“There is always a door to every solution. Even when it feels like the end, remember- like a full stop marks the end of a sentence, it also creates a space for a new beginning” – Rafid Ariyan
Rafid Ariyan is a digital rights activist and artivist working at the intersection of art, tech, and social change. He is the founder and executive director of a youth-led organisation, Kashful Foundation. He is currently studying International Business at North South University. He exemplifies how passion and dedication can empower youth. YSSE is excited to have him share his meaningful journey.
YSSE: How did the journey with the Kashful Foundation begin?
Rafid Ariyan: The journey started in 2017. I had just passed my S.S.C. when this thought came up in a chat with my friends. Initially, the intention was not to create something big like sustainable goal development. During that time, there was a lot of hype around exhibitions. However, such programs were not arranged for the children.
We desired to arrange the National Children Photography Festival, where children would engage and contribute through their photography. We acknowledged that such initiatives require an organisation for effective implementation. That’s where Kashful came in. Earlier, its name was Kashful Factory. In 2020, the name was changed. Currently, our organisation is registered under the Department of Youth Development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a drastic change. We began to work on emergency responses and gained donations and people’s trust. Our responsibility became greater. We took the step to shape Kashful in a new way. We aim to reduce inequality, a root cause of human rights violations. We are working on six rights: digital rights, civic rights, gender rights, SRHR, decent work, and climate rights.
YSSE: What inspired you to create this organisation?
Rafid Ariyan: I have to be honest; it is not like we directly planned to create a large organisation for the welfare of society. At the time, I was working with Kishor Alo. My community and friends were similarly involved in various youth initiatives. From there, we asked ourselves, what can we do further? There were very few art or photography exhibitions for children. This lack of opportunity sparked anger in me. It shifted into motivation, inspiring us to bring something meaningful. From the very beginning, our goal was to create something impactful and sustainable.
YSSE: Can you share some fun or memorable experiences?
Rafid Ariyan: The whole work culture at Kashful is fun and interesting to me. Suppose we have a one-day event; we spend ten days leading up to meetings, preparing together, and enjoying refreshments along the way. The work environment and the team’s dynamic are beautiful.
Recently, we went to Rangpur for a project, and from there, we headed to Chittagong. During the trip, we tried to take the whole team to Patenga for some leisure time. Those moments were truly memorable.
Another fun incident I recall was when the organisation’s name was Kashful Factory. We would receive calls asking what kind of products we sold and where the factory was located. We have to explain them. That was the fun part.
Lastly, challenges often feel overwhelming, but later, they turn into memorable moments. For example, during our Artivism for Peace exhibition in Rangpur, we realised we forgot to bring the frames from Dhaka. With UNDP and other stakeholders present, it was a tense situation. However, we quickly managed the situation. Now, we look back and laugh!
YSSE: How did facilitating for organisations like UNDP, ActionAid, JAAGO Foundation, etc. influence your skills for social work?
Rafid Ariyan: If I trace my journey from the beginning, my career started with Mozilla Bangladesh. I began as a programmer in eighth grade, which led me to explore UX/UI design. Alongside designing, I was introduced to Kishor Alo. I am grateful for this because it helped to form my identity and connect with my community.
Besides, I worked with youth, experimented with roles in a non-profit organisation, and engaged in development work. Looking back, many names and experiences guided me.
My role as a facilitator began in 2021/2022, first with ActionAid and later with the JAAGO Foundation. Through the training program “Shabdhane Online-A”, I travelled to multiple districts, facilitating sessions on content creation and safe internet practices.
In 2022, with our Kashful Foundation team, we won UNDP’s Digital Khichuri Challenge. This also gave us the chance to become mentors. The overall journey showed me how my path has evolved and taught me to embrace challenges, adapt, and never limit myself.
YSSE: What are your future goals for Kashful?
Rafid Ariyan: We are working on quite a few projects. Artivism for Peace is one of the core projects. It is not a project but a movement. We are aiming to take it to the root level. We desire to take our initiatives from a local to a global level. In the upcoming years, we want to work primarily with civic and digital rights. Though we mobilise youth and children, we also try to create an effect for the general masses. We want our work to raise awareness and inspire other organisations to engage youth in digital rights advocacy. In a third-world country, it is necessary to understand the rights and work on them. Presently, we have a good collaboration with Nepal and aim to expand our international alliances through our work.
The conversation does not end here, this is just the first half ! Catchy Part 2, where you get to know more about his journey.
Guest Profile Link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAQWLvshw/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafid-ariyan/
Kashful Foundation:
https://www.facebook.com/KASHFULWorld
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Writer
Saima Sayeeda
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE