Coming from a small town, Rikta Moni is steadily building her path through education, professional work and volunteerism. A student of Accounting, she also works as an Administrative Assistant at Nafain International Academy. At the same time, she is actively involved in social and volunteer activities as the Vice President of the Leo Club of Dhaka. Recently, Rikta was selected from more than 100,000 applicants to participate in the International Festival of Youth (IFY) 2026 with full funding. From her journey beginning in Mohanganj to learning from rejection and aspiring to represent Bangladesh on an international stage. Interviewed by Sakibul Hasan
How does it feel to be selected as a fully funded participant for IFY 2026?
It is a moment of great joy for me. Seeing my name among more than 100,000 applicants was initially quite surprising. My own efforts, the support of my family and, above all, my mother's prayers have been important sources of strength behind this achievement. This opportunity has encouraged me to work harder and move forward with greater confidence.
What do you think made your profile stand out among so many applicants?
I believe every applicant had something valuable to offer. In my case, my experiences in education, professional work and volunteerism may have played a positive role. Alongside studying Accounting, I work at Nafain International Academy and serve as Vice President of the Leo Club of Dhaka. These experiences have helped me develop skills in time management, communication, responsibility and teamwork. In my application, I simply tried to present my real experiences honestly.
What was the selection process like?
The process included an online application, information about academic and extracurricular activities, motivation-based questions and a self-introduction video. Each stage required applicants to explain their experiences, interests and reasons for wanting to join the programme. As it was a competitive process, I tried to complete every part with care and attention.
How important is this fully funded opportunity to you?
For many young people, financial limitations make it difficult to participate in international programmes independently. That is why this opportunity is particularly meaningful to me. It will allow me to experience a new country and culture while connecting with young people from different parts of the world. I hope the experience will contribute to both my personal and professional growth.
How do you balance your studies, job and volunteer work?
Managing everything at once is not always easy. I usually try to plan my day in advance and set priorities according to what needs immediate attention. Of course, things do not always go according to plan, so flexibility is also important. However, the satisfaction I get from contributing to society through volunteer work keeps me motivated despite a busy schedule.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman pursuing leadership and career goals?
In the beginning, participating in activities outside my family environment and explaining my decisions was sometimes challenging. As a young woman, balancing family expectations, social norms, education and professional responsibilities has not always been easy. There can also be doubts about women's leadership abilities. Instead of arguing, I have tried to respond through my work and responsibilities. These experiences have gradually made me more confident.
How has your journey from Mohanganj to the international stage been?
The journey has developed gradually. In the beginning, I had limited knowledge and guidance about international opportunities. I searched for information, applied to different programmes and learned from my mistakes. This journey has taught me that coming from a small town does not make opportunities impossible. With the right information, preparation and consistent effort, it is possible to move forward.
What aspects of Bangladesh would you like to highlight at IFY?
I would like to highlight Bangladesh's culture, hospitality and the positive work being done by young people. Despite limited opportunities and resources, many Bangladeshi youth are contributing in technology, business, creativity and social development. Through my own experiences, I hope to present an honest and positive image of Bangladesh while also learning from the cultures and experiences of other countries.
What are your main expectations from this international experience?
My main expectation is to meet new people and learn how young people from different countries think and work. I am particularly interested in their experiences in education, technology, business and social initiatives. One programme cannot provide solutions to every challenge, but new people, ideas and experiences can certainly broaden one's perspective and inspire future work.
What preparation should young people take before applying for international programmes?
Young people should develop fundamental skills such as English communication, writing, leadership, teamwork and the use of technology. Alongside academic studies, they can participate in social, cultural or volunteer activities based on their interests. However, gaining real experience is more important than simply collecting certificates. Keeping records of one's work and achievements, building a basic portfolio and maintaining a professional digital presence can also be helpful. Most importantly, applicants should present their experiences honestly and clearly.
What have you learned from failure or rejection?
Yes, previous rejections have taught me a great deal. I applied for the World Youth Festival 2024 and the Global Digital Forum 2025 but was not selected. At that time, my documents and profile were not well organised, and I lacked a clear understanding of how to present my experiences effectively. Those experiences helped me identify my weaknesses and prepare more carefully for future applications. Rejection can be disappointing, but it can also become valuable preparation for the next opportunity.
What message would you give to young people?
Young people should not feel limited by their background. Success does not have to come on the first attempt, and rejection is part of the journey. What matters is learning from those experiences. Developing skills gradually, seeking reliable information and continuing to apply with proper preparation are essential. No one can guarantee an opportunity, but without applying, the possibility of receiving one never begins.
How do you see your future?
I hope to work as a creative woman entrepreneur in the future. Alongside my professional development, I want to contribute to creating opportunities for young people and underprivileged communities. I do not want to make overly ambitious claims at this stage. For now, my focus is on learning, gaining experience and gradually improving in my field. If given the opportunity, I would also like to represent the positive aspects of Bangladesh on international platforms.
News Published By:
Bangladesh Diary
Photo: Collected
