HONG KONG – In an era where youthful idealism often collides with systemic apathy, 16-year-old Muhammad Tazimul Islam is proving that true leadership knows no age or geographic boundary. Affectionately known as “Tazim” to his peers, the Hong Kong-based student has captured global attention following his official nomination for the 2026 International Children’s Peace Prize widely regarded as the “Nobel Prize for Children”.
Advanced globally by Architect Md Ataur Rahman, Tazim’s nomination places a well-deserved spotlight on his pioneering grassroots work in child protection, physical safety education, and youth healthcare rights spanning both Hong Kong and rural Bangladesh.
Academic Environment and Formative Years at La Salle College
A diligent Secondary Four student at Hong Kong’s esteemed La Salle College, Tazim’s humanitarian vision was forged within the rigorous academic and ethical framework of one of the territory’s premier institutions. Known for a deep-seated focus on human ethics and academic diligence, Tazim spent his early high school years closely observing how structured school environments handle student well-being and personal security.
Studying within Hong Kong’s robust educational ecosystem exposed him to curricula that proactively integrate child safety, personal boundaries, and socio-ethical responsibilities. Recognizing a stark contrast between his everyday reality and the immense challenges faced by underprivileged youths in rural Bangladeshi communities who lack such training, Tazim turned his observations into a lifelong mission.Family Engagement and Leadership Heritage
Tazim’s commitment to social impact is deeply rooted in a rich legacy of public service and cross-border philanthropy. He is the elder son of Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu 孫逸仙 and Ms. Amor Mabeza Ayisha Islam.
Growing up in a household where civic duty, international trade development, and global philanthropy were daily practices, Tazim and his younger brother, Latiful, were encouraged from an early age to use their education to uplift others. His father, Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu 孫逸仙, is a highly respected entrepreneur, humanitarian, and public servant in Hong Kong who serves as an appointed Yau Tsim Mong South Area Committee Member, a local Care Team Member, and the President of the China-Bangladesh Friendship Center.
This immersive upbringing instilled in Tazim a profound sense of responsibility toward marginalized populations.
Spearheading Grassroots Safety Campaigns and Specialized Training
Long before earning international recognition, Tazim put these family-inspired values into practice. Partnering with classmates and teenage volunteers, he orchestrated targeted, grassroots fundraising and awareness drives.
His core initiatives focus on delivering vital, child-friendly training workshops centered on:
“Good Touch – Bad Touch” Boundaries: Teaching children to recognize, understand, and articulate physical boundaries.
Self-Protection Protocols: Providing actionable guidance on how children can protect themselves from exploitation.
Trusted Support Networks: Equipping youth with the tools and confidence to report threats and seek help from trusted adults.
Recognizing systemic educational gaps, Tazim intentionally expanded these safety campaigns beyond urban centers, reaching remote environments, including rural schools, madrasas, and religious institutions where formal child protection training had previously been absent. Furthermore, he leveraged community-based digital channels and collaborative networks to scale his message far beyond immediate offline events.
Competing on the Global Stage: The International Children’s Peace Prize
The International Children’s Peace Prize, organized annually by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation, honors exceptional minors who show immense bravery and structural impact in advancing children’s rights. Previous global icons, including Malala Yousafzai, have used this very platform to alter the course of history.
As Tazim steps into his “Sweet 16” year, his inclusion on the official KidsRights Global Nominees Platform serves as a monumental milestone for both the Hong Kong and Bangladeshi communities. The ultimate winner of the prize chosen by an international expert committee gains access to vital life-altering assets, including:
The €50,000 Project Fund: Invested directly by Kids Rights into the laureate’s humanitarian cause.
The Desmond Tutu Fund: Comprehensive academic coverage and personal support for the winner’s higher education.
Global Platforming: An international stage to scale non-profit operations, engage world leaders, and influence policy change.
Whether or not Tazim brings home the ultimate trophy later this year, his journey stands as a powerful testament to what a young mind can achieve when driven by empathy, global citizenship, and an unwavering commitment to making every child feel safe, respected, and heard.