Building Trust, Strengthening Futures: How Sushila is Changing Adolescent Health in India
As a frontline health worker, Sushila Kumari has become a trusted bridge between adolescents, their parents, and the healthcare system by fostering open dialogue and stronger community connections. Strengthened by EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project, she continues to empower families to support healthier, more confident young people.
From Mother to Community Health Leader
In the small village of Ghutiya in Jamui, India, Sushila Kumari has built a legacy of trust and change. A mother of three adolescents herself, she understands the challenges young people face when they grow up in rural communities where open discussions about health are often limited.
Her journey from a concerned mother to a dedicated Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) began when she joined the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) program, supported by EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project. Through this program, she discovered her calling as a champion for adolescent health and well-being—using knowledge, empathy, and persistence to transform how her community supports its youth.
“Adolescents are agents of change, all they need is the right knowledge and a little bit of support!”
Educating and Empowering Adolescents
After completing specialized training with EngenderHealth, Sushila began leading group sessions with adolescent girls in her village. By discussing topics like menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and mental well-being, Sushila was instrumental in helping young people understand their bodies and their rights.
She also introduced her community to the services available through Yuva Clinics (specialized health facilities focused on adolescent health), motivating adolescents to seek medical care and counseling when needed. Her sessions became safe, supportive spaces where young people could ask questions and learn without fear or shame.
Engaging Parents and Building Community Support
Sushila knew that helping young people thrive meant engaging their families too. Sitting with parents in courtyards and community spaces, she spoke with honesty and care about the changes of adolescence—dispelling myths and building understanding. Over time, her openness turned into trust, and that trust became the foundation for a healthier, more connected community.
She also raised awareness about issues like drug and alcohol use, early marriage, and the importance of girls’ education. By encouraging parents to talk openly with their children and participate in activities like Adolescent Health and Wellness Days (AHWDs) and Peer Educator meetings, Sushila fostered a sense of community ownership in improving adolescent health.
Her compassionate approach earned her trust across Ghutiya. Adolescents began confiding in her about their challenges, and she helped them access care at local health centers. Her work has been praised by block officials as a model for community-driven change.
A Role Model for Community-Led Change
Sushila’s journey is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership. By combining her personal perspective as a mother with her professional expertise as an ASHA, she has built bridges between families, schools, and healthcare providers, ensuring that no young person faces health challenges alone.
When asked what motivates her, Sushila says she believes adolescents hold the key to a healthier future. By empowering them with knowledge and awareness, she envisions a ripple effect where young people become agents of change, not only in their own lives, but across the community.
Her work demonstrates that when frontline workers are equipped with training, empathy, and perseverance, they can shift mindsets, strengthen families, and spark lasting change across entire communities. Despite challenges, Sushila continues to strive for a healthier, brighter future for all, proving that one individual’s compassion and commitment can transform lives and inspire a new generation to build more equitable futures across India.
Learn more about other inspiring youth leaders in Tarunya’s Legacy: 14 Portraits of Health, Hope and Change for Bihar’s Adolescents.