About us
About SSD Youth Foundation
A youth-led, non-profit organisation building a just, inclusive and sustainable society from the grassroots.
Our story
Step-Up Social Development Youth Foundation
SSD Youth Foundation (Step-Up Social Development Youth Foundation) is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, socioeconomic, developmental social welfare organisation. Our aim is to achieve economic and social development through ethical improvement, in order to protect social balance at all levels — starting from the grassroots of the country.
Established on 20 January 2020 and affiliated with the Department of Youth Development (Reg. No. DYD/Sadar/096), we work across Cox's Bazar District on youth skills development, climate action, sustainable plastic management, education for underprivileged children, emergency response, health and wellbeing, community development, and the empowerment of women, girls and third-gender communities.
We believe youth are the greatest force for positive change. Through research, education, advocacy and collaboration with partners such as UNIDO, UNICEF, YPSA and Pulse Bangladesh, we mobilise young people to address socio-economic challenges and create lasting impact in their communities.
Why we exist
Vision & mission
Our vision
To empower communities, promote equality, and foster sustainable development through ethical practices, social welfare, and environmental preservation, ensuring a balanced and thriving society for all.
Our mission
The SSD Youth Foundation drives economic and social development through diverse programs, empowering marginalized communities, protecting the environment, and ensuring equal rights for all. It addresses socio-economic challenges through research, education, advocacy, and collaboration, fostering a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
What guides us
Our core values
Integrity
Ethical practice and accountability in everything we do.
Inclusion
Equal rights for women, girls, third-gender and marginalised communities.
Youth leadership
Young people are the greatest force for positive change.
Sustainability
Protecting the environment for a balanced, thriving society.
Ziabul Haque (Zia)
General Secretary & Executive Director
SSD Youth Foundation
Executive Director's message
SSD Youth Foundation believes that youth are the greatest force for positive change. As a non-profit and non-political youth-led organization, we are committed to empowering young people through skills development, leadership building, and active social engagement to create an inclusive and sustainable society.
Our goal is not only to support employment opportunities, but to nurture a generation of aware, compassionate, and responsible young leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the progress of society and the nation. Through initiatives in skills development, awareness campaigns, health and environmental protection, and social innovation, we strive to transform the potential of marginalized and underprivileged youth into real impact.
I firmly believe that through collaboration, integrity, and strong partnerships, we can build a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh. Your trust, support, and participation are our greatest strengths.
0+
Young volunteers engaged
0+
Youth trained
0+
Partner organisations
0
Training centres
What we do
Our areas of focus
From skills and climate action to health and emergency response nine ways we turn youth potential into community impact.
Youth Skill Development
Competency-based training through Concern SSD Academy to boost employability, entrepreneurship and digital safety.
ExploreClimate Change
Beach clean-ups, tree plantation and youth-led recycling drives to protect our coast and environment.
ExploreSustainable Plastic Management
Awareness, recycling skills and circular-economy solutions to prevent plastic pollution and marine litter.
ExploreUnderprivileged Children Education
Education initiatives that give underprivileged children the chance to learn and grow.
ExploreEmergency Response
Rapid relief for local and national emergencies — flood relief, medical kits and food distribution.
ExploreThird-Gender Empowerment
Research, skills and support systems that open pathways for the social and economic advancement of third-gender communities.
ExploreHealth & Wellbeing
Medical camps, NCD prevention awareness and a 24/7 voluntary blood donation network.
ExploreCommunity Development
Grassroots initiatives that strengthen social balance, cohesion and local leadership.
ExploreWomen & Girls Empowerment
Safeguarding, gender equality and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
Explore