Leading with Resilience in Bihar: Achal’s Journey in Adolescent Health

Starting over in a new state, a new role, and a world of unknowns, Achal Kumar Singh could have given up. Instead, with mentorship from EngenderHealth’s TARUNYA project, he turned uncertainty into strength—helping young people across Gaya, Bihar access the knowledge and care they need to stay healthy and thrive. His journey proves that with guidance and purpose, resilience can grow into a force for change.

Finding Direction Through Mentorship   

Originally from Jharkhand, Achal arrived in Manpur, Gaya to begin work as an adolescent health counselor. At first, he felt lost. The expectations were unclear, the workload was new, and he faced the challenges of starting over in an unfamiliar place.

Everything changed when Achal connected with EngenderHealth India’s TARUNYA program. Through mentorship and support, he found the clarity and confidence to define his role and reach the adolescents who needed him most. By working closely with his local Yuva Clinic—a youth-friendly health center—Achal began creating spaces where young people could ask questions, learn, and find support.

Turning Uncertainty into Purpose

Guided by mentors from EngenderHealth and its local partner MAMTA-HMIC, Achal transformed his uncertainty into purpose. Today, he leads school and community outreach programs that help adolescents better understand nutrition, reproductive health, mental well-being, and safety.

“It is a new place for me, and I want to do things that will change people’s lives,” says Achal.

His confidence and compassion have made him a trusted face for youth in the community—a reminder that good guidance can change more than one life at a time.

Building a Model Yuva Clinic  

With new direction and determination, Achal is now working to develop his clinic into a Model Yuva Clinic¹—a space known for quality, confidentiality, and care tailored to young people’s needs. His dedication has earned him district-level recognition for improving adolescent health and well-being.

What began as uncertainty has become leadership. Achal’s clinic is a model of what happens when health workers are supported to lead with confidence, empathy, and vision.

Mentorship That Inspires Change  

Across Bihar, more than 45 health counselors have been trained under the TARUNYA project and the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) program, helping expand adolescent health services in three districts. Between 2017 and 2024, over 173,000 adolescents—55% of them girls—received care from Adolescent-Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs).

Achal’s story highlights how mentorship and training can empower individuals to strengthen entire systems of care. His journey reminds us that when people are supported to learn, grow, and lead, communities become healthier, stronger, and more equitable for generations to come.

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¹ The AFHC clinics in Bihar are also known as “Yuva Clinics.” The word “yuva” refers to youth, and thus connotes a greater sense of youth‑centricity among the local population. 

Learn more about other inspiring youth leaders in Tarunya’s Legacy: 14 Portraits of Health, Hope and Change for Bihar’s Adolescents.