Award Giving a Certificate of Excellence at FoSYLT

My journey in Food Systems Youth Leadership Training began through the Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament from 22–24 February 2023 in Boda Upazila, Panchagarh District. During this three-day training, I had my first formal opportunity to learn about nutritious and safe food systems, food security, nutrition challenges, and youth leadership.

After the training, participants were instructed to initiate actions addressing real-life challenges related to nutritious and safe food in their respective districts. In response to this guidance, and considering the reality of child malnutrition in my community, I initiated a social project titled “Nutritious Khichuri for 10 Taka.”

Through this initiative, I began working consistently to ensure safe, nutritious food at an affordable cost. Currently, my implemented project “Nutritious Khichuri for 10 Taka” is successfully running in four schools in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, where students regularly receive nutritious meals.

To strengthen my skills and ensure continuity of this work, I later had the opportunity to participate in the Food Systems Youth Leadership Training – Training of Trainers (ToT). This four-day training was held on 30 April and 1–3 May 2025 at the RDRS Bangladesh campus in Rangpur.

Through this ToT training, I was not only a participant but also developed the capacity to train other young people. After completing the training, we were assigned the responsibility of organizing youth training sessions in different districts to encourage greater youth awareness and engagement in food systems and nutrition.

As part of this ongoing effort, I conducted multiple Food Systems and Nutrition training programs for youth in Bagerhat, Rangpur, Bogura, Lalmonirhat, State University of Bangladesh, and the University of Chittagong. Through these trainings, the trained youth are now actively implementing various community-based initiatives and projects focused on nutritious and safe food in their respective communities. Throughout the implementation process, I continue to provide regular mentoring, guidance, and support through mentoring calls and follow-up sessions.

In recognition of this long-term contribution, leadership, and field-level impact, I was awarded a Certificate of Excellence at a program held on 30 December at BCDM, Savar, jointly organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network Bangladesh, with the support of the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

The Certificate of Excellence was presented by the following distinguished guests:

Sheikh Momena Moni, Additional Secretary (World Health Wing), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Joint Secretary (World Health Branch), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mostafa Faruk Al Banna, Research Director (Biological Utilization of Food and Nutrition Division), Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), Ministry of Food, Shahid Uddin Akbar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BIID, Mehedi Hasan Bappi, Project Coordinator, Youth & Adolescent Nutrition, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Bangladesh.

After completing the training, I did not remain limited to being only a participant; rather, I applied the acquired knowledge in practical ways by organizing community-level trainings, implementing projects, and leading long-term collaborative initiatives.

This Certificate of Excellence is not merely a recognition for me; it has further strengthened my sense of responsibility and commitment. In the future, this honor will serve as a strong motivation for me to work more actively and responsibly toward nutrition improvement, strengthening food systems, and advancing youth leadership

Award-Winning Social Initiative: Nutritious Khichuri at 10 Taka

I received the Best Award from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Bangladesh Youth Shadow Parliament for my social initiative titled “Nutritious Khichuri at 10 Taka.” The project was selected as a successful initiative at the closing ceremony of the “Bangladesh Youth Commitment” project, held on 30 November at the Lyceum Conference Center, Lalmatia, Dhaka. The award was presented by Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Director General, Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), Ministry of Food.

The idea for this initiative emerged after I completed a three-day Food Systems and Leadership Training jointly organized by GAIN and Bangladesh Youth Shadow Parliament. Following the training, I designed and implemented this project focusing on the nutritional needs of school-going students in my home district, Lalmonirhat.

Many schools and colleges in the remote areas of Lalmonirhat do not have canteen facilities. As a result, students often depend on unhealthy fried snacks during tiffin time. Moreover, a significant number of students come from low-income families and are unable to bring food from home, while others travel long distances to attend school.

Considering these challenges, I piloted the “Nutritious Khichuri at 10 Taka” project at Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School, located in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila. The core objective of the project is to ensure safe, nutritious, and affordable food for students and to promote healthier eating habits during school hours.

Currently, students at the school receive a balanced and nutritious khichuri meal at the cost of only 10 taka, which has received strong positive feedback from students, teachers, and guardians. The initiative has created a significant impact and gained wide recognition across Lalmonirhat district as a sustainable and replicable model for school nutrition.