Challenges

While young people are less vulnerable to the health effects of COVID-19, the pandemic does bring a lot of specific challenges to youths in Bangladesh. Public health measures such as lockdowns, school closures and remote learning make it hard for youths to stay engaged and motivated, and often lead to demoralization and the inability to take part in positive acts during the pandemic. It is important to ensure that the younger generation understands how they can recognize and combat negative behaviors, make a positive contribution and bring young and innovative ideas to the fight against COVID-19.

Toward a Solution

Bangladesh’s large population of young people and its inherent digital engagement were the main driver of this collaboration between a2i and TELCOS for creating platforms such as the Bangladesh Challenge and Ideas for Goodness.

The “Bangladesh Challenge”, was launched by a2i in collaboration with Grameenphone in order to empower and engage youths in enriching Google Maps and Open Street, identifying important entry points and making the Map more user-friendly. Thirty-one thousand volunteers have worked in the campaign and almost 96 million impressions were published on Google Maps. A number of hospitals, pharmacies, Bkash, and other payment points were pinpointed. The website www.corona.gov.bd, that is dedicated to all pandemic related information, has also directed youths to this challenge, achieving a good amount of engagement.

The Challenge has not only brought together a huge number of young Bangladeshis to take part in this exercise, but it has also empowered them with a sense of purpose in becoming soldiers in the war against the coronavirus. This challenge has kept them during a time where people have often been confined at home in order to maintain physical distancing.

a2i has also teamed up with Robi Axiata Limited (Robi) to create a platform named “Ideas for Goodness”, once again engaging the youth to share their innovative ideas for dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The ideas can be anything, from medical solutions, technological innovations, or social mobilization that would benefit the country during and after the pandemic. This ongoing campaign has garnered  dozens of submissions so far, which are currently under review. More challenges will be designed in the near future targeting the Bangladeshi youth to engage them into fruitful and countrywide campaigns.

As the output huge awareness has been created through these 2 campaigns, total 6+ channels have been disseminated and 96 million people have been reached. The solution involves millions of young people, government and corporate bodies working together to bring a sustainable impact in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis through innovative activities.