Youth Voices
Youth Voices is an international essay competition empowering Bangladeshi middle school students (ages 11-14) to share bold ideas on policy, development, and social change. Winning essays earn publication, cash awards, and a platform to influence global conversations.
Why It Matters
Empowerment: Amplifies the next generation of thinkers, advocates, and policy leaders.
Global Reach: Connects local youth insights to the broader international Bangladeshi diaspora network.
Actionable Impact: Bridges critical thinking with real-world policy and community solutions.
95
Submissions
18
Schools
4
Awardees
Themes
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Artificial Intelligence
2026-27
Is AI creating better learners or reshaping traditional education methods? -
Reconciliation
2025-26
Indigenous peoples and their roles in building an inclusive democracy.
2025-26 Theme
“Is AI creating better learners or reshaping traditional education methods?”
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way students learn, teachers teach, and schools approach education. This year's competition invites students to think critically about whether AI is helping create better learners or fundamentally changing traditional approaches to education.
Students may explore topics including:
AI in education and learning
Benefits and risks of AI tools
Academic honesty and ethics
The future of schools and teachers
Creativity vs. automation
Prize Money:
First Prize: CA$300 (BDT 25,000)
Second Prize: CA$150 (BDT 15,000)
Third Prize: CA$50 (BDT 5,000)
Frequently asked questions and additional guidelines can be found on this page below.
Rules for Submission
Open to students aged 11–14 enrolled in schools in Bangladesh.
Essays must be between 500–1,000 words.
Submissions must be in English.
Essays must be the student's own original work; plagiarism will result in disqualification.
AI tools may be used appropriately for research but not for writing, and any use of AI must be cited. Submitting AI-generated writing as your own will result in disqualification.
Deadline: Submissions must be received by October 31st 2026 (11:59:59 PM Eastern Standard Time)
2025-26 Winners
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Saif Hossain
South Breeze School
Project Baksa
Saif’s essay explores his vision behind Project Baksa, a global competition that unites Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to amplify marginalized voices and apply generations-old community solutions to modern society. -
Taharat Nawar Aurna
Aga Khan Academy
Turn Up the Volume
Taharat’s essay examines Bangladesh’s Indigenous communities, who face political underrepresentation due to land loss, violence, and censorship, and explores a youth-led online podcast project that amplifies their voices, blends tradition with modern media, and promotes advocacy and inclusive democracy. -
Sheikh Ahnaf Al Mehd
South Breeze School
Waves of Resistance: Taranga
Ahnaf’s essay proposes Taranga, a digital folk music platform where Indigenous artists in Bangladesh share their work to raise awareness of their struggles, generate revenue for legal support, and blend culture with advocacy to amplify voices and foster grassroots resistance. -
Chanantika Basak
Ramnagar Adarsha Secondary Girls School
Political Unity of Indigenous Peoples
Chanantika’s essay thoughtfully examines the struggles, rights, and lived realities of Adivasi (indigenous) communities, presenting a compelling argument for social justice, cultural preservation, and inclusive national development
Independent Adjudicators
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Pavel Partha
Director
BARCIK
2025-26 -
Pallab Chakma
Executive Director
Kapaeeng Foundation
2025-26 -
Probin Tripura
Coordinator
Youth for Policy & Indigenous Activists
2025-26
Participating Schools
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Barishal
-
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Chattogram
Chittagong Grammar School
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Dhaka
Adarsha School Narayanganj
Aga Khan Academy
Engineering University School and College
Holy Cross Girls High School
Scholastica
South Breeze School
Sunbeams School -
Khulna
187 No. Ghola Government Primary School
Arpangashia Priyonath Secondary School
Ghola Gazi Abdul Hamin Model Academic Dakhil Madrasa
Ishwaripur Abdus Sobhan Secondary School
Joynagar Aminiya Hamidiya Kalim Madrasa
Kashimari Adarsha Mohila Fajil Degree Madrasa
Kashimari Ideal School and College
Ramnagar Adarsha Secondary Girls School -
Mymensingh
-
-
Rajshahi
Armed Police Battalion School and College
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Rangpur
-
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Sylhet
Hafiza Khatun Girls High School
Our Partners
Youth Voices FAQs
Eligibility
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The competition is open to all Bangladeshi students who are currently between the ages of 11 and 14.
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As long as you are between 11–14 years old, you are eligible. You will need to list your current class/grade on the form.
Essay & Submission
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Your essay must be between 500 and 1,000 words. Submissions outside this range may not be considered.
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No, the summary is optional. However, it is a good way to give the judges a quick overview of your essay's main idea.
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No, all entries must be submitted using the official online form, which includes the "Paste Essay" field.
Rules & Originality
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This means the essay must be entirely your own writing and your own ideas. You cannot copy text from the internet, books, or any other source without proper citation (and for this competition, it's best to use your own words).
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AI tools may be used appropriately for research but not for writing, and any use of AI must be cited. Submitting AI-generated writing as your own will result in disqualification. The "Declaration" section of the form requires you to confirm you understand this rule.
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Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas and passing them off as your own. All entries will be checked, and any essay found to be plagiarized will be disqualified.
Parents & Consent
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We require a parent or legal guardian's permission for you to participate. They must fill out their section of the form and provide their name as a digital signature.
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It means your parent or guardian agrees to let you enter the competition. It also means they understand that if your essay is selected as a winner or honorable mention, it may be published (for example, on our website or in a printed booklet).
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We will contact you and your parent/guardian using the email addresses provided on the form to discuss the next steps before anything is published.
Youth Voices Team
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Rubaina Farin
Manager
Youth Voices Essay Competition -
Aditi Zahir
Director
Policy Research