BYLC Youth Leadership Prize awarded to young change-makers

Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) has awarded 10 groups of young change-makers from around the country with a reward of Tk750,000 each for innovative ideas in making significant social impact. The prize giving ceremony took place on Sunday at Le Meridian Hotel in Dhaka. Among the winners, Green Power from Barisal won for their proposal to provide an alternative source of electricity using tidal power. Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management from Cox’s Bazar won for trying to raise awareness around menstruation hygiene and management in schools. Aqualine from Mymensingh won for trying to create a social business using fish viscera and waste. From Dhaka, the winners are Waste Free Bangladesh working on changing the current practices around garbage management to decrease waste. LLC for Dropouts are aiming to provide free tech training and career opportunities for dropouts. Ground Zero won for raising awareness of sexual abuse of children. Younifi, another winner, is a platform to connect talented volunteers with NGOs and social initiatives. Zhink won for their efforts to teach art and designing skills to street children so they can create and sell products. Aroggo won for their efforts to connect underprivileged patients with medical funds through a website and mobile app. Speaking at the ceremony, BYLC Founder and President Ejaj Ahmad said: “The Youth Leadership Prize is a part of our effort to transform the quality of leadership in Bangladesh. By enabling our graduates, who are equipped with the appropriate leadership skills, to take on social initiatives, we aim to demonstrate the power of youth in leading change in Bangladesh.” Adrian Jones, head of the political section at the British High Commission, handed over the BYLC Youth Leadership Prize to the winners. BYLC Chairperson Akhter Matin Chaudhury FCA, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat, UN Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins and Governance Team Leader of DFID Bangladesh Joel Harding also spoke at the event.