The inauguration ceremony of the "Aaiyo Jani" Facebook page, which aims to increase Cox's Bazar youth's resistance to conflict, held on Monday.
As part of USAID's YouthRISE activity, which is being coordinated by BBC Media Action in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Shushilan, Ain o Shalish Kendra, and Young Power in Social Action, the page, which is written in the regional tongue, is meant to assist young people in learning about opportunities for a living as well as advice on how to develop various soft skill.
By assisting young people and community leaders in identifying important issues in their communities, assisting them in sharing their perspectives, and facilitating communication between groups from the communities, thiFacebook page will also aim to build tolerance within the host communities, according to a press release of BBC Media Action.
Md Nasim Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management) of Cox's Bazar, launched the page 'Aaiyo Jani' as chief guest at the event held at Arunodaya School in the city.
Nasim stated that the local people have faced numerous challenges since the Rohingya influx. It has also had an impact on their lives and livelihood. In this circumstance, the youth should use technology to prosper having new digital knowledge as well as being connected with themselves via social media.
Medhawi Giri, Director of USAID's Office for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, said, "The young people of Cox's Bazar will be able to share their ideas and important issues through the page Aaiyo Jani."
IRC Deputy Director of Programs Shelley Collins hoped that through this project, the young generation will gain a better understanding of various aspects of life, leadership, and the local justice system.
Richard Lace, BBC Media Action Director of Programs, stated that the content published on the "Aaiyo Jani" page will not be limited to social media content, the partners will later conduct various field training activities. He also observed this activity connects all different stakeholders in the locality which will make the initiative more effective and hopes the youth will learn to use digital platform safely.
While addressing the concluding speech, the Country Director of BBC Media Action Md Al Mamun said that since youth are the future of Bangladesh, this page and initiative will move forward by taking them along and reflecting their views.
Deputy Director, Department of Youth Development, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Cox's Bazar District Education Officer and Chief of Party Khandokar Hasanul Banna of USAID’s YouthRISE activity also spoke on the occasion.
