Peace First

It started with a box of letters in his mother's almirah. Watching her reread them, Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan saw what modern messages could never replace, the weight of a pause, the warmth of a memory, the honesty of words that took time.

That moment became Daak Chithi, bringing the handwritten letter back into everyday life, one page at a time.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4y1Uosn

Your project deserves to be seen. Let's talk about how to tell its story.

We're hosting a free virtual workshop on storytelling for social impact, practical, hands-on, and built for young changemakers who want people to actually pay attention to what they're building.

Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 3pm GMT
Where: https://bit.ly/4c9ktgO

Don't let your project go unnoticed. Space is limited, claim your spot today!

Rishav, a Peace First alumni and past grantee, turned a simple observation in his village of Goghanpur, Saptari into Project SMILE, a youth-led movement bringing oral health education to underserved communities across Nepal.

Today, as founder of Youth Activism Nepal, he continues to prove that young people aren't waiting to lead, they're leading now. 🌱

Read his full story here: https://bit.ly/4xnDBjG

Dilan grew up in Suárez, Colombia, watching talented friends run out of paths to use that talent.

Now he's a lawyer, a community leader, and the founder of Fundación Redubuntu, building safe spaces where kids and young people find art, culture, and a reason to stay and grow where they're from.

"I dream of a Cauca where young people don't have to leave their land."

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4wunPC8

Boluwatife Daramola is turning her personal experiences with mental health into a purpose: creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Through Afárá (meaning bridge in Yoruba) she is connecting communities, opening conversations, and using her platforms to challenge the silence around mental health.

“When we share our stories, we transform them into bridges for others to cross.”

Read the full story here: https://peacefirst.org/2026/08/11/between-who-we-are-and-who-we-can-become-boluwatifes-story/

Natalia grew up on Chicago's South Side and saw the gap firsthand, it was never about talent, it was about who got the chance.

So she started CORE Initiative. 200+ pieces of STEM equipment donated so far. 300+ programs, scholarships, and internships mapped out for students to actually use.

Not charity. Just closing a door that should've been open all along.

For every girl coming up behind her: you belong in this field.

Read full story here: https://bit.ly/4bUT8yI

A farming village in Haryana. A road accident that could have ended everything. Instead, it became the start of Sandy Khanda's work.

Today, through the Green Pencil Foundation, he's breaking the silence around menstrual health with "Periods of Pride," driving grassroots climate action through "Freedom From Pollution" and "Climate Chaupal" and bringing his farming roots into the climate conversation.

His belief: real change starts at the grassroots, through awareness, education, and collective action.

Read his full story here: https://bit.ly/3TnFn5l

Her grandmother used to call her "teacher" when she was just a little girl gathering neighborhood kids to learn. That was the beginning of something she didn't yet have a name for.

Today, Sarah channels that same calling through The Benevolent Impact Foundation, working with children and young girls through education, hygiene outreach, and community care. Not because it's easy, but because she can't imagine not doing it.

Her story is a reminder that impact doesn't always start with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a chalkboard and someone who believes in you.

Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/4vWF3sj

Ajay started as an engineering student. Then he met some kids who changed everything.

Today, as co-founder of Adhigam India, he builds spaces where young people from underserved communities discover their voice, through theatre, storytelling, and leadership that starts from the inside out.

"Change often begins when people are given the opportunity to discover their voice."

Read his full story here:https://bit.ly/4uIFPI8

Toluwani Olowoyo grew up watching girls in underserved communities miss out, on education, on guidance, on simply being told they have worth.

That's why she started the Royal Girl Empowerment Foundation.
Through school outreach, menstrual health education, mentorship and skill building — they've reached over 1,000 girls and counting.

Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/4vWF3sj