Enthusiastic Hands, Big Change: Repairing Road

[Tasnim Hassan]

In the heart of Pechakola village, located in Bera Upazila, Pabna District, Bangladesh, a road beside the Pechakola Eidgah field and close to Agramgami School tells a story of unity, resilience, and the transformative power of young minds working together. A few years back, it was this very road that brought everyone together. People of all ages, coming from all walks of life, poured their energy and dedication into building it themselves. Originally constructed few years back, this road was an important pathway for the community, especially for the students commuting to Agramgami School. It was more than just a road; it was a symbol of what we could achieve as a united community.

Over time, it became worn down and riddled with potholes, making it difficult for children to walk safely to school and for community members to commute.

Recognizing the growing issue, a group of 11 young adolescents from the Krishnachura adolescent group gathered for their first SALT discussion on October 22, 2024. In this session, facilitators helped them explore their strengths, aspirations, and the possibilities for making a difference in their community. The adolescents returned for another discussion on October 24, 2024, and identified the deteriorating road as a key issue. Sitting together in the courtyard of Monika, Akash, and Tanvir—three active members of the group—they began brainstorming ideas. After thoughtful reflection, the group arrived at a unique, cost-effective solution on October 25, 2024: using kachuripana (water hyacinth) from nearby ponds to fill the potholes. Our facilitators supported them, motivated them and guided them in whole process.  

Although the task felt daunting at first, the support and encouragement they found through the SALT process gave them the courage and confidence to move forward. They were inspired also by the collaborative community approach made previously for the construction of the road. And so, led by Monika and Akash, the Krishnachura group sprang into action. Armed with nothing but the support of one another, they set off to gather the kachuripana, getting their hands muddy and their spirits high. They collected the water hyacinth from the ponds and carefully laid it along the road, turning a simple idea into tangible change.

The initial plan was implemented on October 31, 2024, by the 11 adolescents in the Krishnachura group along with their four friends and an enthusiastic team of 4-5 younger children. There were 7 male adolescents and 8 female adolescents participating in this initiative.  Their work, though temporary, smoothed the road for daily use and helped absorb stagnant water, reducing mosquito breeding areas—an important step in preventing dengue.

As the group’s energy and determination became visible, something beautiful happened—other community members, including their parents, noticed. They were inspired, they were proud, and, most importantly, they began to consider more permanent solutions. Soon, the once-small project took on a life of its own. Parents and other community members who had once walked along that road daily without a second thought now saw it with fresh eyes. Conversations started, and the community began to discuss ways to make the repairs last and ensure the road remained a safe, reliable path for everyone.

The Krishnachura group’s initiative achieved the primary goal of making the road accessible and safer for daily commuters, especially benefiting children attending Agramgami School. Beyond this immediate improvement, the project sparked a renewed sense of community involvement. The youth’s visible effort inspired adults to engage in discussions about a permanent solution, strengthening the spirit of collective responsibility in community. Health benefits also emerged, as filling the potholes with kachuripana reduced stagnant water, a common breeding ground for mosquitoes, lowering dengue risk. Furthermore, the adolescents gained valuable skills in problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration, which has empowered them to take on future community challenges. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how even small, localized actions can lead to broad, lasting impacts on health, unity, and youth empowerment within the community.

The Krishnachura group knew that kachuripana would dry out in 5-6 days, so they are continuing their discussions to develop a new solution. They began exploring ideas via group discussion, such as raising the road with soil or filling it with rubble and brick chips from a nearby brick kiln via group discussion. This initiative, though seemingly small, transformed into something far greater than just repairing a road. It rekindled a sense of unity and purpose among the community members, reminding everyone of the strength found in collective action.

Now, the road is not only smoother and safer but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating the power of small actions in building a better future. This effort by the adolescent group is a reminder that real change often begins with small, determined steps—and sometimes, it’s the youngest among us who inspire the rest of us to believe in what’s possible when we work together.

[Shahrukh Atpade]

A common point across all the comments is praise for the youth's leadership and initiative. They all acknowledge how the young people in the Krishnachura group took action to solve a community problem, inspiring others and demonstrating the power of collective effort. The comments highlight the positive impact of their work on both the immediate community and the broader sense of unity and collaboration.