Photo: Messenger
We are dedicated to eliminating child homelessness in Bangladesh because no child should endure life on the streets. Every child in Bangladesh deserves fundamental rights and protection, and we are tirelessly working towards realizing this vision.
Regrettably, many children in Bangladesh encounter sexual harassment and violence, and societal pressures often prevent girls and boys from speaking up. Raising awareness about these issues is crucial. We aim to empower children of all genders to speak out against sexual violence. Our institution remains committed to promoting safety, awareness, and advocating until every child in Bangladesh is shielded from harm.
Sajib Khandokar Junaid, from a young age, championed children's rights, striving to prevent sexual abuse and child marriage while promoting child education and well-being. Noting the lack of representation for children in Bangladesh, Sajib participated in a transformative children's assembly in 2004, amplifying the voices of 1,000 children from across the country.
During 2007-2008, Sajib chaired the National Children's Task Force and the Central Committee for the Barisal district, pivotal in presenting Bangladesh's inaugural children's report to the United Nations. His dedication to children's welfare extended to regular contributions on children's issues in Barisal's regional newspaper, "Sotto Songbad."
Sajib's tenure at UNICEF and Matchline Media Center (MMC) between 2008 and 2010 earned him the Meena Media Award in 2009 for promoting child journalism. His conviction in effecting change led him to establish the International Youth Change Maker (IYCM) platform in Barisal. The IYCM, under Sajib's leadership, made substantial strides—supporting education for 60 children in Narayanganj, distributing food to the needy during the pandemic, and distributing masks across 16 districts in 2021.
Sajib envisions a Bangladesh free of stranded children and a model for climate protection by 2030. IYCM strives to safeguard the rights of 3 million children and adolescents through life skills programs while actively addressing climate challenges by planting over 50,000 saplings annually.
Moreover, through Project Women, the organization distributes free sanitary napkins to underprivileged women in Dhaka's 20 areas, benefiting around 10,000 women and girls.
Sajib emphasizes that children and youth are not just the future but the present, aiming to showcase Bangladesh's youth globally. His goal is to make Bangladesh a country free of stranded children by 2030, combatting sexual abuse and fostering a youth- and child-friendly environment.
This visionary individual, dubbed 'The Dream Hawker,' envisions a world where dreams flourish in every sphere of life. The IYCM's impact extends beyond Bangladesh, aiming to positively influence the lives of children and young people worldwide."
Messenger/Alamin
