Cultivating Hope: Dhaka Youth Plant Seeds of Change for a Greener, Brighter Future
In the heart of Dhaka, a city often defined by its bustling traffic, pervasive pollution, and concrete landscapes, a quiet revolution is taking root. On a crisp December morning, amidst the gentle winter fog and the distant echoes of children’s laughter, small hands are meticulously pressing soil around newly planted saplings. Simultaneously, within the warmth of a vibrant classroom, young minds are embarking on a journey of discovery, encountering stories that stretch far beyond the confines of their school textbooks. The question lingers: can these simple acts of nurturing nature and fostering a love for reading truly alter the trajectory of a generation growing up in such challenging urban conditions? A dedicated group of passionate young Bangladeshi individuals from Dhaka firmly believes the answer is a resounding yes.
Dhaka stands as one of the world’s most densely populated and polluted metropolises. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 90% of its inhabitants breathe air so toxic it acts as a slow-acting poison. In 2024, Dhaka consistently ranked among the most polluted cities globally, even holding the top spot for air pollution for eleven consecutive days in January and February. In this environment, many children grow up surrounded by exhaust fumes, pervasive dust, and a scarcity of green spaces. The severe air pollution in Dhaka not only poses immediate health risks but also casts a long shadow over the future well-being of its youngest residents.
Compounding these environmental challenges, a significant number of city schools lack adequate library facilities or even basic access to a diverse range of books. UNICEF highlights the critical role of early reading exposure in fostering children’s confidence, imagination, and overall learning capacity. The absence of reading materials beyond the curriculum-focused textbooks therefore acts as a substantial impediment to cognitive development, particularly for children from low-income households.
It is against this backdrop of pressing urban realities that a group of determined and passionate young people from the Global Shapers Dhaka Hub decided to move beyond mere observation and concern. Their commitment led them to Rayerbazar Government Primary School, an institution serving approximately 1200 students, the majority of whom hail from low-income families. The objectives of the Shapers were elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful: to provide children with access to fresher air and to unlock the boundless potential of their imaginations through the power of children’s literature.
Fairuz Joyeeta, the Curator of the Global Shapers Dhaka Hub, articulated the driving force behind these initiatives. “Our focus is on children in communities that are often left behind,” she explained. “By teaching stewardship and enabling access to books, we want to create the conditions for long-term change that begins with responsibility and opportunity.”
The Treelionaire Initiative: Cultivating Environmental Guardians
Under the Dhaka Hub’s “Treelionaire” initiative, the students at Rayerbazar Government Primary School were not merely planting trees; they were actively becoming stewards of their own green spaces. They learned about the vital importance of trees, their role in purifying the air, their contribution to supporting life, and the fundamental connection between environmental care and personal well-being.
This December marked a significant moment for the Treelionaire initiative, coinciding with the commemoration of Bangladesh’s 54th anniversary of independence and its 54th Victory Day. The relaunch of Treelionaire in Dhaka reconnected with a broader global concern about the alarming rate of annual deforestation, estimated to result in the loss of around 15 billion trees worldwide. Originally pioneered by the Dhaka Hub Shapers in 2016, Treelionaire has since been adopted by Global Shapers Hubs across South Asia and beyond, collectively responsible for planting over 15,000 trees to date.
For urban environments like Dhaka, where pollution levels are escalating and green spaces are diminishing, even seemingly small actions can yield substantial positive outcomes. During the relaunch event, the students of Rayerbazar Government Primary School exhibited palpable excitement, as many of them had never before experienced the act of planting a tree. They gained insights into the intricate workings of ecosystems and how their individual contributions could play a role in protecting the planet. Environmental educator Ahsan Rony from Green Savers guided the children, helping them understand the broader implications of tree planting in the context of global climate action and urban resilience.
The LIFT Initiative: Opening Worlds Through Literature
Just a short distance from the school grounds, within a dedicated classroom, bookshelves were being adorned with a vibrant collection of children’s books, thanks to the “Libraries Inspiring Future Together” (LIFT) initiative spearheaded by the Shapers. Over 300 books, generously donated by Annesha Prokashon, were presented to the school administration for the benefit of the students. As the children eagerly turned the pages with their curious little hands, it was evident that they were discovering a world of hidden treasures.
During these engaging activities, an interactive storytelling session led by Nahiyan, the founder of “Books with Nahiyan,” transformed the act of reading into a source of pure joy. The children’s laughter, attentive listening, and shared thoughts underscored a profound truth: a book is far more than just paper and ink; it is a gateway to new possibilities. And every child deserves the fundamental right to open that door.
The reality for many schools serving low-income communities is the absence of functional libraries and a limited selection of reading materials. Through the LIFT initiative, the Global Shapers aimed to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not confined solely to the pages of their curriculum-based textbooks.
The students at Rayerbazar Government Primary School now possess a tranquil space where they can read, reflect, and dream. For many of these young learners, this marks their first meaningful engagement with the world of storybooks.
Both the Treelionaire and LIFT initiatives are founded on a shared conviction: that every child deserves a better future. Regardless of their birthplace, they are entitled to clean air to breathe, the comforting shade of trees, the sheer delight of reading without constraint, and the invaluable opportunity to learn about their world and envision brighter horizons.
The impactful initiatives undertaken by the Global Shapers Dhaka Hub serve as a powerful reminder that the youth of Bangladesh are not merely discussing change; they are actively leading it. In a nation where more than a third of the population comprises young people, endeavors like these instill a tangible sense of hope and a belief in the transformative power of collective action.
