Theory of Change
Our theory of change is based on the concept that we stop treating young people as part of problem and empty vessels into which we pour our wisdom and instead we should treat young people as the most promising resource available to us in developing a new societal structure and meeting the high service needs of our communities. Our program envisions young people as part of the solution rather than part of the problem and a major force to bring positive change and peace building in the communities. We have demonstrated at various locations particular post conflict that once the socially-excluded, marginalized, under-served and half-educated young people are organized and provided structured opportunities to set up homegrown social change and peace building programs they can be changed to champions in their personal and community lives.
Any strategy to address the root cause of deprivation and conflict in these communities must involve youth in productive roles, and must build their skills in order to perform those roles effectively. Pakistani youth do participate in their communities and work hard when they are given an opportunity. The challenge is to provide legitimate channels to express their needs and aspirations, equal access to opportunities to participate in the civic and political life, and the skills to be productive, dignified citizens.
In order to meet our goals of youth re-branding, our current theory of change necessitates that youth demonstrate their capacity for positive effectiveness within society; we assist youth in establishing the opportunity to demonstrate that effectiveness by intervening into disadvantaged areas wherein our ideas can best be proven (i.e; areas with experienced conflict, high numbers of at-risk or marginalized young people, high crime, poverty or illiteracy rates).
Young people need to feel a sense of belonging. Their optimism, energy, and genuine desire to transform society provide opportunity and hope. However, if they feel isolated or marginalized from their families, communities and societies, they are more likely to find that sense of belonging from a plethora of ‘negative’ external forces (e.g., militant groups, extremist leaders, criminal gangs).
Any strategy to address the root cause of deprivation and conflict in these communities must involve youth in productive roles, and must build their skills in order to perform those roles effectively. Pakistani youth do participate in their communities and work hard when they are given an opportunity. The challenge is to provide legitimate channels to express their needs and aspirations, equal access to opportunities to participate in the civic and political life, and the skills to be productive, dignified citizens.
In order to meet our goals of youth re-branding, our current theory of change necessitates that youth demonstrate their capacity for positive effectiveness within society; we assist youth in establishing the opportunity to demonstrate that effectiveness by intervening into disadvantaged areas wherein our ideas can best be proven (i.e; areas with experienced conflict, high numbers of at-risk or marginalized young people, high crime, poverty or illiteracy rates).
Young people need to feel a sense of belonging. Their optimism, energy, and genuine desire to transform society provide opportunity and hope. However, if they feel isolated or marginalized from their families, communities and societies, they are more likely to find that sense of belonging from a plethora of ‘negative’ external forces (e.g., militant groups, extremist leaders, criminal gangs).