Engagement with EU Delegation on Technology-Driven Solutions to Reduce Learning Gaps
On the sidelines of the TVET/Skills Development Partners’ Working Group general meeting, our Executive Director Mr. Yusuf had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh. The discussion focused on reducing learning gaps and advancing skills development through technological interventions, with an emphasis on cost-efficient and easily scalable solutions. Our team shared ongoing innovations being designed and tested to support under-resourced education systems. The meeting brought together development partners including GAC, FCDO, UNESCO, ILO, UNFPA, among others, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaborative action for educational equity and future-ready skills.
Reflective Teens Trust Hosts “Goals for Education” to Mark International Day of Education
Dhaka, 24 January — Organized by Reflective Teens Trust, Goals for Education was successfully held today, bringing together national team footballers across different age levels—Sanjay Karim, Mohammed Karim, Ashik Rahman, Anik Rahman, and Tawhidul Alam Sabuz—alongside leading influencers and representatives from diplomatic missions for a purpose-driven friendly football match in celebration of the International Day of Education. Reflective Teens Trust extends its heartfelt appreciation to all players, participants, supporters, and attendees who stood together to champion education as a fundamental right. Special thanks are extended to the event partners—D-Box Sports Complex, NSU Sports Club, Kiva Han, and Marvel Be You—for their generous support and collaboration, which were instrumental in making Goals for Education a meaningful and impactful initiative. Through initiatives like Goals for Education, Reflective Teens Trust continues to harness the power of sports, youth leadership, and community engagement to drive positive social change and strengthen the call for investing in education.
National Youth Townhall Held in Dhaka to Present Youth Manifesto 2026
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A high-level policy dialogue titled “National Youth Townhall” was held at BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka, bringing together prominent political leaders, civil society representatives, and young citizens from across the country to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s youth and formally present the Youth Manifesto 2026. The event was organized by Reflective Teens Trust, supported by The Asia Foundation, and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Throughout the discussion, speakers repeatedly returned to one central concern: politics is becoming increasingly disconnected from the realities of young people. They spoke about the growing pressure, harassment, and digital abuse faced by youth – especially young women – and described the mental health crisis as a silent emergency that remains largely unaddressed. The conversation also focused on an education system that produces degrees but not skills, and on how the erosion of merit-based opportunities is fueling frustration and distrust. Several speakers warned that young people are no longer moved by slogans or symbolic gestures, and that unless politics shifts toward real accountability, practical reform, and leaders who are present in the field, the gap between citizens and the state will continue to widen. The Townhall was attended by Mahmudur Rahman Manna (President, Nagorik Oikya), Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (President, National Doctors Forum & Parliamentary Candidate, Dhaka-17), Samantha Sharmin (Senior Joint Convener, NCP), Hasan Al Mamun (General Secretary, Gono Odhikar Parishad), Ali Ahsan Zonaed (Convener, UP Bangladesh), Barrister Shahedul Azam (Organizing Secretary, National Democratic Movement) and alongside a large number of young participants from different backgrounds. The town hall was convened by Yusuf Munna, Executive Director of Reflective Teens Trust, bringing together diverse voices for dialogue and engagement. A significant number of youth participants were present in the hall and actively engaged in the discussion, questioning the political leaders on issues of governance, education, employment, political reform, and the future direction of the country. The Youth Manifesto 2026, prepared by Reflective Teens Trust through nationwide consultations, presents a five-year reform roadmap (2026–2031) structured across three phases: 0–100 days, 0–2 years, and 0–5 years. The manifesto identifies five major crisis clusters: Gender & Society Education & Employment Youth & Politics Technology Environment & Health It proposes concrete reforms including Youth Advisory Councils, participatory budgeting, a Youth Confidence Index, merit-based recruitment reforms, mental health integration into public services, campus depoliticization, and digital rights and AI governance frameworks. The Townhall concluded with a call on all political parties and electoral candidates to engage seriously with the Youth Manifesto and recognize young people not as a vote bank, but as partners in nation-building. As Bangladesh moves toward a crucial national election, the National Youth Townhall marked an important step in bringing youth voices into the center of national policy and democratic debate. For enquiries: +8801601916039 / reflectiveteens@gmail.com