Engaging communities broadly and adolescents and youth as agents of change — rather than merely beneficiaries — during a humanitarian crisis benefits them in the short- and long-term. Involving adolescents in community activities not only ensures the appropriateness and acceptance of activities, but can create sense of ownership by the engaged adolescents, their peers, and elders, when changes are proposed and implemented.

This case study, jointly documented by C4D and ADAP teams at HQ, Regional and CO levels, highlights UNICEF and partner efforts in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It shows that community engagement programmes not only act as entry points for adolescent engagement, but also help build the capacities of adolescents to be resilient and innovative as active citizens in their new environment. While adolescents in such fragile contexts are very vulnerable and exposed to risks, it is important to note that they are also capable to meaningfully contribute to the development of their communities, especially in the areas of social cohesion and peacebuilding.