Social Service Department in Community Awareness on

Early Marriage Prevention, Dengue Prevention Awareness, Cleaning and Tree Plantation Activities
Under: National Welfare Parishad Fund, Ministry of Social Welfare

Supported by: District Social Service Office, Khulna

1. Background

Green Resilience and Cooperation for Ecosystem (GRACE) has received financial support from the District Social Service Office, Khulna, under the Ministry of Social Welfare, through the National Welfare Parishad Fund based on GRACE’s project application submitted in 2024. The initiative aims to contribute to community well-being through integrated social awareness and environmental actions. This support will strengthen local engagement in social and environmental protection by focusing on preventing early marriage, raising dengue awareness, promoting cleanliness, and fostering tree plantation drives.

2. Funded By

National Welfare Parishad Fund,

Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.

3. Implemented by

Green Resilience and Cooperation for Ecosystem (GRACE)

In collaboration with local youth groups, community leaders, and volunteers.

4. Implementation Area

Within Khulna District. (Jalma Union under Botiaghata Upazila and Ward no #31 in KCC)

5. Objective of the events:

• To raise community awareness and behavioral change against early marriage practices.
• To promote dengue prevention and hygiene practices through community-based actions.
• To encourage clean and green environments through cleaning campaigns and tree plantation activities.
• To promote tree plantation for improving local biodiversity, reducing heat, and creating eco-friendly community spaces.
• To enhance civic responsibility and youth participation in building a healthier, more resilient community.

6. Methodology

The project was adopted a community engagement and participatory approach emphasizing awareness, demonstration, plantation and collective actions.

Key methods include:

• Organizing courtyard meetings and school-based awareness sessions.
• Dissemination of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials such as leaflets, posters, and banners.
• Mobilizing youth volunteers and local leaders for cleaning drives and plantation events.
• Conducting public rallies and street campaigns to disseminate messages on early marriage prevention and dengue control.
• Partnering with schools and community groups to ensure sustainability and local ownership of the activities.

7. Major Activities and achievements:

v  Early Marriage Prevention Awareness Campaign – KCC, W#31 and Raypara, Jolma, Botiaghata:

To strengthen community awareness and collective responsibility in preventing early marriage, two awareness campaigns were organized in Ward number 31 under Khulna City Corporation and  Raypara, Jolma under Botiaghata Union. The campaigns were conducted through rallies and discussion meetings, engaging a wide range of community members. In total, 150 women, 20 youths and adolescent girls, and 35 men, including social activists and local leaders, actively participated.

The sessions focused on key issues such as the negative impacts of early marriage, its legal and social consequences, and the government’s prevention mechanisms—including official communication channels and hotline numbers for immediate action.

To enhance visibility and sustain community engagement, three billboards were installed in strategic public locations, and 50 leaflets were displayed across schools, markets, ward offices, and temples, reinforcing the message that early marriage must be prevented to ensure a safer and brighter future for girls.

v  Cleaning Campaign and Dengue prevention:

A Cleaning Mission for Dengue Prevention and Promotion of Urban Agricultural Practices for a Healthier Lifestyle

Unmanaged household waste and single-use plastics are increasingly affecting both the environment and public health. Improper waste disposal leads to clogged waterways, soil pollution, and contributes to the broader impacts of climate change.

In Khulna City, the challenges have intensified due to rapid population growth and climate-induced migration, placing immense pressure on the city’s waste management systems. Once-open fields and private lands have gradually turned into informal dumping grounds filled with plastic waste, household debris, and hazardous materials. During the monsoon season, these areas flood easily, spreading contaminants and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes responsible for diseases such as dengue.

In Labanchara Ward No. 31, particularly around Bandhabazar and Modina Sharak, approximately 600 residents face such environmental and health risks. Three unused private lands had turned into waste-filled, stagnant-water sites with no functional drainage system.

To address this growing concern, on October 10, 2025, the organization Green Resilience and Cooperation for Ecosystem (GRACE) implemented a one-day cleaning and restoration mission in one of these high-risk areas. The initiative was supported financially by the District Social Service Office and the Department of Social Services under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.

The community-led action focused on waste removal, area disinfection, and dengue prevention. What was once an unmanaged dumping site filled with plastic, broken glass, and household waste has now been cleaned, disinfected, and officially restricted from further dumping. The site is also being prepared for urban agricultural practices, promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable use of urban land.

This initiative has sparked positive behavioral changes among community members. Households have started using personal waste bins to manage garbage responsibly, helping to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their surroundings.

The transformation of Bandhabazar stands as a model of community-driven resilience—demonstrating how local participation can convert neglected spaces into productive, healthy environments.

The GRACE initiative reaffirms that sustainable waste management is not merely an environmental obligation but a collective act of care for people, the planet, and the future. Through cooperation and awareness, communities can transform waste into resilience and build a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow.

v  Dengue prevention campaign:

Awareness and Outreach Activities: Dengue Prevention and Early Marriage Prevention Campaign

As part of ongoing efforts to promote public health and social awareness, two dengue prevention billboards were installed at strategic locations to maximize visibility and

Alongside this, 50 informative leaflets were distributed across markets, schools, and other public spaces, providing essential guidance on preventing dengue and maintaining hygienic surroundings.

In conjunction with these awareness materials, interactive discussion sessions were conducted as part of the Early Marriage Prevention Campaign. A total of 205 participants took part, including women, local representatives, adolescents, and youth. During these sessions, participants were engaged in detailed conversations about the negative consequences of early marriage, preventive measures, and the role of community vigilance in ensuring the well-being of young girls.

v  Tree Plantation:

Tree Plantation Program at Raypara Government Primary School, Ward #31, Shipyard, Khulna

From 15–17 October 2025, a tree plantation program was successfully implemented at Raypara Government Primary School, located in Ward #31, Shipyard, Khulna. The activity followed a systematic process including soil preparation, pit digging, sapling plantation, and fencing installation.

A total of 16 large (approximately 5-foot-tall) fruit saplings were planted, consisting of Mango (5), Hog Plum (5), Olive (2), and Peanut (4) varieties. Each sapling was planted using organic fertilizer and secured with protective fencing to ensure healthy growth and safety from livestock or damage.

Around 40 students and teachers actively participated in the inauguration and plantation process. During the event, Head Teacher Mrs. Shamima Khatun expressed her appreciation, noting that while many organizations have conducted tree planting in various areas, GRACE’s initiative stood out for its use of tall, healthy saplings and strong fencing structures. She highlighted that, in other cases, trees are often small, weak, and poorly protected, leading to low survival rates.

The school community expressed sincere gratitude to GRACE for its well-organized and sustainable effort to promote greenery and environmental awareness among students.

8. Time Frame

1^st to 31^st October 2025 (10-12 Bill board and leaflet display, 15 and 17 rally and discussion meeting, 15-17 Tree plantation & 10 Cleaning campaign)

9.Major outcomes:

ü  Billboards for Change: Six vibrant billboards—three on dengue prevention and three on early marriage prevention—now stand tall in public spaces, serving as constant reminders and learning tools for the community.

ü  Leaflets for Awareness: A total of 100 informative leaflets were distributed across markets, shops, schools, and other busy areas, reaching hands and hearts with vital messages on health and social protection.

ü  Greening the Future: In a transformative effort at Raypara Government Primary School, 16 healthy saplings were planted, each secured with sturdy, high-quality fencing—symbolizing growth, care, and protection for the next generation.

ü  Community Sensitization: Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, 205 participants—including women, local leaders, students, adolescents, and youth—were sensitized on the dangers of early marriage and the importance of dengue prevention, planting seeds of knowledge and responsibility throughout the community.

11. Conclusion

This initiative embodies GRACE’s commitment to advancing social welfare, community health, and environmental sustainability. Supported by the District Social Service Office, Khulna under the Ministry of Social Welfare, the project will strengthen local resilience, reduce social vulnerabilities, and promote a cleaner, greener, and safer environment for all. Through combined awareness and action, the community will take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Annex-I: SSD Agreement