The first divisional meeting for the eighth edition of the Joy Bangla Youth Award in Mymensingh brought together a remarkable assembly of young achievers from across the region, highlighting the growing appeal of this prestigious award for trailblazers.

Hundreds of youth-led organizations attended the event, which attendees welcomed as an opportunity for open discussions with the organizers. Several attendees said the event allowed them to have frank discussions with the organizers.

Aimed at reaching promising achievers from the grassroots, the meeting saw enthusiastic participation from former awardees, previous nominees, and first-time applicants. The gathering showcased incredible tales of courage and success from youth-led organizations across the region.

“This interactive session allowed us to listen to the current challenges facing awardees, even in the remotest areas,” said Professor Rashedul Hasan, Senior Associate, Networks and Youth Engagement, CRI.

“From our insightful speakers to the engaged audience, it was an incredible experience for the YB team to hear the voices of grassroots youth,” reads a post on the Young Bangla Facebook page, accompanied by photos illustrating the event.

Applicants were able to register for the upcoming award at https://jbya.youngbangla.org/, and the campaign has sparked widespread interest on social media.

Youth organizations from districts in the Mymensingh division, as well as Kishoreganj, Gazipur, and Tangail, participated in the divisional meet. The Young Bangla team plans to organize similar meets in all divisions throughout July. For more details, interested individuals can follow Young Bangla’s Facebook page.

Organizations led by individuals aged 18 to 35 are eligible in categories such as social inclusion, creative culture, sports and wellness, education and employment, environment and climate, and innovation and communication. A total of 12 awards will be given out, with two in each category.

Eligible organizations include those empowering women, advocating for children's rights, supporting disabled individuals, aiding the disadvantaged, fostering employment and innovation, promoting creativity and entertainment, advancing knowledge and skill development, helping the extremely poor, addressing environmental and climate issues, providing healthcare, engaging in social-cultural initiatives, reducing disaster risk, and offering emergency services.

Organizations must have been involved in these activities for at least 18 months and be at least two years old to apply for an award.