Youth Volunteerism for Civic Engagement
The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (Alive Spirit) discussed the importance of youth volunteerism for civic engagement with emphasis on volunteer activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A spirit of volunteerism is a dire need if we want the youth to share responsibilities with the state.
The guest in the show, Mr. Shahzad Hanif, a well-known volunteer in Peshawar said that volunteerism teaches us to understand the problems of others, being considerate of their feelings and helping out for the sake of Allah Almighty. Defining volunteerism, he said that social activism is aimed at bringing change in the society; however, this may be confined to social media activities while volunteerism is to serve people practically.
Mr. Shehzad said that volunteerism can affect the society largely, though it is another topic that volunteers are not encouraged at times. Volunteerism can be done at different levels and in different scenarios such as removing trash from the streets. He shared that the concept of Dewar-e-Meharbani (wall of kindness) was initiated in Peshawar by his team as a part of volunteer activities. He suggested that volunteerism doesn’t have to be age bound and all segments of society can contribute as per their capacity.
The guest on call, Mr. Asad Lodhi, a volunteer, emphasized that it is the moral responsibility of every individual whether rich or poor to serve as a volunteer. We must utilize our resources for helping people. Volunteer groups prove to be beneficial for the entire society. A big population in the country is poor and they cannot afford quality food and health facilities therefore we must assist them. If you get involved in voluntarism, you will learn a lot of things and gain experience that will benefit you in personal as well as professional life.
The report by Mr. Farid Shinwari shared the details of voluntary activities continuing in Peshawar and the respondents were of the opinion that only youth can bring true and sustainable change in the society; however, it is crucial that they are mentored by the political leadership and by the state.
The report by Ms. Bushra Mehsud highlighted the importance of volunteer activities for a peaceful society.
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the merged tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, equal citizenry, and social cohesion.
The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under three themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Tuesday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with input from government and other senior officials. On Wednesday, Jwandai Jazbey airs and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for youth, students. Issues of Women and socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of UDHR along with constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.