Young Journalism and Changemaker Group: Empowering Children to Lead Change Through Storytelling and Advocacy
The Young Journalism and Changemaker Group is a flagship child-led initiative of LEEDO that empowers vulnerable, street-connected, and disadvantaged children to become journalists, storytellers, photographers, and advocates for social change. Through practical training in journalism, news writing, interviewing, photography, public speaking, and digital storytelling, children develop the skills and confidence needed to raise their voices on issues affecting their lives and communities.
The initiative creates a platform where children are not only heard but also recognized as active contributors to social development. Participants learn how to identify social issues, document real-life experiences, conduct interviews, and engage with decision-makers to advocate for child rights and social justice.
In recent years, the Young Journalism and Changemaker Group has emerged as a powerful voice for vulnerable children in Bangladesh. In November 2025, members of the group participated in a national dialogue titled “Disadvantaged from a Young Age: Young Journalist Changemakers Urge Action for Vulnerable Children” at The Daily Star Centre. Former street children, now students and young journalists, directly questioned policymakers, academics, lawyers, and child-rights experts on issues including child protection, education, shelter, justice, and social inclusion. Their thoughtful engagement demonstrated the transformative impact of child participation and advocacy.
The group has also played a significant role in policy advocacy. Through LEEDO’s Young Journalism Project, child journalists organized and participated in roundtable discussions with government officials, civil society representatives, and child-rights advocates to promote inclusive policies for street-connected children. They highlighted barriers to birth registration, healthcare, education, and social protection while urging policymakers to prioritize the voices of vulnerable children in national development planning.
In 2025, the Young Journalism and Changemaker Group organized a remarkable Art, Photography, and Cultural Exhibition at LEEDO Peace Home. The exhibition featured photographs, paintings, personal stories, and newspaper clippings created by vulnerable children and survivors, portraying their struggles, dreams, and aspirations for a safer and more inclusive society. The event attracted journalists, government representatives, development professionals, and child-rights advocates, demonstrating the power of creative expression as a tool for social change.
The initiative has also produced inspiring young leaders. Children such as Jesmin Akter have transformed their lived experiences into powerful stories through journalism, photography, and public speaking. Through continuous training and mentorship, participants have developed professional communication, reporting, leadership, and advocacy skills, enabling them to become role models for other vulnerable children.
The Young Journalism and Changemaker Group reflects LEEDO’s belief that every child has the right to express their views and participate in decisions affecting their future. By transforming vulnerable children into storytellers, advocates, and changemakers, LEEDO is helping build a generation of informed, confident, and socially responsible young leaders who are shaping a more inclusive and child-friendly Bangladesh.
Through journalism, photography, advocacy, and creative expression, these young changemakers are proving that children are not merely beneficiaries of development—they are powerful agents of change.
