On May 28, 2025, the SDP team proudly celebrated the BBLT and BBLTJ LIA Scale-Up Funding Ceremony, Phase 04, at its headquarters, honoring the outstanding efforts of six youth-led teams from Dhaka and across the country who are driving meaningful change in their communities. Spanning areas such as climate action and environmental sustainability, inclusive education, and peacebuilding, these initiatives exemplify the innovation, commitment, and leadership of Bangladesh’s emerging changemakers.

The event was honored by the presence of Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, who underscored the critical role of youth leadership in community development. He noted:

“A key reason we often see a lack of progress in communities is the absence of leadership. This program equips young people to take initiative and, more importantly, to represent themselves with confidence across diverse communities as they continue to create impact.”

BYLC’s Executive Director, Tahsinah Ahmed, encouraged participants to extend their learning beyond the program, emphasizing personal growth alongside community impact. She shared:

“I urge all of you to apply the skills you’ve developed here not only to strengthen your communities, but also to invest in your own growth to become more resilient, thoughtful, and values-driven individuals.”

To date, the Skill Development Program (SDP) has supported the scale-up of 43 youth-led initiatives led by BBLT and BBLTJ graduates from Dhaka, Chattogram, and across Bangladesh, further strengthening youth-driven leadership and social impact nationwide.