Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation, receives Commonwealth Points of Light Award

Korvi Rakshand, the founder of JAAGO Foundation and Volunteer for Bangladesh, has been recognised by Queen Elizabeth II as the 181st Commonwealth Points of Light for his commendable work with young volunteers.

The award appreciates the work of eminent volunteers who have inspired positive changes in their respective communities. Previous winners from Bangladesh include Sharmin Sultana, a healthcare provider at a Rohingya camp, and Mamunur Rahman, the founder of Ella Pad.

Korvi's organisation, Volunteer for Bangladesh, promotes social skills among young people as they collectively work to tackle various social issues. With over 35,000 young people working in 32 districts, it is Bangladesh's largest volunteer platform. Since its establishment in 2011, the platform has strived to extend its support during various calamities, including the COVID-19 pandemic. It forms a part of JAAGO Foundation, an organisation providing educational facilities to underprivileged children.

Receiving this award is a great honour for Korvi, and he is grateful to Her Majesty the Queen as the Head of the Commonwealth for this recognition. Korvi also said that the award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all their volunteers working across Bangladesh.

"This award is a great surprise to me and my organisation. It will motivate us to keep striving to create necessary changes," Korvi shared. His future plans include expanding Volunteer for Bangladesh to all districts of the country.

Volunteerism has been a common practice among the youth of Bangladesh. Be it the young freedom fighters of the Liberation War or students protesting for safer roads, the youth have selflessly extended their support. "Through Volunteer for Bangladesh, I wanted to create a platform that connects different volunteers. It allows them to devise programmes for their areas while developing their skills," Korvi added.

The author is a freelance journalist who likes reading, planning, and scribbling. Write to her at mislammonamee@gmail.com.