Aga Khan Academy Dhaka student wins The Diana Award for transformative leadership

Students at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka continue to exemplify leadership, compassion and a commitment to positive social and environmental change. True to the Academy’s mission of cultivating ethical, homegrown leaders, these young changemakers demonstrate how youth-led initiatives can shape a more hopeful and equitable future.  

Among these inspiring individuals is Grade 10 student Adiba Binte Ahmad Tuba, who is the founder of the Esho Pashe Darai Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. Her foundation teaches English to students in local girls’ schools, conducts food and clothing drives, and provides support to underprivileged communities across the country, such as by donating menstrual hygiene products and conducting health awareness campaigns.    

Adiba’s unwavering commitment and leadership through her non-profit led her to receive the 2024 Diana Award, which is a prestigious award given to young people aged 9–25 who are making a positive impact on their communities and the lives of others. Her journey is a powerful testament to the difference one young person can make when driven by empathy, courage and a strong sense of purpose.  

“True change begins with small, thoughtful actions,” Adiba says. “When we come together to support those in need, we build a stronger, more compassionate community.” 

Adib, the Diana award winner

Her inspiration to establish the non-profit stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Adiba organised aid for essential workers in her community and witnessed firsthand the challenges they faced. What began as a humble initiative to distribute meal ingredients soon grew into a broader movement, including distributing winter clothing in underserved districts, such as Panchagarh and Rangpur, to supporting survivors of natural disasters by distributing essential products, such as food, clothing and first aid kits, to them. 

Since receiving the Diana Award, Adiba’s foundation has raised more funds, which will support the foundation in carrying out more initiatives to serve more people across the country.  

“The award helped people believe in our cause,” she says. “It built trust and made fundraising easier." 

One particularly emotional moment for Adiba came during an English lesson her non-profit led at Tahzibul Banat Uttara Mohila Madrasa, a small girls’ school.  

“They were full of joy despite their tough reality,” she reflects. “That day, I knew every small smile we bring is our real purpose.” 

Adib, the Diana award winner

Adiba credits the Academy in Dhaka for helping shape her leadership journey. By offering service projects and a values-based education, she says the Academy taught her the power of kindness, reflection and courage. “Everything here at the Academy has been about building global leaders,” Adiba adds. 

Her advice to aspiring changemakers is: “Start small. Even a single act of kindness can create ripples. What may seem insignificant to you might mean the world to someone else.” 

Adiba’s story is a powerful reminder that when driven by empathy, purpose and courage, youth can lead movements that inspire hope and create lasting change for generations to come.