International Youth Day - 2013

International Youth Day (12-08-2013)

Date: 12-08-2013

Venue: St.Martine Church Jhang

Progamme Topic: “The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding”

Participants: 24 Female, 25 Male Total Participants: 49

Compare
Mrs. Julia, Principal St. Martine School.
Facilitator
Rev.Fr.Yousaf George Parish Priest Jhang. Mr.Yousaf Nawab, Social Activist
Mr.Anosh Shahid, (WIS Organization) Toba Tek Sing. Pastor Mushtaq (FGAP)
Mr.Asif Munawar, National Co-coordinator NCHD Organization Jhang
Mr. Paul Shahid, Lead Person, EMAAN Foundation Jhang.
Organized by 
EMAAN Foundation & NCHD Organization Jhang.
Collaboration
WIS (Women in Struggle) Toba Tek Singh.

Objectives of the activity

1. To realize the character and role of the Youth in Peacebuilding
2. To share new ideas and thoughts and empower the Youth to prevail peace at local level.
3. To enhance the knowledge about Interfaith Harmony and Peacebuilding in Christian and Muslim perspective.

Mr.Asif introduced the work of EMAAN Foundation & NCHD organization and WIS Organization. He explained that we are working together as partners of WIS in project “Harm Reduction of Dengue Virus”, “Project of Clean Environment in Rural and Urban Areas”, “Project of Interfaith Harmony and Peacebuilding with Youth” in District Toba Tek Singh and District Jhang. He said we have done awareness programs on “Dengue Virus” at school levels and Rural Community approximately 32000 directly beneficiaries. Helped the poor, orphans and needy children by distributed school bags, books and stationary among 200 students without any distinction of religious, cast, and creed by aiming to promote education, interfaith harmony and peace. And also 200 fruit plants have been distributed among youth in District Toba Tek Singh and District Jhang for healthy and clean environment.

Miss Cecilia sang a peace song to promote tolerance, love, patience, prosperity and peace with Mr.Asif and Mr. Paul Shahid, Mr.Yousaf Nawab described that it is estimated that nearly 15% of the total population of Pakistan is consists of Youth. The Youth, therefore, constitute a great potential force capable of leading a nation to great heights of progress or abyss of decadence. No wonder every nation spends crores of rupees for their education, awareness and proper development. The future of every nation depends on their youth. He also said that the primary duty of a youth is to learn and acquire knowledge. Their main duty consists of improving their intellect and widening their mental capabilities. Unfortunately, many youth members forget this goal and spend their life days uselessly enjoying and idling away their time. Only later they realize the result of their folly. But then it is too late. This is the platform wherein Youth learn the good traits of life such as, discipline, obedience, dutifulness, diligence, respect to elders, honesty, patriotism, and peacebuilders etc. NGOs provide numerous opportunities for the development of these qualities. It is the duty of every youth member to acquire these fine qualities of life which will enable him/ her to stand in good stead in the future.
Mr. Paul Shahid shared that “The youth of a nation are the trustees of prosperity” (Benjamin Disraeli) Youth are the backbone of a nation. They are the key to success and the ones who can change the future of a society with their education and courageous behavior. If the youth understand their responsibilities, the day is not far when a nation can soar on the horizon of success. He described that, Aristotle said, “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.” Adopting good habits makes a good personality. The foundations of a nation are strong if its youth value time and the resources available to them. A society becomes good and noble if its youth work hard, follow the rules and regulations set by law and the path of righteousness and serve others selflessly. Those who obey can also lead. It is also important to remember that tolerance is a vital ingredient for success. In difficult times, tolerance and patience pave the way and promote peace. He also said that youth are not only leaders of tomorrow but also partners of today. Youth with sound knowledge and strong values can bring about a mature and responsible change for the coming generation. The resourcefulness of youth can provide the necessary complement to various aspects of life like eradication of poverty, bringing awareness in nation to change the economic condition of the country, playing a crucial role in positively transforming conflicted situations and building the foundations of a democratic and peaceful society.

Mr.Anosh Shahid started his talk with a little and impressive activity. He said that first of all we have to look the faces of one another with smiling face. He said that smiling face is a key to promote of peace and harmony among different tribes, cast and faiths. He put a Quotation that “There is no way for peace, peace is a way”. He also said that there is need of social harmony and promotion of love if we want to make a peaceful society. He also mentioned that In fact, an energetic person is a youth for forever. But if we want to give a special definition, we can say that, the part of life, which are sending to acquire knowledge in specific subject in life can be called as a Youth life. As Youth life is the most important part of life, the youth has to complete a lot of duties and responsibilities. He has to take preparation for the future life, at the same time; he has to maintain his duties towards the families, society and nation.

Pastor Mushtaq explained that the first and foremost duty of as youth to enhance their knowledge in different fields of life to overcome the critical situations. As youth should study regularly in various fields of life. But this study should not be confined to his text book only. He should read novels, articles, newspapers etc. Besides he must perform extracurricular activities, such as- singing, dancing, debating, etc. All these things will give them not only refreshment, but also a deep sense of life. It will increase their ability and become staunch to overtake the obstacles of life. He said we have to increase love, patience and acceptance in ourselves according to the Bible and the Holy Quran. So that we promote peace and interfaith harmony in our nations and country.

Rev.Fr.Yousaf George said that the purpose of these awareness programs is to produce ideal persons to face the responsibilities of the future. This aim can be achieved only when the youth members are sincere and they acquire their knowledge in the real sense. Just copying a few persons are not a helpful to become a peacebuilders. As youth can never be educated until and unless he does not put his heart and should to the cause of education. As youth member is a person, who devotes himself to the pursuits of knowledge and learning. It is therefore, the first and foremost duty of an ideal youth member is to seek knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge demands hard work and full devotion. Unfortunately, they as youth members do not realize their duties. Their greatest purpose is to get good reputation in the society by hook or by crook. They adopt all the foul means to earn their name sin the society. The ideal youth member enriches himself with knowledge. In practical life only those members of youth, come out with best colors, which had enhance their knowledge and take part to promote peace activities. An ideal youth members he enjoys learning. He goes deep and deep in search of the knowledge. He takes interest in all the activities that promote his physical health. He goes to the play ground with the same pleasure and enthusiasm with which he get knowledge. He loves his fellow youth members and takes part in all the collective activities. As perfect member of youth is not a frog in a well but a person with greater visions and ideals. He does not participate in adverse and negative activities. He does not waste his time in useless deeds. He does not keep association with such elements whose purpose is to damage the cause of peace and tolerance. Just he believes in simple and plain living.


At the end Miss Hina Fazand dedicated a peace song to the all participants .After that Pieces of Cake were share among the participants as a sign of peace builders.