Empowering Youth for a Safer Digital Future: Cybersecurity Workshop Series Launches with Global Experts
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity awareness and ethical internet use have become essential life skills—especially for youth. To build capacity among young changemakers, a Cybersecurity Workshop Series will be hosted every Saturday throughout May, featuring four intensive sessions led by international experts from Internet Society, Swiss Cyber Institute, and Kaspersky. The series will engage 20 selected participants from diverse backgrounds in virtual, hour-long workshops that cover: Cybersecurity threats and digital hygiene Strategies for protecting digital identities Detecting misinformation and AI-generated content Responsible and ethical online behavior Empowering Youth-Led Community ActionUpon completion of the workshop series, participants will take the lead in designing and implementing community campaigns to amplify their knowledge and raise awareness among their peers. These youth-led initiatives aim to extend the reach of the training and promote safer digital practices in their respective communities. How to Apply:Youth aged 18–30 are invited to apply by sending their full name, phone number, email address, academic institution, and a brief statement (in 5 sentences) about why they want to join the series. Applications can be submitted via inbox or email to reflectiveteens@gmail.com. Application Deadline: 30 April, 2025 This initiative is part of a broader commitment to digital literacy, youth empowerment, and online safety, ensuring that young leaders not only protect themselves but also become advocates for a more secure and ethical digital ecosystem.
Shapers Chattogram Hub & Reflective Teens Donates Laptops, Learning Materials, and Internet Access to 250+ Students of Matarbari Kindergarten
Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar – In a powerful step toward bridging the digital divide, Global Shapers Chattogram Hub and Reflective Teens has donated laptops, essential learning materials, and free internet connectivity to over 250 students of Matarbari Kindergarten, a community-based school serving children from underprivileged backgrounds. This initiative is already making a significant impact, enabling students to join online classes, engage in digital literacy training, and explore self-paced learning platforms for the very first time. With these resources, learners can now access a world of educational content, mentorship programs, and creative tools that were previously out of reach. The school’s teachers have expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support. Ms. Rukhsana Begum, a senior teacher at Matarbari Kindergarten, shared, “Most of our students had never seen a laptop before. Today, they’re not only using them but actively participating in digital classes. Their excitement is infectious, and their confidence is growing every day.” Students, too, are embracing this new chapter in their learning journey. Fahim, a Class 4 student, said, “I always wanted to explore computers and learn new things. Now I can watch science videos, draw online, and even join workshops. It feels like the future is finally in our hands.” Global Shapers Chattogram Hub and Reflective Teens has stated that this is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering students through accessible technology and meaningful learning experiences. The initiative includes follow-up training for both students and educators to ensure sustainable and effective use of the digital tools. This act of inclusion and innovation stands as a testament to Global Shapers Chattogram Hub and Reflective Teens’ mission of transforming under-resourced schools into hubs of opportunity and creativity—starting with the bright minds of Matarbari Kindergarten.
When Passion Meets Purpose: IUB Students and Reflective Teens Spark Island Talent
As part of an innovative collaboration between Reflective Teens and students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), ten promising teen artists from Matarbari Kindergarten have been provided with essential painting materials and creative guidance. Over the course of a month, these young learners engaged in a hands-on training program designed to nurture their artistic potential and allow them to explore their creative expression. This initiative was spearheaded by three IUB students—Sudeepto Saha, Ashrafi Anjuman Sneha, and Mohammad Nahid Islam—who generously used the token money they received during the university’s 25th Convocation. The funds were presented to them by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IUB, symbolizing a gesture of trust in their potential and social responsibility. The outcome of this inspiring effort will culminate in an art exhibition at the EMK Center in Dhaka, where the final paintings of the Matarbari teen artists will be displayed. The exhibition aims to not only celebrate the creativity of these island children but also highlight how strategic support and collaboration can empower youth in under-resourced communities. This project exemplifies the transformative power of youth-led action in fostering talent and inclusivity through the arts.
Yusuf Munna selected as Internet Society Fellow
Yusuf Munna selected as Internet Society Fellow [Dhaka, 07 March 2025] – Yusuf Munna, Founder and Executive Director of Reflective Teens, has been selected as an Internet Society Early Career Fellow in recognition of his impactful work in promoting internet safety for last-mile communities and schools. Through Reflective Teens, he has been instrumental in ensuring that students and educators can navigate the digital world securely and responsibly. The Internet Society Early Career Fellowship provides emerging leaders with unparalleled access to world-class experts, including scholars from American University and the Oxford Internet Institute. This prestigious program will enable Yusuf to further his advocacy for digital inclusion and online safety, contributing to shaping a more secure and accessible internet for underserved communities. Reflective Teens continues to drive positive change through policy advocacy, digital literacy initiatives, and innovative educational programs that empower youth in Bangladesh and beyond. Yusuf’s selection for this fellowship underscores his commitment to leveraging the internet for social good. ইন্টারনেট সোসাইটির ফেলো নির্বাচিত হয়েছেন ইউসুফ মুন্না [ঢাকা, ০৭ মার্চ ২০২৫] – ইন্টারনেট সোসাইটি আর্লি ক্যারিয়ার ফেলোশিপ অর্জন করেছেন রিফ্লেকটিভ টিনস-এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ও নির্বাহী পরিচালক ইউসুফ মুন্না। প্রান্তিক জনগোষ্ঠী ও স্কুলগুলোর জন্য ইন্টারনেট নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিতকরণে তার উল্লেখযোগ্য অবদানের স্বীকৃতি হিসেবে এই ফেলোশিপের জন্য নির্বাচিত করা হয়েছে। রিফ্লেকটিভ টিনসের মাধ্যমে শিক্ষার্থী ও শিক্ষকদের নিরাপদ ও দায়িত্বশীলভাবে ডিজিটাল জগৎ পরিচালনার জন্য সচেতন করে তুলতে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে রিফ্লেকটিভ টিনস। ইন্টারনেট সোসাইটি আর্লি ক্যারিয়ার ফেলোশিপ বিশ্বমানের বিশেষজ্ঞদের সাথে সরাসরি সংযুক্ত হওয়ার সুযোগ প্রদান করে, যেখানে আমেরিকান ইউনিভার্সিটি ও অক্সফোর্ড ইন্টারনেট ইনস্টিটিউটের গবেষকরা অন্তর্ভুক্ত রয়েছেন। এই মর্যাদাপূর্ণ প্রোগ্রাম ইউসুফকে ডিজিটাল অন্তর্ভুক্তি ও অনলাইন নিরাপত্তার প্রচারে তার উদ্যোগকে আরও বিস্তৃত করতে সহায়তা করবে, যা পিছিয়ে থাকা সম্প্রদায়গুলোর জন্য একটি নিরাপদ ও সহজলভ্য ইন্টারনেট ব্যবস্থা গড়ে তুলতে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রাখবে। রিফ্লেকটিভ টিনস তাদের পলিসি এডভোকেসি, ডিজিটাল সাক্ষরতা বৃদ্ধির উদ্যোগ এবং উদ্ভাবনী শিক্ষামূলক প্রোগ্রামের মাধ্যমে বাংলাদেশ ও এর বাইরের যুবসমাজের ক্ষমতায়নে করতে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। ইউসুফের এই ফেলোশিপ অর্জন সামাজিক কল্যাণে ইন্টারনেটকে ইতিবাচকভাবে ব্যবহার করার প্রতিশ্রুতির প্রতিফলন বহন করে। ——- For media inquiries or more information, please contact: yusufmunna16@gmail.com
Reports
Reflective Teens (RT) is a Bangladesh-based non-profit organization established in 2013 as a registered trust. It aims to empower under-resourced schools throughout the country by designing innovative solutions that address the challenges these schools face. To know kore about us, please have a look into the document here. Reflective Teens 3-pager
Yusuf Munna Appointed to The Possibilists Council
Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and the founder of Reflective Teens (RT), Yusuf Munna, has been selected as a council member of German based NGO, The Possibilists. He joins an elite group of 12 changemakers from across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and the MENA region, placing at the heart of a powerful global ecosystem that includes over 20 renowned youth innovation networks such as Ashoka, the Diana Award, the Obama Foundation, One Young World, and Yunus & Youth. As a council member, Yusuf will bring insights and expertise, offering guidance to The Possibilists team and global alliance partners. He will also play a key role in preparing a study that will provide scientific insights into the lives and needs of young changemakers worldwide, aiming to co-create systemic solutions to better support youth driving positive change globally. দ্য পসিবিলিস্টস কাউন্সিলের সদস্য নির্বাচিত হলেন ইউসুফ মুন্না বাংলাদেশি সামাজিক উদ্যোক্তা এবং রিফ্লেকটিভ টিনস (আরটি) এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ইউসুফ মুন্না সম্প্রতি জার্মানভিত্তিক অলাভজনক সংস্থা দ্য পসিবিলিস্টস কাউন্সিলের সদস্য হিসেবে নির্বাচিত হয়েছেন। ইউরোপ, আফ্রিকা, এশিয়া, উত্তর ও দক্ষিণ আমেরিকা এবং মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের ১২ জন উদ্ভাবনীর মধ্যে একজন হিসেবে তিনি এক শক্তিশালী বৈশ্বিক নেটওয়ার্কের অংশ হলেন, যেখানে আশোকা, ডায়ানা অ্যাওয়ার্ড, ওবামা ফাউন্ডেশন, ওয়ান ইয়াং ওয়ার্ল্ড, ইউনুস অ্যান্ড ইয়ুথের মতো ২০টিরও বেশি প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রতিনিধিত্ব রয়েছে। দ্য পসিবিলিস্টস কাউন্সিলের সদস্য হিসেবে ইউসুফ তার অভিজ্ঞতা ও দিকনির্দেশনা প্রদান করবেন এবং বৈশ্বিক অংশীদারদের সাথে পরামর্শ বিনিময় করবেন। এছাড়া তিনি একটি গবেষণা প্রতিবেদন প্রস্তুতিতে অংশ নেবেন যা উদ্ভাবনী তরুণদের জীবন, কাজ এবং চাহিদা নিয়ে বৈজ্ঞানিক অন্তর্দৃষ্টি প্রদান করবে। উল্লেখ্য, এই তথ্যের উপর ভিত্তি করে, যুব সমাজের ইতিবাচক পরিবর্তন আনার জন্য কার্যকর ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণে সহায়ক সমাধানসমূহ নির্মাণ করা হবে।
Reflective Teens Launches ‘Paharer Golpo’ – A Collection of Indigenous Tales
Reflective Teens, a youth-led nonprofit organization, successfully hosted the launch of its latest publication, Paharer Golpo, today at Kennedy Hall, EMK Centre, Gulshan-2, Dhaka. The book is a compilation of stories that reflect the rich heritage and cultural narratives of the indigenous communities of Bangladesh. The launch event, held from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, opened with remarks by Yusuf, Founder and Executive Director of Reflective Teens. Yusuf highlighted the significance of Paharer Golpo, emphasizing its role in bringing the perspectives of indigenous peoples to the forefront. “This book aims to bridge the gap between the indigenous communities and the mainstream Bangalee population,” Yusuf stated. “Given the current situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, it is crucial for all of us to work together to promote harmony and understanding among the diverse peoples of our country.” The Chief Guest, renowned writer and cartoonist Ahsan Habib, praised the Reflective Teens team and everyone involved in the making of the book. He lauded the effort as an essential contribution to amplifying indigenous voices and expressed his commitment to continue supporting initiatives that highlight the indigenous perspective. Saima Afsara, Programme Officer at EMK Centre, also praised the project, stating, “This initiative is a remarkable step towards amplifying the voices of our indigenous communities, whose stories are often left unheard. I would like to thank the team at Reflective Teens for this brilliant initiative, and I am glad that we could be a part of it.” EMK Centre, a key patron of this project, has supported Paharer Golpo in its journey from concept to completion. Their backing has been instrumental in ensuring the stories of indigenous communities reach a wider audience, fostering greater cultural understanding. Reflective Teens is dedicated to empowering under-resourced communities through innovative projects, and Paharer Golpo serves as a testament to their mission of inclusivity and cultural awareness. The book is part of their ongoing effort to spread awareness of the indigenous heritage of the hill tracts, ensuring these narratives reach a broader audience.
Empowering Future Changemakers: Fostering Creativity and Education through Student-Led Climate Solutions in Khulna and Bagerhat
Reflective Teens Trust, in collaboration with Innovision Consulting, is proud to be part of the Feed the Future Bangladesh Nutrition Activity Program. This initiative focuses on working with 15 schools across the Khulna and Bagerhat regions to enhance climate literacy and empower students to design and implement locally led solutions to address climate challenges unique to their communities. By combining hands-on education with practical innovation, students are encouraged to identify environmental issues in their surroundings and develop sustainable, community-driven solutions. This initiative not only fosters climate awareness but also creates valuable opportunities for local students to realize their full potential. By utilizing their creativity, students are empowered to take ownership of the issues facing their communities and actively contribute to solving real-world problems. Reflective Teens Trust is dedicated to bringing these student-designed projects to life by providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and guidance. Through this collaboration, the program aims to inspire a new generation of changemakers, helping students build resilience while discovering and utilizing their talents to make a meaningful impact on their environment.
EMK Center X Reflective Teens Heritage Tales: Revitalizing Bangladesh’s Indigenous Narratives through Comic Art
This project aims to vitalize Bangladesh’s rich indigenous heritage and bringing that to the mainstream through a unique comic book. Young indigenous writers will be recruited and trained to collect folk tales from their own communities. These diverse narratives will be woven together by a professional comic book writer, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural wisdom and vibrant illustrations. The comic book will then be distributed across different libraries, schools and research centers in Bangladesh, fostering understanding and appreciation for indigenous cultures among the broader population. This project not only preserves folklore but also empowers young indigenous writers. This project holds vital importance for several reasons: 1. Preserving Heritage: Indigenous folk tales are fragile threads connecting past and present. Our project captures and weaves them into a tapestry, ensuring their survival for future generations. 2. Fostering Understanding: The comic book bridge between cultures, promoting empathy and appreciation for Bangladesh’s diverse heritage among the broader population. 3. Inspiring Youth: Young readers across Bangladesh connect with relatable characters and engaging stories, sparking curiosity and respect for indigenous communities. This project is not just about comics; it’s about safeguarding heritage, empowering voices, building bridges, and igniting imaginations. Primary Beneficiaries: Indigenous communities: ○ Preservation of cultural heritage: This project directly benefits indigenous communities by safeguarding their unique folk tales and ensuring their transmission to future generations. This strengthens their cultural identity and promotes a sense of pride and ownership. ○ Empowerment: Young indigenous writers gain valuable skills and a platform to share their voices and perspectives, boosting their confidence and leadership potential. Secondary Beneficiaries: Bangladeshi society as a whole: ○ Increased understanding and appreciation: The comic book serve as a bridge between cultures, fostering empathy and respect for the rich and diverse heritage of Bangladesh’s indigenous communities. This promotes inclusivity and combats cultural prejudice. ○ Educational value: The engaging format of the comic book provides a accessible and interactive way for diverse audiences to learn about Bangladesh’s history, traditions, and values. ○ Entertainment and creative inspiration: The project promote local storytelling and the comic book format, potentially influencing Bangladesh’s artistic landscape and offering novel entertainment options. Project Activities Identifying Emerging Talent: We actively seek out and engage young indigenous writers with a passion for their communities’ narratives. Storytelling Immersion: Through comprehensive training, these writers acquire essential skills in collecting and documenting oral histories from their elders. Empowering Cultural Guardians: Equipped with knowledge and experience, the writers embark on field engagements, immersing themselves in their communities’ rich storytelling traditions. Weaving the Tapestry: The collected narratives are meticulously curated and refined, forming a cohesive tapestry of cultural wisdom and experiences. Visualizing Traditions: A professional comic book writer collaborates with the writers to transform the stories into a vibrant and engaging comic book, breathing new life into these timeless tales. Reaching Wider Audiences: The comic book is published and strategically distributed across Bangladesh, offering a captivating window into indigenous cultures and fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Reflective Teens Welcomes New Trainee Executive Members
Reflective Teens, a nonprofit working for fostering the creative abilities of teenagers, is proud to announce the onboarding of its newest Trainee Executive Members. The new members are: Fahrin Nowar Rafiah Mahpara Shahir Ahmed Tamanna Sultana Tasmiah Jasmine Hasan Tushtee Mojumder & Samiya Rahman Faiza These seven youngsters bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to Reflective Teens’ mission. They will be responsible for helping to develop and implement programs that will benefit teens in need. They will also be involved in fundraising efforts and community outreach initiatives. “We are thrilled to welcome our new Trainee Executive Members to the Reflective Teens team,” said Founder and Executive Director Yusuf Munna. “Their enthusiasm and dedication to our cause are inspiring and we look forward to working with them as we continue our mission of helping teens in need.” Reflective Teens is committed to providing support and resources for teens in need through its various programs and initiatives. The organization strives to create an environment where teens can feel safe, supported, and empowered. With the addition of these four new members, Reflective Teens is confident that it can continue its mission of helping teens in need for many years to come.