Wreetu celebrated its successful journey under the decade-long Right Here, Right Now (RHRN) initiative with an event titled “Beyond RHRN: 7teen Rising, Futures Together,” held on Thursday at Hotel Bengal Blueberry in the capital’s Gulshan.
The programme highlighted the achievements of 7teen, Bangladesh’s first content-based digital platform designed exclusively for teenagers, offering age-appropriate and engaging resources on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and essential life skills.
Launched in June 2023 under the RHRN initiative—funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented across 10 countries including Bangladesh—7teen has grown into a trusted space for teenagers, parents, and educators. The platform provides accessible, safe, and creative content, helping young people make informed decisions during their formative years.
Over the past two years, 7teen has developed a diverse range of content, including blogs, rap songs, animated explainers, gamified learning materials, and illustrated comics. The platform operates through its website and social media channels, where it has seen increasing engagement from Bangladeshi teenagers eager to learn about identity, gender, and well-being.
The programme featured interactive sessions, performances, discussions, and a workshop highlighting the importance of investing in adolescent-focused digital content.
In the opening session, Wreetu and 7teen founder Sharmin Kabir and youth representative Sumon Acherjee welcomed guests, followed by a performance by Ruhi, a student from Kishoreganj. A short audio-visual showcased 7teen’s journey with RHRN, and Tahmina Kabir and Mehbuba Mouli Suchana presented project insights.
A teen-led session featured young speakers including Mohammad Fazle Rabbi (SOS Children’s Village), Sadat Hossain (CyberTeens), and Simran M Aria (Shurjodoy Child Forum), who shared their experiences on digital empowerment and self-awareness.
An interactive workshop titled “Partnering with 7teen: Why Invest in Teens?” was conducted by Light of Hope CEO Waliullah Bhuiyan, focusing on collaboration and sustainability. The event also featured a Teen Idea Challenge award ceremony and a cultural segment celebrating creativity and youth voices.
Speakers at the event commended Wreetu’s vision for fostering awareness and confidence among adolescents. They underscored the importance of continuing digital interventions like 7teen to ensure young people receive accurate, stigma-free information.
“The success of 7teen under RHRN shows that when young people are given the right tools and guidance, they can take charge of their own well-being and future,” one speaker said.
The event also reflected on the 10-year journey of the Right Here, Right Now programme in Bangladesh, which has worked to promote youth-friendly policies and access to SRHR education.
Participants included youth representatives, educators, partners, and development professionals, who expressed optimism about the future of youth engagement in the digital space.
Closing remarks were delivered by Alif Aziz, Project Manager of RHRN, and Tithi Rani Sarker from BRAC, who reaffirmed their commitment to youth well-being.
As RHRN concludes its decade of impact, Wreetu reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining 7teen as a safe and empowering space for Bangladesh’s teenagers—building confident, informed, and inspired future generations.
AU/BP
