A true community leader: Rahul’s journey to empowerment in India
Rahul Kumar’s journey as a Peer Educator in Bihar, India highlights how youth empowerment and skill-building can transform lives. From overcoming his own hesitation to mentoring others in his community, Rahul is using the tools and training he received through EngenderHealth to support adolescent health, promote economic opportunity, and inspire change: proving that with the right support, young people can shape brighter futures for themselves and those around them.
Rahul engages with members of his community as part of his Peer Education activities, Bihar, India
In the bustling town of Vachiyaar, Rahul Kumar, a tech‑savvy 18‑year‑old, lives with his parents, who are laborers. In 2021, Rahul was selected as a Peer Educator under EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project in India.The project supports adolescents with sexual and reproductive health information and a supportive, enabling environment for youth engagement and leadership.
He participated in the project as a Marginalized Peer Educator Champion initiative. Initially hesitant and shy, the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) trainings and constant supportive supervision by local civil society mentors from EngenderHealth and the Integrated Development Fund (IDF) were foundational in instilling confidence and leadership skills within him.
Building Skills to Support Families and His Community
Motivated by his desire to help his parents improve their economic situation, Rahul wanted to upskill to get job opportunities. With guidance from EngenderHealth and IDF mentor Pankaj Kumar Singh, he enrolled in a skill development course focused on CCTV installation in 2022.
After completing the course, Rahul became a professional CCTV installer, supporting his family financially. His experience as a Peer Educator inspired him to extend similar skill development opportunities to four other members of his peer group. Through this, Rahul is helping to create a stronger network of skilled youth who can contribute economically and socially to their community.
Leading with Compassion and Inspiring Change
Initially, Rahul’s family didn’t see the benefits of his role as a Peer Educator. However, as they saw his growth in leadership and communication skills, their perception changed. They now appreciate how Rahul motivates other adolescents in the community, while also growing as a strong and compassionate individual himself.
“I am a changemaker–I owe it to my community to give back the support I’ve received, which has helped me achieve my dreams.”
Rahul remains an active Peer Educator champion in Jamui, participating in meetings whenever possible. He has also participated in consultation workshops and International Youth Day events under EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project. Rahul is currently pursuing his intermediate studies while working part‑time. His journey demonstrates how, through the Peer Educator program, he not only learned valuable skills but also uplifted his community and supported his family’s wellbeing.
Rahul’s journey exemplifies the lasting impact of EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project in nurturing youth leaders who drive positive change. By providing adolescents like Rahul with training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop both life and vocational skills, EngenderHealth empowers them to become confident advocates for their communities. Rahul’s story is a testament to how investment in young people can transform individual lives and strengthen the social and economic fabric of entire communities.
Learn more about other inspiring youth leaders in Tarunya’s Legacy: 14 Portraits of Health, Hope and Change for Bihar’s Adolescents.