As part of the Youth 2030 Cities initiative, a vital survey activity was recently implemented in Mymensingh, aimed at gaining deeper insights into the most pressing urban issues impacting the city’s growth. This youth-led effort, organized by SERAC-Bangladesh, sought to gather input from the city’s young residents and other key stakeholders, with the goal of shaping future action plans that prioritize sustainable urban development.
The survey was designed to align with the overarching objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aimed to address critical challenges related to infrastructure, public services, and the general well-being of Mymensingh’s residents. By gathering data directly from the community, the initiative provided an opportunity for local voices to be heard and to contribute to the city’s future development strategies.
Designing the Survey
The initial phase of the project involved carefully designing the survey questionnaire. The questions were structured to allow participants to rate different aspects of their city—such as transportation, education, healthcare, and public spaces—and to describe ongoing problems they observe in their daily lives. Additionally, the survey encouraged respondents to suggest potential improvements, giving them a platform to offer solutions based on their personal experiences.
To make the survey easily accessible and encourage wide participation, it was developed using Google Forms. This online format allowed for smooth distribution, efficient data collection, and easy analysis of the responses. The accessibility of the form made it possible for youth leaders to engage a broad cross-section of the city’s population, ensuring that the data collected would be representative of diverse voices and concerns.
Building Capacity for Survey Implementation
Following the design of the survey, a training session was conducted for youth leaders from the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council (MUYC). This session served as an essential step in preparing the leaders to fill out the survey themselves and to collect responses from others. During the training, participants were guided on how to explain the purpose of the survey, how to ensure clarity when gathering information, and how to approach different demographic groups.
The training also served as an opportunity to gather feedback on the survey’s design. Participants suggested several adjustments to improve the clarity and inclusivity of the questions. Based on their input, changes were made to ensure that the survey was more accessible to people from various age groups, genders, and educational backgrounds. The goal was to create a tool that reflected the diversity of the city while ensuring that every voice could be heard in the effort to promote sustainable development.
Engaging the Community and Collecting Valuable Data
Once the survey was finalized, youth leaders were given the responsibility of collecting responses from a target of 200 individuals. Special efforts were made to ensure that the sample represented Mymensingh’s diverse population, capturing input from various age groups, genders, occupations, and neighborhoods. This inclusivity was critical in ensuring that the findings would paint a comprehensive picture of the city’s challenges and opportunities.
The data collection process was not limited to online responses; youth leaders also conducted face-to-face interviews with community members, ensuring that even those with limited internet access could participate. This approach enabled the collection of a broad range of perspectives, including those of students, professionals, community leaders, and residents from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Laying the Foundation for DeclarACTION
The data collected from this survey will serve as a foundation for the DeclarACTION designed to tackle the most urgent issues affecting Mymensingh’s urban development. The survey results will inform decisions on which areas need immediate attention, from improving infrastructure and public services to addressing environmental concerns and enhancing the quality of life for all city residents.
By involving youth leaders in the process, the initiative not only gathered valuable data but also empowered young people to take an active role in shaping their city’s future. The training and participation in this survey helped build their capacity as leaders, while also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the city’s sustainable development.