Youth is the most important stage of human life which is also a symbol of strength and energy. Youths are the persons within the age group 15–24 years and they are the backbone of national development and prime force of the socio-economic change in a country. They also carry forward the national tradition and culture [1]. Well-groomed, skilled, civilized, and humanized youths are the assets of a nation and that’s why the youth development should get the paramount importance for the national development of a country. Youth development interventions could be initiated by the state, educational institutes, non-government development organizations, and the family at large. The government of Bangladesh has taken a number of initiatives through different youth development institutions to ensure a better future for the youths and in this regard, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) is a kind of institution which is dedicated to the development of the youth as future leaders and well-educated citizens for the nation [2].

Since its inception in the year 1979, BNCC is the only government youth volunteer organization in Bangladesh which is directly working to prepare the educated youths to take the future challenges of individual and social development through military training. This study will try to expose the performance of youth development programs (YDPs) of BNCC with special reference to community service training and individual development program. However, a good number of literatures are available on the role and contribution of cadet corps training in the context of South Asian countries including and many more [3-8]. But, their research scope was limited to the importance of cadet corps and no research work was conducted on the performance of cadet corps in youth development activities and training. The current study will attempt to fill the gap by evaluating the performance of B+NCC’s YDPs.

The new millennium has brought many opportunities for national progression of a country where the development of the youth is the key factor for sustainable growth. Hence, to grab those opportunities, Bangladesh requires effective youth development strategies to ensure sustainable socio-economic growth [9].Moreover, in the race of national development with the neighbouring countries; overpopulation is one of the great challenges for Bangladesh. However, that could be converted into opportunities through effective youth development programs (YDP). The development of Bangladesh relies on the effective utilization of youth resources [10]. But the Bangladeshi youths are encountering various socio-economic challenges including unemployment, illiteracy, lack of skill development, and financial hurdles [11]. Recently, the Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh has initiated good number YDPs to build a big pool of youths with positive character traits and leadership qualities. Hence, such youth development (YD) initiatives are not sufficient for comprehensive human resource development. We need skilled and highly motivated citizens to accelerate the momentum of our present state of national development. Besides, we have to develop the youths at the grass-root level with good character, discipline, leadership qualities, self-confidence &self-motivation and inspire them to participate in nation building activities. BNCC is one of the organizations in Bangladesh that is formed and assigned to develop our youths with the above qualities through different YDPs including military, social and individual development training, and transforming them into competent human resources and social capital. This study will try to evaluate the performance of the YDPs of BNCC to ensure positive youth development in Bangladesh.

This study is quantitative in nature and applied coefficient of variation (CV) to measure the degree of consistency of the secondary time-stamped data set. CV is a unique statistical method to measure relative variability of secondary data. The data on the performance of BNCC’s youth development programs was presented chronologically from Table 4 to Table 21. The growth rate of BNCC YD training performance was calculated to predict the stability of the youth development programs and the standard deviation (SD) was calculated to measure the dispersion of the performance training program. However, the values of CV were calculated to measure the degree of consistency of the youth

Development programs conducted by BNCC. A CV of less than 10% was considered very good (VG), 10%-20% as good (G), 20%-30% as acceptable (A), and greater than 30% are considered unacceptable (U) performance [11]. The status of the performance consistency of the youth development programs was summarized based on the CVs (Table 22). However, the performance of YDP

of BNCC is ranked computing Adjusted Mean Score also shown in (Table 22) [32].

Statistical data on the number of cadets who participated in the youth development programs with special reference to individual traits/skill development training and social and community development events of the year 2017-2021are shown categorically in the following (Tables 4- 21).

Table 4: Leaders.hip Development Training.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 4 presents the data related to leadership training conducted by BNCC. A total of 117143 cadets were trained on leadership qualities and principles from the year 2017-to 2021. From the above table, it could be stated that the growth rate of this youth development intervention is stable as there is less deterioration in percentage change. However, the standard deviation (SD) is 85.43 and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) is 0.36%.

Table 5: Communication Skill Development Training.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 5 presents the data on communication skill development training conducted by the Head Quarters (HQ) BNCC and its wings. A total of 2754 cadets were trained in oral and written communication skills from the year 2017-to 2021. From the above table, it could be stated that the growth rate of this youth development program is somewhat unstable as the participation of the trainees is decreasing mildly. The SD is 3.66 and the CV is 0.66%.

Table 6: Board (ISSB)and Youth Exchange Program (YEP).

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 6 exhibits the data on language skill development training conducted by the HQ, BNCC. This employability skill development training is specially designed for the cadets who are the candidates for ISSB. Hence, cadets who are selected to visit aboard under YEP also join this training program, and a total of 1121 cadets were trained from the year 2017-to 2021. From the above table, it could be stated that the growth rate of this youth development program is somewhat unstable as the participation of the trainees had decreased slightly over time. The SD is 7.68 and the CV is 3.42%.

Table 7: Extempore Speech Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors

Table 7 shows the data on Extempore Speech Competition conducted by the HQ, BNCC, and its wings. Such competition enhances the power of expression and develops self-confidence. A total of 3393 cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021. From the above table, it could be stated that the growth rate of this youth development program is quite unstable as the participation of the trainees had decreased extremely over time. The SD is 218.04 and the CV is 32.13%.

Table 8: Debating Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 8 portrays the data on inter battalion and inter wing Debating Competitions. Such competition also enhances the power of expression and self-confidence among the cadets. A total of 3097cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021. Hence, the growth rate of this youth development program is also very unstable as the participation of the trainees had decreased extremely over time. The SD is 222.16 and the CV is 35.87%.

Table 9: Art and Drawing Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 9 illustrates the data on inter battalion and wing Art and Drawing Competitions. Such competition also enhances the creative skills of the cadets. Total 1970cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021. Hence, the growth rate of this youth development program is also stable as the participation of the trainees had increased over time. The SD is 23.67 and the CV is 6.01%.

Table 10: Dancing Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors

Table 10 shows the data on inter battalion and wing Dancing Competitions. Such competition increases the power of artistic expression and attitude which is an essential skill for career development. A total of 817 cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021 but the growth rate of this youth development program is very unstable as the participation of the trainees had decreased over time. The SD is 43.43 and the CV is 26.58%.

Table 11: Singing Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 11 shows the data on inter battalion and wing Singing Competitions. Such competition sharpens the ability of creative communication and a humble attitude which is also a creative skill for individual career development. A total of 682 cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021 but the growth rate of this youth development program is also very unsteady as the participation of the trainees had decreased over time. The SD is 38.73 and the CV is 28.39%.

Table 12: Recitation Competition.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors

Table 12 illustrates the data on inter battalion and wing Poetry Recitation Competition. Such competition helps a cadet to develop vocabulary, enhances word analysis skills, inculcates the habit of reading, develops memorization skills and improves self-expression. A total of 454 cadets had taken part in this competition from the year 2017-to 2021 but the growth rate of this youth development program is also very unsteady as the participation of the trainees had highly fluctuated over time. The SD is 25.48 and the CV is 28.06%.

Table 13: First Aid Training.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 13 portrays the data on First Aid Training. Such training provides necessary life skills on occupational health which could be beneficial for corporate career and personal life. A total of 733cadets had taken part in this training from the year 2017-to 2019 as no program on first aid was conducted during the COVID-9 pandemic. As a result, the growth rate of this youth development program is also unsteady as the participation of the trainees hasslightly decreasedover time. The SD is 119.76 and the CV is 81.69%.

Table 14: Nursing Services Training.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 14 shows the data on Nursing Service Training. Such training also provides necessary life and professional skills on occupational health which could be beneficial for corporate career and personal life. A total of 149 cadets had took part in this training from the year 2017-to 2019 as no program on first aid was conducted during the COVID-9 pandemic. However, the growth rate of this youth development program is also steady as the participation of the trainees has an upward trend progressively. The SD is 24.35 and the CV is 81.71%.

Table 15: Disaster Management Training (Flood).

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors

Table 15 illustrates the data on Disaster Management Training Program on Flood. Such training develops a positive attitude toward national service and dedication to social welfare activities is very essential for an individual career and to be a good citizen. A total of 573 cadets took part in this training from the year 2017-to 2021. Hence, the growth rate of this youth development program is also steady as the participation of the trainees did not fluctuate much over time. The SD is 4.36 and the CV is 3.81%.

Table 16: Disaster Management Training (Cyclone).

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors

Table 16 illustrates the data on Disaster Management Training Program on Cyclone. Participation in such training programs also develops a positive attitude towards national service and dedication to social welfare activities which is very essential for an individual career and to be a good citizen. A total of 586 cadets had taken part in this training from the year 2017-to 2021. Besides, the growth rate of this youth development program is also steady as the participation of the trainees did not fluctuate much over time. The SD is 2.79 and the CV is 2.38%.

Table 17: Disaster Management Training (Earthquake).

 Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 17 presents the data on Disaster Management Training Program onEarthquake. Participation in such training develops social and professional skill among the cadets which fosters positive attitude toward national service and empathy for the suffering of people which is very essential for an individual career and being a good citizen. A total of 591 cadets took part in this training from the year 2017-to 2021. Moreover, the growth rate of this youth development program is also steady as the participation of the trainees did not fluctuate much over time. The SD is 1.94 and the CV is 1.64%.

Table 18: Disaster Management Training Program on Landslide.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 18 presents the data on Disaster Management Training Program for Landslide. Participation in such community engagement training programs develops social and professional skill among the cadets. This training also develops positive attitude towards national service and a spirit to help distressed people during natural calamities. Hence, such life skill is very essential for an individual career and to be an active citizen. A total of 590 cadets took part in this training from the year 2017-to 2021. Hence, the growth rate of this youth development program is also steady as the participation of the trainees did not fluctuate much over time. The SD is 1.90 and the CV is 1.61%.

Table 19: Disaster Management Training on Fire Fighting.

Source: BNCC (2021) & Compiled by Authors.

Table 19 describes the data on Disaster Management Training Program on urban fire fighting. Participation in such training develops professional skill among the cadets. Besides, such training cultivates a positive attitude towards national service and a life force to work for humanitarian activity boldly. Hence, such life skill is very essential for an individual career and to be an active citizen. A total of 13710 cadets took part in this training from the year 2017-to 2021. However, the growth rate of this youth development program is somewhat unstable as the number of participants mildly fluctuated over time and sharply decreased in 2020 to 2021respectively by 9.82% and 10.53% compared to 2017 as base year. The SD is 151.05 and the CV is 5.51%.

Table 20: Joint Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange Program.

Discussions And Policy Implications

Author Contributions

Conclusion and Potential for Further Research

References