By: Shehneela Mazhar

Adeel Ahmed, Exchange Ambassador of Pakistan US Alumni NETWORK (PUAN) from the Quetta Chapter, in collaboration with Lincoln Corner Balochistan, orchestrated an enlightening orientation session at “The City School” Quetta Campus. The session aimed to introduce students and teachers to U.S. funded Exchange programs for Pakistani Youth and the OPEN program, fostering cultural exchange and personal and professional growth.

During the session, participants received comprehensive guidance on applying for various programs, including Youth Exchange, UGRAD, SUSI, and Sister to Sister exchange programs. These avenues promise incredible opportunities for educational and cultural enrichment, emphasizing personal development and global understanding.

The orientation highlighted the OPEN program opportunities, offering AE Live Webinar series, MOOCs, GOCs, Alumni Engagement opportunities, and valuable resources provided by RELO Pakistan’s OPEN courses. This provided teachers access to quality educational materials to enhance their teaching practices and improve students’ learning outcomes.

One of the session’s key highlights was the introduction to Lincoln Corners and its significant role in Balochistan. Participants gained insights into the various programs and activities conducted by Lincoln Corners, showcasing its commitment to promoting cultural understanding and supporting community development in the region.

This impactful session reached 50 undergraduate students and 27 educators, opening doors to new opportunities and contributing to their personal and professional growth. The collaborative efforts of PUAN and Lincoln Corner Balochistan exemplify a commendable endeavor to empower the youth of Quetta with international exposure and foster global connections.

The session included distinguished individuals who shared their expertise and experiences:

• Farwa Batool (Moderator): Coordinator, Lincoln Corner Balochistan, OPEN Alumni
• Adeel Ahmed (Presenter): Exchange Ambassador, PUAN Quetta Chapter, TEA / OPEN Alumnus

Guest speakers for the session included:

• Mir Behran Baloch: President, PUAN Quetta Chapter
• Salman Khan: Vice President, PUAN Quetta
• Hameed ul Mehdi: OPEN Alumnus

Through this orientation, Adeel Ahmed and the collaborative efforts of PUAN and Lincoln Corner Balochistan ignited a spark of curiosity and ambition in the minds of Quetta’s youth.

Together, they are shaping a brighter, more connected future for the aspiring leaders of Pakistan.