking.

Mr. Klinton Malakar also introduced the newly approved project supported by The Leprosy Mission Great Britain (TLMGB). He discussed the project’s objectives, implementation priorities, and sought recommendations from the federation leaders regarding local needs and effective implementation strategies. The discussion emphasized ensuring that project activities respond to the actual needs of the communities.

As part of the preparation for the new project, ALO Society also discussed the importance of conducting internal audits and strengthening financial accountability to ensure transparent and effective project implementation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining close collaboration, strengthening federation capacity, and improving the quality of services provided to persons affected by leprosy and other disadvantaged communities.

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.

The training was facilitated by an experienced trainer specializing in teaching methodologies and classroom techniques. The objective of the session was to strengthen the participants’ capacity in effective teaching and learning approaches, as well as to enhance their understanding of leprosy case identification.

The program was structured into two key sessions. The first session focused on an orientation to leprosy, aiming to improve awareness, early identification, and basic understanding of the disease. This part of the training was particularly important for community coaches who work closely with vulnerable groups and need accurate knowledge to support early referral and awareness building.

The second session focused on modern teaching techniques under the “Education for Empowerment” initiative, which is currently in its first phase of the third year. This initiative provides sponsored students with continued educational support while also engaging them in community coaching activities without financial burden. The training aimed to equip participants with foundational knowledge of teaching strategies, learning methods, and effective communication skills to enhance their coaching roles.

Overall, the session played a significant role in building the capacity of community coaches, combining both health awareness and educational skill development. It is expected that the participants will apply this learning in their respective communities, contributing to improved education support systems and better awareness on leprosy.