WHO WE AREInterfaith Youth in Action (IYA), a network of diverse faith youth and a project of Youth Development Foundation (YDF) which became local chapter of World Faith in 2010, IYA is a non-profit and non-government organization led by young people from diverse faiths and backgrounds in Pakistan. IYA serves as a network of diverse youth to promote pluralism and mutual respect for religious diversity and bridge building among youth of different faiths through interfaith dialogues, building relationships and human based coexistent.
WHAT WE DO Our purpose is to provide opportunity and safe spaces for the youth of each faith to come together to build understanding, reduce misconceptions and develop healthy relationship through social activities, exposures visits, interfaith celebrations, sports gathering and community service activities to promote interfaith dialogues and relationship building by interaction and practical action for peace and harmony in Pakistani context. We have been implementing our various peace advocacy projects mainly in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi; Solidarity has been one of the focal themes in promoting and advocating peace as a way of life. IYA has been working closely with many groups, organizations and individuals to make all it’s work successful and beneficial to the whole community. IYA have small but strong network in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad through our members, focal persons, supports and partner groups. IYA leaders meet once in a month in Lahore and national leaders meet once in a six month to discuss and share ongoing programs of iya and refocus on current strategies and action to double impact of iya in the lives of youngsters. Mission Statement “Bridge Building through Interfaith Youth Initiatives” “Engaging Young people for eliminating extremism and conflicts in Pakistan with Interfaith Dialogue, Friendly Relationship and human based Coexistence” Goals & Objectives Long term goal: Improve the social coexistence and interfaith relationship for peace and harmony among youth of Muslim majority and religious minorities in Pakistan. Objectives: To develop interfaith relationships and friendship among youth. To develop models for living harmoniously together as young people in Pakistan. To build understanding, good will and a sense of community service among youth of different faiths. To empower youth leaders to shape society that is free from discrimination and bias and where all religious are respected & protected. To explore the role of diversity in local communities for acceptance and peace building. To explore and learn about each other and our faith traditions to remove misconceptions and misunderstanding. To share our knowledge and insights with others. To work together to achieve common goals in Pakistan. To support each other in times of difficulty. Capacity of Interfaith Youth in Action Diverse Registered Members 545 Diverse Volunteers 65 Diverse chaplains 4 (Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh ) Local Groups Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad IYA Documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPkLaJmDAio Successful activities in 2011 http://iyapk.weebly.com/photo-gallery.html |
|
