Empowering young people is a crucial factor for any nation’s sustainable development, and Bangladesh, with a large youth population, is no exception. From education and skill development to social inclusion and mental health, several initiatives across the country are geared toward empowering the youth and making them active participants in national development. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 youth empowerment initiatives in Bangladesh, each contributing significantly to shaping the future of the nation.
List of Top 10 Youth Empowerment Initiatives in Bangladesh
- Joy Bangla Youth Award (JBYA)
- JAAGO Foundation
- Youth Empowerment through Skills (YES) Centre
- Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF)
- Moner School
- Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP)
- National Youth Policy (2017)
- Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO)
- Youth Forums
- Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD)
1. Joy Bangla Youth Award (JBYA)
Launched in 2015 by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), the Joy Bangla Youth Award (JBYA) is arguably the most prestigious recognition for youth-led initiatives in Bangladesh. This award celebrates the contributions of young changemakers who are making significant impacts in areas like climate innovation, education, community wellness, and social inclusion.
The award doesn’t just provide recognition; it also offers a platform for mentoring and networking. Over the years, JBYA has awarded several youth organizations like Mojar School, which focuses on providing free education to street children, and Robolife Technology, which designs affordable prosthetic limbs. These organizations exemplify the innovative and forward-thinking solutions emerging from the youth of Bangladesh. In addition, by giving a spotlight to such youth-led initiatives, JBYA inspires countless others to take part in the country’s development process.
2. JAAGO Foundation
Established in 2007, the JAAGO Foundation has become one of the most influential youth empowerment organizations in Bangladesh. With its main focus on education, JAAGO has been transforming lives through its schools and volunteer networks. It operates an educational platform for underprivileged children, integrating both online and offline teaching methods.
JAAGO’s Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) initiative plays a crucial role in encouraging youth participation in community service projects across the country. VBD has mobilized thousands of volunteers who work on disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and educational outreach programs. With a presence in all 64 districts, JAAGO’s impact is far-reaching, helping to nurture the next generation of leaders who are deeply connected to the development of their communities.
3. Youth Empowerment through Skills (YES) Centre
Youth unemployment is one of Bangladesh’s major challenges, particularly for young women, and the Youth Empowerment through Skills (YES) Centre addresses this issue head-on. Managed by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and HOPE’87, the YES Centre provides vocational and life-skills training to help youth, especially women, gain economic independence.
By offering courses in areas like information technology, entrepreneurship, and traditional trades such as tailoring, the program creates pathways for young people to become financially self-reliant. Beyond vocational skills, the YES Centre also equips participants with essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork, preparing them for the job market. As more young people become skilled and self-sufficient, they are contributing to national economic growth and reducing the gender gap in employment.
4. Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF)
Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF) has been active since 2000 and has expanded its footprint across 44 districts in Bangladesh. The foundation primarily focuses on empowering marginalized youth by offering them platforms to engage in social activities, leadership programs, and community service initiatives.
With a volunteer base of over 48,000 youths, DYDF reaches almost half a million people, addressing issues such as education, health, and disaster management. Its work includes organizing awareness campaigns, providing disaster relief, and creating capacity-building programs for disadvantaged groups. DYDF has also made substantial contributions to promoting minority rights and fostering a more inclusive society. By giving marginalized youths the tools and resources to uplift themselves and their communities, DYDF continues to be a driving force for social change in Bangladesh.
5. Moner School
Mental health is an often overlooked but critical aspect of youth empowerment, and Moner School fills this gap by offering a platform focused on mental health awareness among young people. The initiative provides counseling, mental health literacy workshops, and a safe space for young people to discuss issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
Moner School has reached over 11,000 young individuals, fostering emotional resilience and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. By incorporating peer support networks and professional counseling, Moner School promotes a holistic approach to youth well-being. Given the rising rates of mental health challenges among Bangladeshi youth, this platform is essential for creating a healthier and more emotionally stable generation.
6. Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP)
The Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) is a government-led initiative aimed at equipping young people with job-ready skills in sectors such as information technology, construction, and manufacturing. With Bangladesh’s rapidly growing economy, the demand for skilled labor is increasing, and SEIP seeks to meet this need by offering market-driven training programs.
SEIP has already trained hundreds of thousands of young people, especially from rural and underserved areas, providing them with skills that are directly relevant to the job market. By bridging the gap between education and employment, SEIP is playing a crucial role in reducing youth unemployment and ensuring that the country’s growing industries have access to a skilled workforce.
7. National Youth Policy (2017)
The National Youth Policy of 2017 is a comprehensive framework designed to harness the potential of Bangladesh’s young population. It encourages youth engagement in national development through various programs, including entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and leadership development.
One of the policy’s key components is its focus on inclusive participation, ensuring that marginalized and rural youths have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. The policy also aims to address challenges such as unemployment, drug abuse, and social inequality by creating support systems that empower young people to contribute to national growth.
8. Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO)
Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO) engages young people in community development initiatives aimed at addressing critical social issues like drug addiction, environmental sustainability, and youth unemployment. By focusing on youth-led interventions, ESDO ensures that young people are at the forefront of solving problems within their communities.
One of ESDO’s most notable achievements is its work in raising awareness about drug abuse and providing employment skills to at-risk youth. Through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs, ESDO empowers young people to take charge of their futures, transforming them from passive recipients of aid to active problem-solvers.
9. Youth Forums
Youth Forums offer an inclusive platform for young people to express their opinions and contribute to the national discourse on important issues such as education, environmental protection, and employment. These forums act as a bridge between the youth and policymakers, allowing for direct interaction and ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in shaping policy decisions.
By bringing together youths from diverse backgrounds, Youth Forums creates a space for the exchange of ideas and collaboration, encouraging participants to think critically about their role in the country’s future. As a result, these forums are essential in fostering active citizenship and ensuring that the younger generation takes part in nation-building.
10. Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD)
As an initiative of the JAAGO Foundation, Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) has grown into the country’s largest youth volunteer platform. VBD mobilizes thousands of young volunteers across Bangladesh to participate in community service projects ranging from disaster relief to poverty alleviation and educational outreach.
By fostering a culture of volunteerism, VBD instills a sense of civic responsibility and social engagement in young people. This initiative has proven to be a valuable tool for social change, addressing critical issues while also providing young people with the skills, experience, and networks necessary to become future leaders.
Conclusion
Youth empowerment is crucial for Bangladesh’s continued development. These initiatives provide young people with the tools, skills, and platforms to become active participants in their communities and the broader economy. As these programs continue to expand and evolve, the youth of Bangladesh will play an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future, making the nation more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous.
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