The third training session of the HFL [1] project was held November 13-15, 2015 at Shelton’s Green Hotel in Peshawar. The participant students were from public universities and colleges in the districts of Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera. The institutions included :
- JMC University of Peshawar
- Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology
- Abasyn University
- Government Degree College Abdul Wali Khan Charsadda
- Government Post Graduate College Charsadda
- College of Global Technologies and Information
- Government Degree College Pabbi
- Abdul Wali Khan University (Pabbi Campus)
- Government Post Graduate College Nowshera
This third training included a recap of previous training endeavors, covering the themes as follows:
- Leadership and Motivation
- Democracy, Governance and Accountability
- Civic Engagement
- Rule of Law
- Respect for Diversity
- Conflict Resolution and Mitigation
- Social Action Plans
The 60+ students were once again trained by some of the most inspiring names in the training industry, and hailed from various walks of life. Examples include Deputy Inspector General Peshawar Police Muhammad Ali Babakhel, Bureau Chief for a private television channel in Peshawar Mr. Safiullah Gul, and faculty member Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Peshawar, Ms. Hina Karamat. The training included deeper practical examples and case studies to highlight the previously learned concepts, and a strong emphasis on group activities to drive the point home.
CRSS hopes that by training these youth in critical life skills, which are normally not taught at their respective educational institutions and are considered outside the ambit of academic discourse, we can create momentum for tolerant, peaceful resolutions of indigenous conflict, inculcate respect for diversity and rule of law, and sensitize the youth to respect the opinions different from their own. This initiative subscribes to the larger philosophy of mitigating and eliminating conflict in the region through peaceful mechanisms.
The chief guest for the third day’s concluding session, retired Justice Mian Muhammad Ajmal said, “The youth is an asset of Pakistan and thought-provoking, critical thinking focused grooming play a vital role in their capacity building.” Trainers Professor Abdul Jabbar and Ms. Shagufta Gul highlighted the importance of youth capacity building and appreciated the efforts of CRSS. Participants also partook in a Q&A session with the chief guest.
[1] About HFL
Harnessing Future Leaders (HFL) is a yearlong CRSS led youth leadership and development program, focusing in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) province, in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). CRSS has partnered with nine universities in the districts of Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera. CRSS is working with a group of 60 young individuals, selected from these universities, which demonstrate a proclivity for leadership.