The publication “From Scholars to Changemakers: Stories of Growth, Leadership and Impact” brings together the journeys of young people supported through the scholarship programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia (KAS PDA).
Since 2019, KAS PDA has supported scholars at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh, later expanding the programme to National College in Kathmandu, Nepal. Going beyond financial assistance, the programme combines education with mentoring, training, international exchanges and opportunities for leadership and personal development.
Through personal stories, scholars and alumni reflect on how these opportunities have shaped their aspirations, strengthened their confidence and encouraged them to contribute to their communities.
The publication also highlights how this journey can translate into collective action. South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS), founded by KAS Scholars following a 2024 study programme in Singapore, has developed into a youth-led initiative advancing climate awareness, sustainability and civic engagement across Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
From Scholars to Changemakers is ultimately a story about investing in young people:and empowering them to turn opportunity into leadership and leadership into impact.
