Before “Speak Up!”, most children and young people in Satkhira knew little about local government or public budgeting — and issues like child protection, safe schools, and mental health support were often left out of local planning altogether.

Through Breaking the Silence (BTS)’s work under the project, child and youth group members received training on child rights, local government systems, advocacy, and leadership. That knowledge quickly turned into action: on 26 February 2026, the group submitted a formal memorandum to the Local Government Division at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Satkhira, calling for a dedicated children’s budget across all Union Parishads for the 2026–2027 fiscal year — covering child protection, safe schools, playgrounds, health services, and mental wellbeing.

As one participating child put it: “Before joining the project, I thought only adults could make decisions. Now I know that children also have the right to express their opinions.”

It’s a striking example of what meaningful child participation looks like in practice — and a sign that Satkhira’s children are ready to help shape the decisions that affect their own lives.