Community Meeting managed by the Adolescents and Young People: Value of Girl Child

A grandfather said “I don’t want to see her as a bride before 18. Even if I die I will make her Father aware of this” A youth dropped out of school but this program gave him a chance to be admitted in Standard -X through the Odisha Open Schooling Scheme. Nine dropout boys and girls from Kankadasoda panchayat were enrolled and received study materials. These were some of the experiences shared during the Community meeting held on 29th December 2023 in Kankadasoda village of Parjang Block, Dhenkanal. About 300 community members from four villages attended the programme. Sarapanch, Village President and Secretary along with Village Committee members attended as guests of the programme. It was heartwarming to witness that the community members took an oath to stop child marriage in their village. This meeting was managed by the adolescents and young people of the village.