Background of the Programme
Dhaka was declared as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020” by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) on 25 December 2019, marking the commencement of a wide spectrum and dynamic engagement amongst the youth of the OIC and the Muslim communities spread all over the world. The selection of Dhaka as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020” coincided with the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic. The activities planned during the initial design phases had to be greatly modified and augmented with the introduction of ICT technologies as the Youth Capital’s year commenced.
To celebrate the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020, ten other elaborate mega events have been designed which will be implemented by various lead and co-lead Ministries throughout the year. “Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020” has been planned as one the mega events which will be organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports as the lead Ministry, with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs being the co-host Ministries. The Forum is a global network of organizations/individuals involved in international volunteering, promoting the value of volunteering for development through policy engagement, mutual learning and by sharing innovative and good practices.
Context of the Programme
During the crisis situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth have shown that they are also the present and the most relevant stakeholders in building up resilience against COVID-19. They have been the first responders to the crisis situation in almost everywhere of the world. From providing food and relief, they have facilitated emergency medical support as well as buried the dead bodies of the COVID affected patients when nobody else dared to. They have helped the health caregivers with free transportation and ride during the lockdown situation, showed great care to the stray animals, provided food for the duty heroes and the list goes on and on. Now it’s time their efforts and contributions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic were acknowledged and recognized.
Bangladesh as a nation has also shown great resistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and got great success under the prudent and visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. So the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh wants to recognize the Indomitable Spirit shown by the Young Volunteers across the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing “Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020” under the umbrella of the Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020.
Objectives of the Programme
- to recognize the Indomitable Spirit shown by the Young Volunteers across the Globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- to appreciate the great resistance Bangladesh has shown in their successful fight against COVID-19 pandemic under the prudent and visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
- to encourage more youths across the globe to take part in voluntary and humanitarian activities
- to give the young volunteers opportunity to compete against and make connections with their global counterparts
- to give the young volunteers mentorship opportunity where they will get to learn from the leaders
- to make the youth feel an important stakeholder of the society
- to engage the youths in decision and policy making level
Competition Format
The competition is taking place in two stages – National (Bangladesh) and International.
The registration for the national (Bangladesh) stage is already completed. Top 100 and top 10 winners from the national stage will be announced soon. Top 10 participants will automatically join the International Stage.
For the selection of the International Stage of the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award 2020, ten participants (individual and/or organization) will be shortlisted in five categories from each of the following six regions: Bangladesh, Middle East, Rest of Asia, Africa, North America and Europe.
The categories for the International Stage are as follows:
- Volunteer Leadership
Individuals and groups (not registered organizations/NPOs/NGOs/INGOs) who have led and supported their local communities, conducted voluntary activities to protect the environment and biodiversity, performed acts of bravery, etc. during COVID-19 crisis situation, will get the Volunteer Leadership award.
- Media and Service Excellence
Media personnel and people from different services who have taken life risks and performed their job during the COVID-19 situation, will get the Media and Service Excellence award.
- Online Volunteer Campaign
Individuals and organizations that have played crucial roles in combating COVID-19 pandemic through online volunteerism i.e. online campaigns, information sharing etc., will get the Online Volunteer Campaign award.
- Best Innovative Idea
Individuals and organizations that have come up with the most innovative and creative voluntary initiatives in in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, will get the Best Innovative Idea award.
- Outstanding Youth-led Voluntary Organization
Registered youth-led organizations that have made significant and exemplary contribution through voluntary activities during the COVID-19 crisis situation, will get the Outstanding Youth-led Voluntary Organization award.
Evaluation and Prizes
A Jury Board consisting renowned National & International Personalities related with social and civic work i.e. Researchers and Academicians, Policy Makers, Representatives from Development Sector etc. will be responsible for the selection process. The Jury Board will evaluate the applications based on eligibility and criteria. Top 50 participants from five international regions each will receive customized crest and certificate. Top 5 winners each will receive trophy, certificate and prize money worth USD 2000.
Conditions and Rules for Participation
- Individuals/organizations must submit their voluntary activities as asked in the registration forms
- Participants can register in multiple categories (maximum 2)
- Participation is allowed to the citizens with Muslim background from the selected regions
- The age limit is 18 to 35 years
- Individuals/organizations must submit valid evidence of the voluntary activities
- For video submission, video must not be more than one-minute long and must be submitted in MP4 format (and the size must not exceed 10MB)
- Valid legal documents must be submitted in case of registered organizations
- The participants must adhere to the event’s regulations and procedures as stated by the organizing committee
Volunteers are requested to submit their voluntary activities (available at – http://dhaka.oicyouthcapital.com/shyva). The deadline for the registration is 15 April 2021.
For more information, visit the platforms below –
Website: http://youthpowerhouse.org/shyva/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthpowerhousebd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfZlszcGri4jTSUSC2uIiug
