Serene Planet > ✅ Completed Projects > Youth at the Table

Youth at the Table

Young people care deeply about the world around them — but few know how policies are made, or where their voice fits in. Policy Pathways was built to change that. Through interactive learning circles, mentoring sessions, and simulations, we introduced recent graduates to both national and global policymaking spaces.

From local governance structures to United Nations frameworks, participants explored how change happens — and how they can shape it. This wasn’t just a crash course in policy. It was a confidence-building journey for future leaders who want to influence systems, not just stories.

Project Snapshot

Start Date 15 June 2023
End Date 25 September 2023
Category Peace and Justice, Youth Engagement
Location Chattogram, Online
Direct Impacted 80 Recent Graduates
Sessions Held 10 Workshops and Policy Simulation Labs
Funding Voluntary and Institutional Partnerships

IN DEPTH

Challenge

Many passionate youth are eager to drive change but feel disconnected from the machinery of decision-making. Most university curriculums don’t cover policy literacy, and students rarely meet real policymakers or see how advocacy shapes laws and systems.

On the other hand, policy spaces often remain inaccessible — full of technical language, long papers, and gatekeeping. Without access, the next generation is left out of the rooms where decisions are made about their future.

Finding a way to bridge these worlds — without oversimplifying or overwhelming — was the heart of our challenge.

Solution

We designed the Policy Pathways program as an open, interactive space — not a lecture series. Participants explored how policies are created, negotiated, and challenged, both at home and on international platforms.

We brought in local councilors, NGO leaders, youth policy advocates, and former UN delegates to share their journeys. Our simulation labs mimicked real-life challenges like budget allocations, crisis responses, and youth policy planning.

We also provided toolkits on public participation, digital advocacy, and coalition-building so that participants could act — not just learn.

Result

Over 80 recent graduates completed the program and are now actively exploring paths in public policy, youth advocacy, and development careers. Several joined civic organizations and two have already submitted policy proposals to local forums.

The sessions received strong feedback for their hands-on, non-intimidating design. Participants especially valued the roleplay exercises and personalized mentorship.

One key takeaway shared by a participant:
“I always thought policymaking was for experts. Now I see that my voice belongs in those conversations, too — I just needed to know how.”

Through Policy Pathways, youth were not only educated — they were empowered to take a seat at the table.