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.

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.

ALO Society celebrated World Leprosy Day 2026 across 9 districts—Dhaka, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Nilphamari, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—in collaboration with 21 federations and jointly with The Leprosy Mission Bangladesh. The programs included rallies, discussion meetings, courtyard meetings, and community awareness activities to promote the message that leprosy is curable and that social stigma remains the real barrier. Government officials, health department representatives, tea company managers and staff, federation leaders, and community members actively participated in the events. A total of 535 participants attended, including 280 males and 255 females. As part of the Emergency Support Education for Empowerment (1st Phase, 2nd Year) project, supported by the Sasakawa Health Foundation, ALO Society distributed blankets to students and federation leaders to strengthen educational opportunities and empower persons affected by leprosy and their families.

To prepare young leaders for effective and inclusive community leadership, ALO Society’s Young Scholar Programme organised a three-day learning and experience visit in Sreemangal from 14 to 16 December 2025. The visit brought together scholars and mentors from the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) and Dhaka regions with the purpose of experiencing communities beyond their own regions and gaining practical learning that can be applied in their respective communities in the future.

Rather than a study tour, the visit was designed as an immersive learning experience, allowing scholars to observe, interact, reflect, and understand diverse community realities. The programme was carefully coordinated by Sylhet Region Scholar Rumon Almik and Mentor Samuel Das, ensuring a meaningful and participatory experience for all.

Day One: Experiencing Community Life and Local Practices

The learning visit began with a visit to Patakuri Federation, where scholars were warmly welcomed by federation members and local leaders. Through open discussions, federation members shared their lived experiences, organisational practices, and challenges.

For scholars visiting from other regions, this was an important opportunity to understand how federations operate differently based on local context.

Scholars and Mentors visiting local Communities in tea garden.

A separate interaction with coaching students helped scholars reflect on how education initiatives are shaped by community needs. These exchanges encouraged scholars to think about how similar approaches could be adapted in their own regions. The day also included a cultural programme that allowed scholars to experience local traditions and community expressions, reinforcing the idea that leadership must respect culture and identity.

Later, scholars visited a tea garden, where they observed the tea cultivation and production process and learned about the daily lives and livelihoods of tea garden workers. This experience broadened their understanding of marginalised communities outside their own regions.

The day concluded with door-to-door visits to persons affected by leprosy, where Mentor Shakya Singh Chakma provided a practical demonstration on basic ulcer care. This hands-on session deepened scholars’ understanding of health-related challenges and the importance of compassionate, community-based support.

Day Two: Learning Through Interaction and Shared Responsibility

On the second day, scholars participated in a learning-sharing session with coaching teachers in Shamshernagar. Scholars Bristi Akter and Sushanta Chakma, along with Mentor Sabiha, facilitated discussions that encouraged mutual learning rather than one-way instruction. This experience strengthened scholars’ confidence in communication, facilitation, and leadership.

In the evening, a team-based picnic was organised where scholars and mentors shared responsibilities such as planning, shopping, and cooking. This activity highlighted practical leadership skills—teamwork, coordination, accountability, and cooperation—that are essential for community leaders.

Day Three: Reflection, Leadership Thinking, and Future Application

The final day focused on reflection and turning experience into learning. Scholars worked on organising their observations and preparing presentations for future sharing within their own regions. A reflection session facilitated by Programme Manager klinton Malakar encouraged scholars to critically reflect on what they experienced, how it differed from their own communities, and how these lessons could be applied back home. Scholars shared their insights, challenges, and ideas openly, reinforcing the purpose of the visit as a foundation for future leadership.

Key Learning for Future Leaders

Through this learning and experience visit, scholars gained: Exposure to community realities beyond their own regions. Understanding of how federations function in different social and cultural contexts

Insights into the lives and livelihoods of tea garden communities, Practical understanding of community-based healthcare support

Increased awareness of how regional diversity shapes development work

Participants expressed sincere appreciation to Rumon Almik and Samuel Das for leading and coordinating the visit.

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.

Bali, Indonesia – July 4-9, 2025

Three representatives from ALO Society—Mr. Klinton Malakar, Mr. Solaiman Ali, and Mr. Shusanta Chakma—participated in the 3rd Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease, held in Bali, Indonesia, from July 3 to July 6, 2025. Organized by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, the forum brought together over 110 representatives from 21 countries to address the key challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy.

From ALO Society, both an experienced leader and a young leader affected by leprosy joined the forum. Their participation enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of the global context surrounding leprosy and to learn from the experiences and strategies being implemented worldwide. The forum focused on promoting human rights, combating stigma, and strengthening the voices of those directly impacted by Hansen’s disease. It embraced a people-centered approach, with the design and facilitation of the sessions led by individuals who have personal experience with the disease.

One of the major outcomes of the forum was the development of a Letter of Commitment and a set of Recommendations to Stakeholders, calling for urgent and collective action to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons affected by Hansen’s disease.

During the forum, the ALO team presented a Needs Assessment Report, highlighting the critical challenges faced by individuals affected by leprosy in Bangladesh—particularly in the areas of mental health and human rights violations. Their contributions offered valuable insight into the unique struggles of the leprosy-affected community in South Asia and helped broaden the global understanding of regional disparities.

Following the forum, ALO Society also took part in the 22nd International Leprosy Congress (ILC), a globally recognized scientific conference dedicated to advancing leprosy research, treatment, and policy. Held at the same location, the ILC was centered around the theme: “Towards a World with Zero Leprosy.”

At the ILC, ALO presented an e-poster on Digital Leprosy Complication Care, showcasing its innovative approach to integrating technology in the treatment and management of leprosy-related complications in low-resource settings.

These two international events provided a significant opportunity for ALO Society to represent the voices of the leprosy-affected community in Bangladesh on a global platform. Through their active engagement, ALO continued to advocate for inclusive healthcare, mental health support, and the protection of human rights, reaffirming its commitment to building a just and equitable future for all persons affected by Hansen’s disease..