Youth Exchange Program 2023 in Bangladesh

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Last Updated (Friday, 12 January 2024 16:51)

National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh

Youth Exchange Program 2023


Youth Exchange Program 2023 was held on June 15-18, 2023. It was organized by the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh (NCYB) at the premises of Birisiri YMCA, Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) young people attended the program from nine (9) Local YMCAs, namely: Barisal YMCA, Birisiri YMCA, Bogra YMCA, Edilpur YMCA, Foiljana YMCA, Jeshor YMCA, Gopalgonj YMCA, Kaligram YMCA, and Savar YMCA. Upon arrival on June 15, 2023 Birisiri YMCA (Host YMCA) youth forum organized reception and cultural program in the evening for youth participants and NCYB Staff. For maximum learning, the program was designed around educating young people on Vision 2030 content, Mental Health Wellbeing, Debate Competition, Quiz Competition, football site seeing and cultural program.

The group photo of the Youth Exchange Program 2023


Objectives of the Action

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh mobilize young people through the Youth Exchange Program, with the objective to engage and empower young people to become active citizens, connect them to different local YMCAs to help them acquire and develop competences for their life and future.

More specifically, Youth Exchanges aim to:

  • develop skills and attitudes of young people;
  • strengthen Local YMCAs values and build up more bonds among the youth forum member;
  • raise awareness about the social media negatives impact and build confidence through learning about mental health situation.
  • Strengthen young people's body, mind, and spirit through various events like game, song and exploring amazing nature.


The first day on June 16, 2023 of Youth Exchange Program started with devotion praising our Almighty and inauguration ceremony. During the inauguration ceremony, beautiful speeches were given by Mr. Nipun Sangma, National General Secretary, NCYB and Mr. Rumon Rangsa, Vice President, NCYB. Immediately after the inauguration ceremony the participants were introduced to Vision 2030. During the session the youth participants learned the contents of YMCA Vision 2030, its four (4) pillars, the programmes/activities of Bangladesh YMCA relating to Vision 2030 and Local YMCAs's alignment and execution of Community Wellbeing, Meaningful work, Sustainable planet and Just world through different programs and activities. To conclude the session the participants were divided in to four (4) groups to discuss on how each of them can contribute in their local community under four pillars of Vision 2030. In the afternoon the participants enthusiastically participated in debate competition on the topic “How Social Media Impacts our Socialization”. For recreation, in the evening the participants played football, basketball and chess. The participants also tried local Garo traditional dish “Do’o Khapa” (Chicken dish) prepared by the Birisiri YMCA youth forum.

Different events photo of the Youth Exchange Program

The next day on June 17, the day started with morning devotion and recap session from the previous day. In recent days, mental health is a burning issue around the globe. Especially it is seen amongst the young people from age of 15-30. With this objective the participants were introduced about Mental Health Wellbeing and its key components; the way to build self-confidence and to lead a successful life and to live depression- and anxiety-free life. This session was followed by a Quiz competition on the topic Vision 2030 and Mental Health Wellbeing. In the afternoon, the participants went on a famous site seeing places in Birisiri; Bijoypur (famous for Blue Lake), Ranikong mission, and Indian Boarder Market.

Two days program concluded with cultural program where the participants preformed drama, song and dance. Finally, all participants showed their energy to learn and sing the song composed by our pride Dr. Bartholomew Shaha, former Secretary General of WAY who dedicated his entire life in giving service for YMCA, at Local, Regional and World YMCA. This is our initial initiative of singing the song 'YMCA my address (YMCA mor thikana)'.


Reported by Biplob Rangsa, Executive Secretary of Programme, NCYB