Goal/ Social Change :

The social change goal of strengthening child protection and safeguarding mechanisms with youth leadership entails a multifaceted approach to addressing the safety and well-being of children within a community or society. This objective recognizes the vital role that young people, particularly those in the age range of 18 to 35, can play in championing the rights and protection of children. 

 Outcomes:

1. Youth actively and meaningfully engaged in Child protection and safeguarding. 
2. Service providers and stakeholders proactively engaged in facilitating child protection mechanism
3. Increased national recognition and advocacy for youth-led child protection initiatives 

Geographical area covered 

18 Educational Institutions in Six Union Parishad (UP) of two districts under two divisions

Districts: Patuakhali and Khulna

Division: Barisal and Khulna

Direct Beneficiaries:

TARGET GROUP

This project targets 5,400 students across 18 educational institutions in six unions, aiming to bring about positive social change. Additionally, it places a strong emphasis on child safeguarding and protection, involving members of School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) from these institutions in awareness sessions. The project’s primary beneficiaries include students, teachers, SMC members, relevant stakeholders, government officials, and policymakers.

To start this initiative, 180 youths (aged 18 to 35) will be selected from the six unions in the project area. These individuals will receive education and empowerment, acting as catalysts to involve an additional 1,800 youths from the same unions.

The project also plans to conduct awareness-raising sessions in all 18 educational institutions, with 78 elected chairpersons and members from various entities participating in similar sessions. Ensuring diversity within Youth-Led Organizations (YLOs) is a key priority, aiming for a balanced representation of females, males, individuals with disabilities, as well as those from Indigenous, Dalit, and LGBTQ+ communities, maintaining a gender ratio of 40:60.

For long-term sustainability, the project will closely collaborate with two Youth-Led Organizations (YLOs) to support their organizational development efforts and will facilitate to form a local network among YLOs. This strategic approach aims to create enduring positive change within the community.

Geographical Locations: Dhaka

Project Duration: 1st  January 2024 to 30 June 2025

Project Budget: 1500000 EURO

Donner:  Stiftung Auxilium, Switzerland Through Porticus