23 September 2026 | Bishwo Sahitto Kendra, Banglamotor, Dhaka

LEEDO – Local Education and Economic Development Organization organized the advocacy dialogue “Young Journalist Changemakers: Voices for Vulnerable Children” on 23 September 2026 at Bishwo Sahitto Kendra, Banglamotor, Dhaka. The event was organized under LEEDO’s Young Journalist Changemaker Group (YJCG) initiative, bringing together young journalists, government representatives, development partners, NGOs, civil society organizations, and child-focused stakeholders to discuss child rights, social protection, and building a more inclusive future for vulnerable children.

The programme was graced by Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished representatives including Ayesha Akter, Division Director, Department of Social Services; Liza Begum, DC, DMP; Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Country Director, SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh; Abdulla Al Mamun, Director, Child Protection and Good Governance, Save the Children Bangladesh; Md. Samsuzzaman, Program Manager, Islamic Relief Bangladesh; Md. Saleh Mahbub, Vice President, SWID Bangladesh; and Dr. Md. Mojibur Rahman, Founder, Dr. Mojibur Rahman Newborn Foundation, also participated in the event.

The event brought together 180 participants, including 95 external guests and participants and 85 LEEDO staff, programme participants, and beneficiaries. Representatives from UNICEF, ActionAid, Islamic Relief, BRAC IED, Good Neighbours, Inner Wheel, BLAST, Ekmatra Society, FPAB, Shishu Palli Plus, IHF, ASD, and many other organizations also attended the programme.

The dialogue focused on key challenges affecting vulnerable and marginalized children, including access to education, healthcare, birth registration, identity, social protection, and child protection services. Young Journalist Changemakers actively participated in the discussion and raised questions concerning the barriers faced by children in vulnerable circumstances.

A key focus of the dialogue was the role of media in promoting children’s rights. Participants emphasized the importance of accurate, ethical, responsible, and child-sensitive journalism, encouraging young journalists to highlight not only individual incidents but also the underlying causes, available services, policy gaps, and potential solutions while protecting children’s dignity and privacy.

The event also created opportunities for further collaboration among LEEDO and participating stakeholders. The DMP DC expressed interest in visiting LEEDO’s Peace Home to learn more about its programmes and services for vulnerable children. The Hon’ble Minister expressed willingness to facilitate access to Farhan Faiyaz Field for relevant LEEDO child-focused activities. In addition, SWID expressed interest in working with LEEDO on inclusive school initiatives, opening opportunities for future collaboration in inclusive education.

The dialogue strengthened the role of the Young Journalist Changemaker Group as a platform for young media professionals to engage with policymakers, development organizations, civil society, and child-focused institutions. It also reinforced the importance of coordinated action and responsible media engagement to ensure that vulnerable children are heard, protected, and not left behind.

Through this initiative, LEEDO continues to support young journalists in developing their capacity to advocate for children’s rights and contribute to positive social change through responsible and evidence-based journalism.

LEEDO remains committed to working with government, media, development partners, civil society, and communities to promote a more inclusive, protective, and child-friendly society.