Adolescent Health Behavior is a complex yet fascinating phase of life characterized by its vigor, valor and vitality requiring guidance and direction to make healthy and informed choices. During adolescence, young people do not only face the challenge of establishing their emotional and psychological independence, they also have to understand and manage their sexuality while paving the way to make their space in society.

Pakistan is one of many societies around the world, where discussion on issues of adolescents and related education is not much encouraged. Pakistan’s educational curriculum does not include information on reproductive health and life skills, which is very essential because it can critically shape adolescent’s lives as well as the future of the society through immediate and long-term consequences.

Omer took the initiative to break the silence around ASRH in families and communities and started a campaign to highlight the importance of providing our adolescents’ information on the matters related to life skills.

It was another unique idea, and also a bold step in a conservative society like ours. Omer set the objective of this campaign “to create political will amongst federal and provincial level politicians, opinion leaders, policymakers and normative authorities for the ministerial committee for introduction of a comprehensive Life Skills Based Education curriculum for our youth; and create a favorable environment at all levels for its implementation”.

It focused on engaging with parents, teachers, and all those in society who directly or indirectly influence the upbringing of children, to raise their awareness on young people’s distinct informational, emotional and life skills needs, especially during adolescence.

Omer launched a behavioral transformation campaign to address the sensitive and controversial issue and triggered significant changes in breaking the silence on the issue.

Finding it most relevant to the issue, Omer introduced the idea of “edutainment” for development and positive change among society. For the first time, Pakistan Television (PTV) aired an 18-episode drama serial ‘Kis Sey Kahoon’ to highlight the need for the LSBE curriculum. To educate families and young kids Omer developed a series of skits, public service messages and street theatre on issues of adolescent health and behavior.

Omer also focused on providing bases for future interventions by providing academic research works.

Through his advocacy efforts with religious scholars, he managed to get religious review papers on Adolescent Health and Behavior Issues compiled by top religious leadership. For religious engagement, a series of Friday Sermons were delivered by top religious scholars for the first time.

Being a pioneer in this field Omer made it easy for the rest of the development sector by making a Toolkit for Development Workers for Involving Religious Scholars on Sensitive Issues.

With his advocacy and campaigning efforts, Omer managed to engage all relevant stakeholders including religious scholars, government officials, educationists, teachers and parents in the development of Pakistan’s first LSBE curriculum in 2014. Later this agreed curriculum has been notified by National Curriculum Council, Federal Ministry of Education.