Mobilizing Youth for Change: A Story of Challenges, Teamwork, and Growth

In May, I experienced one of the most challenging months of my journey as a Mobilization Leader at LP4Y Green Village Bangladesh. Every month brings its own set of obstacles, but this time was particularly demanding. My role is centered on mobilizing Youth for change specifically, engaging at least 16 Youth each month to join LP4Y’s professional training program. However many of the target Youth were unavailable due to academic exams. Reaching out to eligible Youth felt like an uphill battle, but I was determined not to give up.

To face this challenge, I leaned on collaboration. I worked closely with our incredible community mobilizers and partner organizations. I also conducted several home visits, speaking directly with Youth and their families, especially in communities where parents were hesitant to let their daughters join professional training. I listened with care, addressed their concerns, and shared how LP4Y empowers young women to become independent and confident.

These visits were not without their difficulties. Many Youth lived in remote areas with poor transportation. In one case, I had to walk nearly 5 kilometers before finding a rickshaw. There were no hospitals nearby either. But I pushed forward, visiting homes, building trust, and encouraging Youth to join. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed committed.

By the end of the month, I successfully mobilized 16 Youth and reached my target. It wasn’t just my achievement, it was the result of strong teamwork and shared purpose.

Midway through the month, we had our Country Seminar in Sylhet. We spent a week sharing experiences, learning from one another, and building strong connections. It was a time of growth, reflection, and unity.

Soon after, we welcomed Batch 38 during Discovery Week. This group included 16 Youth, some had dropped out of school, some were divorced, and most had experienced various forms of exclusion. One Youth shared a deeply moving story that stayed with me.

She came from a poor family with no land or permanent home. Ten months ago, she was married off to a 38-year-old man, his second marriage, because her family was offered a dowry of 2 lakh taka. After marriage, she learned he had over 40 lakh taka in debt and suffered physical and emotional abuse. When she reached out to her family, they told her to stay in the marriage.

Now, she’s part of LP4Y. Despite ongoing pressure from her family and husband, she’s determined to live independently and build a new life. Her courage inspired me, and reminded me why this work matters so much.

This month taught me the true meaning of teamwork. Every success was a collective one, thanks to our team, our Youth, and our partners. Together, we made it happen.

At our Country Seminar, we embraced the theme “We Are the Future.” We shared ideas, lifted each other up, and truly felt the power of unity.

After facing and overcoming so many challenges together, I now understand that this theme isn’t just a slogan. It’s something we are living, growing into, and creating, side by side.

We are not just welcoming the future.

We are the future.