Grant

Dhaka, Bangladesh – April 9, 2025 Mindy, a youth-led organization dedicated to improving mental health awareness and support for young people, is excited to announce that its founder and CEO, Rehanuz Zaman, has been awarded a grant from the UNESCO Global Youth Grant Scheme, funded by SEVENTEEN’s #GoingTogether campaign. Mindy is one of 100 youth-led projects from 70 countries to receive this prestigious recognition. The grant, dedicated specifically to Mindy’s Mind First Project, will support the initiative’s mission of equipping young people in Bangladesh with essential Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) skills. The Mind First Project is designed to empower youth aged 14-20 to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, foster peer support networks, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in their communities. “We are deeply honored to be part of this global movement to uplift youth and improve mental health worldwide,” said Rehanuz Zaman, Founder & CEO of Mindy. “This grant will allow us to expand the reach and impact of the Mind First Project, providing vital mental health support for young people in Bangladesh. With the backing of UNESCO and SEVENTEEN, we are more determined than ever to create a lasting change in the way youth view and address mental health.” The UNESCO Global Youth Grant is part of UNESCO’s collaboration with SEVENTEEN, the K-pop group and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, to support youth-led projects that address critical issues like mental health, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. Through the Mind First Project, Mindy will provide comprehensive MHFA workshops, establish peer support networks, and launch awareness campaigns to help young people become more knowledgeable and proactive about mental health. The Mind First Project will directly benefit young people across Bangladesh, who will receive MHFA training and be empowered to lead and participate in peer support groups. The initiative also includes a Train-the-Trainer model, ensuring that the skills and knowledge gained from this project will continue to spread across communities long after its completion. “The support from UNESCO and SEVENTEEN is a game changer for our mission to make mental health first aid accessible to youth in Bangladesh,” said Mr. Zaman. “By training young people to provide mental health support to their peers, we are building a network of compassionate leaders who can offer guidance and intervention when it matters most.” In addition to the financial grant, Mindy will also benefit from expert project management training and mentorship as part of the UNESCO Global Youth Grant programme. This will allow Mindy’s team to strengthen its capacity to implement the Mind First Project and ensure its long-term success. Mindy’s work aligns with the UNESCO Youth Programme’s goal to support youth-led solutions that tackle the challenges young people face, including mental health struggles and lack of access to appropriate support. Through the Mind First Project, Mindy is working to build a generation of young leaders who are prepared to create positive change, foster resilience, and reduce mental health stigma within their communities. About the Mind First ProjectThe Mind First Project is an initiative by Mindy that aims to equip young people in Bangladesh with the skills and knowledge to respond to mental health challenges among their peers. By training youth as Mental Health First Aiders and creating peer support networks, the project works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, promote early intervention, and empower young people to be leaders in mental health advocacy. Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and peer-to-peer support, the Mind First Project seeks to build a healthier, more supportive community for Bangladesh’s youth. About MindyMindy is a youth-led initiative focused on improving mental health awareness and support for young people in Bangladesh. Through the Mind First Project and other efforts, Mindy is committed to reducing stigma, creating peer support networks, and empowering youth to take leadership in mental health advocacy. —Press & Media WingMindypress@mindybd.com