Youth Empowerment
By Hajera Pasha
The youth of Pakistan represent the passionate and vibrant spirit of the country, but they are often exploited for political gains, distracted by the power game and misguided by religious pseudo fanaticism. The local Christian community is a minority group in the country and although it enjoys constitutional rights it faces discrimination at various levels and usually remains sidelined or isolated in the social system. In the words of Asher Manzoor, a recent graduate from a national university, “in Pakistan the young Christian generation is confused about their direction in life; they are overexposed to media imposed superficial glamour and have no constructive thoughts or sense of belonging mostly because they remain aloof.”
Asher Manzoor was among a group 31 young men and women attending ‘Youth Empowerment Camp’ organised by CWS - P/A under CBPCICL, one of CBP’s recent initiative. It was the first of its kind and ran for ten days, in September 2007. The attending participants belonged to various church and para–church institutions from Sindh and Punjab and work as volunteer social organisers within their communities.
Anil Daniel, the camp coordinator explained that the objective behind the camp was to develop a second line of leadership within the Christian community. These young men and women were provided a platform to discuss issues openly, find common solutions and define their goals. The programme aimed at increasing political and legal awareness.
CWS-P/A held its landmark Youth Empowerment Camp in September 2007,
with 31 participants from Sindh and Punjab provinces.
The young people were motivated to come out of their self constructed boundaries, take ownership and work as responsible citizens. The camp was a part of CWS-P/A’s efforts to encourage interfaith harmony and bilateral sharing. Each activity assigned to the participants incorporated a learning point and was aimed at inspiring people to reflect and think out of the box. Other areas that were touched during the course of the camp included the history and role of church and para-church institutes, the evolution of ecumenical movement in Pakistan and human rights issues particularly pertaining to minorities. Other topics covered included essential elements of communication skills, concept clarity on gender and sex and its relation to development, media’s role in society, importance of peace, theatre as a tool for awareness raising, democratic values and the electoral process. Several activities involving and addressing leadership dynamics were a part of this camp.
Mahnaz Rahman, a senior trainer at the camp, talked about the fact that the Christian youth face discrimination in their academic and professional lives and this needs to be seriously addressed. In addition, many of them remain ignorant of their legal rights and they often fall prey to social injustice. If these young people are not given a chance to express their opinions, this will further create frustrations and conflicts. She added, “here we addressed these issues in a sensitive manner and presented neutral views. They listened to each other and realised that there are people facing similar challenges”.
To break myths such as ‘leaders are born and not made’, participants were introduced to real life leaders who have struggled to reach significant positions. Each of these visitors held interactive sessions with the group, shared personal experiences and gave advice. A visit was also arranged to the local civil court so that participants could observe proceedings of a legal case and find out the proper process for acquiring legal aid if needed.
Shama, who is a final year graduate and also a community social worker, recounted, “my learning point in the workshop has been that if you are in a leadership role, you are bound to face hurdles but one has to remain committed. Life is a learning process and inspite of setbacks we should continue to move ahead.”
Afifa Kiran, a young professional, has learnt that a leader is a problem solver for the team. He or she works side by side along with the people, and at the same time is vigilant as well as farsighted.
Energetic youth participate in group exercises as part of
CWS –P/A’s Youth Empowerment Camp.
With all the thought provoking and serious discussions, there were also some fun based activities. During the camp, the male participants were given the task of cooking dinner for the entire team. The exercise was meant to switch responsibilities so that both sexes learn to appreciate efforts of each other in real life as well. This was thoroughly enjoyed and the male members passed with flying colours. Another trust building exercise among team members was to escort a blindfolded partner on a walking trail. Similarly, to build better team dynamics, the group also worked together to erect a canvas tent. Talent shows were held in the evenings for which participants designed costumes and performed role plays.
At the end of the camp, participants prepared achievable work plans. They are expected to take up a leadership role in their community and organise a certain event. The trainers will keep in close contact and will continue to provide mentoring through other initiatives of CBP. Participants have been encouraged to keep in contact with each other for peer guidance and mutual sharing of experiences. More such camp based activities will be held in the coming months with other groups.
CWS –P/A youth camp, participants engage in a trust building activity.
The exercise is designed to build better team dynamics.
Asher Manzoor concluded, “this camp has made us reflect on our direction in life, and instilled a visionary instinct in us. We have gained tremendous confidence and have been groomed for not only professional lives but also have learnt key lessons to be followed in our personal lives. Moreover, we have understood that we are equal citizens of this country and need to coexist in the society. It is important for us to embrace people even outside our faith communities, and work for the betterment of all.”
