This year's Joy Bangla Youth Award program under Young Bangla, the youth platform of non-profit Centre for Research and Information (CRI), will be held from October 27-28 to facilitate, showcase and give recognition to young Bangladeshi change-makers and promising innovators.
Young Bangla will select the top 50 youth-led organizations and platforms under 10 categories for the third edition of the award.
The two-day event will be held at Savar’s Sheikh Hasina National Youth Development Institute.
The nominees are:
1. Akota Unnoyon Shongothon, Jhenidah
Akota Unnoyon Shongothon works for the empowerment of people with physical disabilities by providing them with basic education and assistance during emergencies. Sumon Parves founded Akota in Jhenaidah in 2015. The organization currently has 85 beneficiaries, 300 members and 100 volunteers.
2. All for One Foundation, Dhaka
The All for One Foundation began with a mission to promote positive hygiene practices and make them more accessible and affordable for poverty-stricken people in Bangladesh. The organization was founded Kamrun Nesa Mira in Dhaka.
3. Anushilon Mojar School, Khulna
Anushilon Mojar School was established in Khulna in 2015. Alok Chandra Das founded the school with a vision to provide free education for underprivileged children who are forced to work in the industrial sector. As of today, they have 250 beneficiaries, 15 volunteers and 41 members.
4. BD Assistant, Rangpur
Bd Assistant has been working with two objectives. One is to provide technical training to college-dropouts, and the other is to provide one step, door-to-door technician services. Abu Sayed from Rangpur started the company in 2016, and they currently have 500 beneficiaries, 50 members and 10 staff members.
5. Bayanno, Chittagong
Bayanno was established in Chittagong in 2017. Their aim is to promote reading and different kinds of educational activities. Founder Naznin Akhter Nazu is working with 184 volunteers and 20 members, and the organization currently has 336 beneficiaries.
6. Bridge Foundation, Dhaka
The Bridge Foundation’s mission is to empower people with disbilities. Co- founder Swarna Moye Sarker, from Dhaka, began the online platform from 2013, where they provide graphics, internet marketing, arts and painting training so people wit disabilities can gain employment. They have 35 beneficiaries and 15 volunteers.
7. Brihonnola, Dhaka
Brihonnola aims to provide education and training to the transgender community. Sadikul Islam from Dhaka founded the organization in 2017, and they have 50 transgender beneficiaries, 21 members and 50 volunteers.
8. Call for Blood, Dhaka
Call for Blood, a student-run organization, aims to provide free blood for anyone in need. Md Sarwar Kamal Shoaib founded the online platform in Dhaka in 2011. Call for Blood provides services all over Bangladesh, with 134 volunteers and 300,000 donors. More than 100,000 people have benefited through the platform.
9. Digital Center, Madaripur
The Digital Center was established in Madaripur in 2014. The centre provides cyber security training to women, and their target is to train 200 women by 2020. Director Al Shahriat Karim is working with a six-member team, and they currently have 7 beneficiaries.
10. Durbar Progoti Shonghothon, Chittagong
Durbar Progoti Shonghothon was established in the port city of Chittagong in 2011. Their goal is to improve the lives of under-privileged people by providing them with free education, scholarships, and free health checkups. Founder Shaif Uddin is working with a team of 118 volunteers, 243 members. Almost 1,000 people have already benefited from the organization.
11. The Flag Girl, Dhaka
The Flag Girl is a social media platform for women of different nationalities to interact freely about challenges while travelling. Priota Iftekhar, from Dhaka, founded the group in 2013, and they now have 50 beneficiaries, 2,023 members and 100 volunteers.
12. Ghuri Foundation, Barisal
The Ghuri Foundation’s objective is to educate destitute and helpless children, particularly about the history of the Liberation War. Rakibul Hasan, from Barisal, founded the organization in 2014, and they have 500 beneficiaries, 100 volunteers, and 55 members.
13. Gurukul, Kushtia
Gurukul’s objective is to build a skilled and educated society for the future generation of Bangladesh. They provide free career counselling, computer and vocational training, and medical checkups. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Masum founded the organization in Kushtia in 2008, and they have 22,000 beneficiaries and 7,000 volunteers.
14. Jibon, Rangamati
Jibon is the sole organization in Rangamati that provides blood to those in need. Sazid bin Zahid, the founder of the organization, operates the non-profit organization through social media. Currently, they have 6,000 beneficiaries, 1,500 volunteers and 300 members.
15. Kkhyapa, Dhaka
Kkhyapa is a band which focuses on empowering students with disabilities through music. Founder Joshiah Sangma, from Dhaka, started the band in 2016 with seven members, and has continued inspiring audiences, especially the student community.
16. Lalmonirhat Taekwon-Do Association, Lalmonirhat
The Lalmonirhat Taekwon-Do Association’s aim is to train women and children in self-defence. Swantana Rani Roy founded the organization in Lalmonirhat in 2016, and they have 30 members and 30 beneficiaries.
17. Light to Life, Dhaka
Founded by Labib Tazone Utshob from Dhaka, Light to Life began its mental health awareness program to provide counselling services for the youth- mainly, students of Bangladesh. They have 600 beneficiaries and 500 members.
18. Narail Volunteers, Narail
Narail Volunteers is a Khulna-based organization which was established in 2017 with the aim of providing for the basic needs of under-privileged children. They conduct free ICT training and awareness programs, making social movies for the development of the youth. Founded by Md Saadat Rahman Sakib, the organization has 300 volunteers and 40 members. Until now, they have gathered 15 beneficiaries.
19. Nari Shakti Foundation, Panchagarh
Nari Shakti Jagorone Foundation aims to provide adult education, emergency help in disaster, tree plantation, and vocational training. This organization started its journey in 2010 and Director Mossamat Farzana Zebun has been working for 8 years. They have 87 beneficiaries and 367 members.
20. Neer Sheba Kendro, Jessore
Neer Sheba Kendro was established in Khulna in 2017 and their main goal is to provide free education, nutrition, farming advice, and safe hygiene and sanitation for the under-privileged people of society. Farjana Afroz has been working as the general secretary of the organization for two years, with a team of 30 volunteers and 10 members. They have 2,000 beneficiaries.
21. Notun Jibon, Cox’s Bazar
Notun Jibon, established in Cox’s Bazar in 2018, aspires to ensure education, health care, and entertainment for street children. Currently, member Towhidul Islam, who has been involved with the organization for the last four years, has 15 volunteers and 35 members to help him. They have 120 beneficiaries.
22. Onubikkhon, Sylhet
Onubikkhon aims to provide basic education, and the main part of their curriculum is their awareness program. Shafiqul Islam Karim from Sylhet, the president of the organization, is currently working with 30 volunteers and members, and the organization has 65 beneficiaries.
23. Pakhi Foundation, Dhaka
Pakhi Foundation is the only school in Old Dhaka for people with disabilities. Jhumona Mullick Jhume founded the school in 2017 by supporting her own daughter. Currently, she has 200 beneficiaries, 20 members and nine trained teachers.
24. Poribesh O Haor Unnoyon Shongothon, Sunamganj
Poribesh O Haor Unnoyon Sangstha's aim is to establish the rights of the inhabitants of haor regions. Nabid Hasan, the founder of the organization, wants to help fishermen and farmers by giving them financial assistance through different agencies. They have 500,000 beneficiaries and 50 volunteers.
25. Pran O Prokriti, Naogaon
Pran o Prokriti's mission is to work for the preservation of birds and conservation of forests. Founding member and President Kazi Nazmul Hossain, from Naogaon, began the organizaion in 2010, and it currently has 120 members, 80 volunteers, and 120 beneficiaries.
26. Projukti O Projonmo Foundation
Projukti O Projonmo Foundation aims to provide ICT education at all upazila schools that are deprived of such facilities. Through a mobile application, they provide training to primary school students. Dr Tanziba Rahman, from Dhaka, founded the organization in 2017, and they have almost 1,000 beneficiaries and 60 volunteers.
27. Prothom Surjo Agro Farm
Prothom Surjo Agro Farm provides training on farm management and financial assistance for establishing farms to new entrepreneurs. Kamrun Nahar founded the organization in 2016, and it presently has 855 beneficiaries, 4 members, and 8 employees.
28. Protibondhi Kollayan Shamiti
Protibondhi Kollayan Shamiti provides physical fitness training and education for people with disabilities. This organization was established in Mymensingh in 2001, and General Secretary Nurul Islam has been working there for 5 years. Presently, they have 300 beneficiaries and 781 volunteers.
29. Protibondhi Kollayan Sangstha
Protibondhi Kollayan Sangstha was established in Khulna in 2010, with the aim of ensuring the rights of people with disabilities. They also provide education and ICT training to help people with disabilities find jobs. Co-founder Shirin Khatun has been working with the organization for 7 years, with 12 volunteers, 392 members, and 85 beneficiaries.
30. Relation to People
Relation to People’s goal is to support the underprivileged by giving them financial assistance during emergencies in Sylhet. Imtiaz Mohammad Papon founded the organization in 2016, and they have 100 beneficiaries, 30 volunteers, and 72 members.
31. Safal Shrimp Service Center
Safal Shrimp Service Center provides free water and soil testing services to farmers. They help with and raise awareness of safe shrimp farming among farmers. Mukul Islam, from Satkhira, co-founded the organization in 2017. Presently, they have 5,690 beneficiaries, 12 members, and 37 volunteers.
32. Salandar High School Women’s Basketball Team
Salandar, a basketball team in the remote area of Thakurgaon, has been struggling from the beginning. They began without a proper basketball to practice with. Now, four of the team members have already been selected for the national basketball team, which started its journey in 2018.
33. Shikkhar Alo Pathshala
Shikkhar Alo Pathshala provides education to orphans and underprivileged children. Sani Rahman, from Dhaka, founded the organization in 2014, and they have 300 beneficiaries and 200 volunteers.
34. Shishu Nat
Shishu Nat plays provides drama classes and theatre training to children. Tanmay Pal Chowdhury, from Sylhet, established the cultural school in 2015, and they currently have 10 beneficiaries and 50 members.
35. Shishu Protiva Bikash Kendro
Shishu Protiva Bikash Kendro’s main goal is to ensure institutional and cultural education for the underprivileged, as well as to inspire them into learning the history of the Liberation War. Founder Dr Sayed Mizanur Rahman established the organization in Dhaka in 2016, with 220 volunteers and 39 members. They have 1,260 beneficiaries.
36. Shopno Jatri Foundation
The Shopno Jatri Foundation provides free education, vocational training, and food for those in need. Md Kamal Hosen Chowdhury, from Chittagong, founded the organization in 2014. The organization has 100 beneficiaries and 200 volunteers.
37. Shopno Sarothy Public Library
Shopno Sarothy Public Library was established in Naogaon in 2016, with the goal of promoting reading through reading sessions. They also organize quizzes and debate competitions for students. Mizanur Rahman has been working with the organization from the beginning, along with 20 volunteers, and it currently has 10, 000 beneficiaries.
38. Shopno Tori Foundation
The Shopno Tori foundation aims to empower women, by giving them self defence classes in Judo. Founder Mahmuda Akter Jahan, from Brahmanbaria, established the organization in 2016, and they have 900 beneficiaries, as well as 50 volunteers and members.
39. Social Welfare Institute
The Social Welfare Institute was established in Mymensingh in 2016. The organization works for the neurodevelopment of people with disabilities, through physiotherapy, music, speech, and language programs. Manas Kanti Saha has been working with the organization for 2 and half years as a director. They presently have 397 beneficiaries, and 155 volunteers.
40. Student Organization of Youth Power
The Student Organization of Youth Power provides career counseling for the intellectual development of students every month, and also organizes anti-drug awareness campaigns at different schools and colleges. Mohammad Shoaibur Rahman Shojib founded the organization in Gaibandha in 2016. They currently have 10 beneficiaries, and 800 volunteers.
41. Sylhet Art and Autism Foundation
The Sylhet Art and Autism Foundation promotes authentic Liberation War history and conducts awareness programs. The organization began its journey in 2013, and member secretary Ismail Goni Himon has been working there for 5 years. They presently have 200 volunteers and many beneficiaries.
42. Tara Initiative
Tara Initiative aims is to substantially improve the life of destitute and poverty-stricken people. Founder Apu Placid, from Dhaka, initiated the effort through literacy and nutrition programs. They have 2,100 beneficiaries, 300 volunteers, and 117 members.
43. Taru Chaya
Taru Chaya’s mission is to eliminate drug use and child marriage, and help the victims of natural disasters. Md Khalid Mahnud Shazib, from Faridpur, established the organization in 2016. They have 400 beneficiaries and 450 volunteers.
44. Tarunno 71
Tarunno 71 was established in 2016, with the aim of eradicating child marriage, ensuring primary education, and providing ICT training. Founder Shahriar Zaman Dhrubo, from Kushtia, has been working with 300 volunteers, and they have 2,000 beneficiaries.
45. Tetulia Pathshala
Tetulia Pathshala, which was established in Barisal in 2016, provides free education to the underprivileged, works to eradicate child marriage, and promotes dowry free marriage. Imran Mrida is the president of the organization, which has 157 volunteers and 2,000 beneficiaries.
46. Travelettes of Bangladesh
Travelettes of Bangladesh seeks to empower women to raise their voice against any violence, and provides them with basic self-defence training. Dr Sakia and Dr Manohi Saha began the initiative in 2016, and they currently have 23,000 members and more than 100 beneficiaries.
47. University Tea Students Association
The University Tea Students Association ensures education for the children of tea plantation workers. They provide free education and conduct awareness programs. Raju Kurmi, from Moulvibazar, founded the organization in 2012. They have 2,000 beneficiaries and 4,000 volunteers.
48. Vorer Alo
Vorer Alo began its journey with the aim of educating street children. Shafiqul Islam khan founded the organization in Chittagong in 2007. They presently have 109,170 beneficiaries and 1,670 members.
49. Wish for Better Jamalpur
Wish for Better Jamalpur’s main objective is to organize debates and book reading competitions for orphaned students to develop their communication and reading skills. Founder Sozib Mia began the initiative in 2014. They have 700 volunteers, 300 members and 150,000 beneficiaries.
50. Youth Net for Climate Justice
Youth Net for Climate Justice, led by a group of young people in Barisal, was established with the aim of preparing everyone to be resilient against climate change. The organization was established in 2016, and chief coordinator Shakila Islam has been working there from the very beginning. They currently have 500 beneficiaries and 1,200 members.
