Project: Youth Engagement in Democracy (YED)

Youths are the strongest and the most self-confident, creative and productive guiding force of any nation through whom the hopes and aspirations of a nation are reflected. Therefore, it is important to explore and utilise all their potentials and possibilities.

Manusher Jonno Foundation has received a grant from the United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour to implement a project ‘Youth Engagement in Democracy’.

The project aims to build and strengthen a diverse and pluralistic network of youth leaders through targeted support, collective learning and shared best practices. MJF is carrying out capacity building activities and providing hands-on support to youths and youth-led small organisations to build networks and develop creative outreach campaigns around their efforts. MJF will also provide small grants to support youth-led initiatives to raise awareness on issues affecting young people and bring together youth groups from both countries the USA and Bangladesh to share and learn from each other’s struggles and success stories.

YED project has strategised engaging 16 youth-led organisations (YLOs) to carry out the activities. It emphasised on capacitating the youths so that they can advance the human rights as well as the democratic values. Thus the key focus of this project is the promotion of youth leadership and active citizenship among the targeted youths. The youths are going through a learning process, applying the lessons learnt in their works and emerging a collective force. The engaged YLOs are getting benefited as well through getting involved in different innovative initiatives under YED project. For instance, the YLOs are arranging issue-based ‘Democracy Friend Raiser’ events where they hold constructive discussion on critical issues, share their experiences or spot lights on the barriers or challenges etc. The project has also opened an avenue for the YLOs to extend their networks in-country and regionally. The project was designed in a manner so that the youths can grow as change agents (community frontline activists) in the context of present world.

Project Objectives
To build and strengthen diverse and pluralistic networks of youth leaders through targeted support, collective learning and shared best practice.

Expected Results/Outcomes
1.Increased leadership and advocacy skills among youths and youth-led organisations to advocate for democracy and human rights issues in their communities.
2.Increased understanding on local policy issues and increase national and regional collaborations among youths.

Target Population: Youths between 18-35 years of age.

Direct Beneficiary Numbers: 400.

Geographical Locations

Dhaka, Faridpur and Rajbari Districts. Beyond that a list of division/district based youth-led networks will also be formed under this project.

Implementing Organisations: 16 youth-led organisations and youth-led platforms.

Project Duration: October 2022 – September 2024.

Budget (BDT): 41,813,742.

Funding Agency: United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

Aligns with SDGs: Goal 5, Goal 10, Goal 16 and Goal 17.

Aligns with MJF’s Focused Thematic Issue

Address alienation of youths through building skills that meet market demand, encouraging responsible citizenry, supporting economic empowerment, and assisting them to stay away from anti-social activities, such as drug abuse, radicalisation etc.