On 9 July 2026, WAVE Foundation, through the “Strengthening Community Preparedness, Rapid Response and Recovery in Bangladesh (ACT-II)” Project, organized a rescue materials distribution event at the Upazila Conference Room in Bakerganj, Barishal for six youth groups from six project communities. The event aimed to strengthen the capacity of youth volunteers in cyclone shelter management, emergency response and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The event was attended by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Project Implementation Officer (PIO), representatives from local NGOs, project staff and youth volunteers, bringing together key local stakeholders to support community-based disaster preparedness and response.
A total of 180 members of the six youth groups have received DRR training and actively support Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs) and Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs). The volunteers regularly disseminate cyclone early warning messages, conduct community awareness activities and assist vulnerable people before and during disasters. Despite their active engagement in disaster preparedness, the youth groups lacked essential equipment for rescue and cyclone shelter management. In April 2025, the project provided rescue stretchers, water storage drums and rechargeable emergency lights. Based on a current needs assessment, the groups requested additional equipment to better support persons with disabilities, older people and cyclone shelter operations.
Responding to these needs, WAVE distributed one wheelchair, one tarpaulin (tripol), and one raincoat to each of the six youth groups. A total of 25 participants, including 17 males and 8 females, attended the ceremony. Expressing their commitment, youth volunteers said, “If a disaster occurs, we will continue disseminating early warning messages, rescue vulnerable people, and support cyclone shelter management using the equipment provided. We sincerely thank WAVE Foundation for strengthening our capacity.”
The UNO officially handed over the rescue materials and highly appreciated the initiative. He emphasized the important role of youth in community disaster preparedness, saying, “Youth are the strength of our community. Their active participation can significantly reduce disaster risks and save lives.” He further encouraged continued youth engagement and opportunities to contribute to community disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The initiative strengthened the response capacity of the six ACT-II youth groups and fostered stronger coordination with local disaster management stakeholders. Continued capacity building and meaningful youth engagement will be key to sustaining community resilience and ensuring timely action during future emergencies.
