Objective

To empower youth across Bangladesh to become grassroots leaders and changemakers by enabling them to design and implement community-driven initiatives that address local challenges related to climate action, women’s empowerment, civic engagement, and skills development while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Summary

The LEAD Bangladesh Project, implemented by JAAGO Foundation Trust with support from the Australian High Commission, is a nationwide youth empowerment initiative designed to unlock the leadership potential of young people at the grassroots level. The project responds to a critical gap faced by youth in Bangladesh — limited access to funding, mentorship, and institutional support to turn their ideas into impactful community action.

At the core of LEAD Bangladesh is the belief that young people best understand the challenges within their own communities and, when given the right resources and guidance, can drive sustainable and inclusive development. The project provides small grants and structured capacity-building support to youth-led groups, enabling them to design and implement locally relevant solutions aligned with national development priorities and the SDGs.

Through an open and inclusive call for proposals, the project will support 40 youth-led community action projects, each receiving financial assistance alongside training in project design, leadership, implementation, and impact measurement. The initiative places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, prioritising the participation of young women, youth with disabilities, and marginalised communities, ensuring that leadership opportunities reach those who are often excluded from decision-making spaces.

The supported projects will focus on four key thematic areas: climate change, women’s empowerment, civic engagement, and skills development. Youth-led initiatives may include climate adaptation and resilience activities, waste management and green infrastructure, women’s entrepreneurship and leadership initiatives, civic awareness and volunteerism, as well as vocational and digital skills training tailored to local needs. By localising SDG targets, LEAD Bangladesh enables young people to translate global goals into tangible action within their own communities.

Beyond funding, LEAD Bangladesh places strong importance on capacity building and mentorship. Selected youth groups will participate in structured workshops and receive ongoing guidance from experienced mentors to strengthen project management skills, ensure accountability, and promote long-term sustainability. Regular monitoring, follow-ups, and community engagement activities will support quality implementation and generate learning for future scaling.

The overarching goal of LEAD Bangladesh is to transform youth from passive beneficiaries into active agents of change. By reaching more than 5,000 community members, the project strengthens grassroots leadership, fosters civic responsibility, and builds a replicable model for youth-led local development in Bangladesh. Ultimately, LEAD Bangladesh contributes to a more resilient, inclusive, and youth-driven future where young people actively shape the social, economic, and environmental progress of their communities and the nation.