AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Hyderabad, January 19, 2013 (PPI-OT): Speakers emphasized the need to promote national volunteerism among youth so they may play constructive role in the sustainable community development. Discussing at a training workshop on ‘Community Development and Mobilization of Youth’, the participants pointed out that when the state links hope of future with the youth, they (youth) should also get the government realized to give them proper space in the society.
The workshop was organized jointly by Sindh Youth Affairs Department and Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) in collaboration with Entrepreneurship of Community Development Institute (ECDI) and UNFPA at SCF Youth Resource Center -YRC on Friday.
The youth—boys and girls– specially students studying in different institutes of Hyderabad and Jamshoro districts participated in the workshop and took active part in the discussion.
They discussed about the issues and how the youth can be motivated to get them involved in the promoting peace and bringing social change in the society.
Saleem Ahmed Siddiqui, Deputy Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs in his presentation appreciated the approach of young student cadre for their role in the society, their approach and understanding related to volunteerism.
He said “we have sufficient resources, financial, manpower and natural and there is need to utilize the same for the great cause to contribute little in the society.”
He said youth should know their rights in the society and should also realise their responsibilities. This approach may lead the youth to run on right path, where their future is. This also links the government with youth as they are the builders of future, he added.
He said when communities are developed they benefit the entire nation, including individuals. Individual cannot bring the change alone. They need help of others. However, it needs the youth should define their role and responsibilities and contribute to promote constructive approach.
They can do this in their respective institutes, groups of fellows and in the neighborhood. They should select on their own how they can play their role in which sector, like promoting education, providing health facilities, sports activism and other constructive activities.
“We are facing poverty. We are facing declining rate of education. We do not have concept of volunteerism. That is why we could not achieve success to bring little change in the society,” Siddiqui said. He appealed to young student cadre to adopt the concept of national volunteerism and play their role to alleviate poverty and promote quality education for the sustainable community development.
SCF Executive Director Javed Hussain briefed the participants about the strategy and activism of his organization, which has expanded its work to mobilize youth in 19 districts of the Sindh province. Now, he said, the SCF has become a youth-led initiative, inspiring young people to join its trainings, workshops and other activities. He further emphasized that youth must be engaged in social actions at local to promtoe well being of society.
Senior social activist Punhal Sario said exchange of information is must for improving knowledge. He asked them that besides their activism in their institutes, neighbourhoods, they should also take part in these kinds of activities, which may guide what is happening in the world or at least in the country. Earlier, ECDI trainers Ahmedullah and Mohammed Saleh shared their learning with participants and encouraged them about their role and responsibilities.
For more information, contact:
Provincial Assembly of Sindh
Sindh Assembly Building
Court Road
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: (021) 9212000
Fax: (021) 9212033