Growing up in a region where democracy felt distant, Haris Khan, an alumnus of the English Works program (2021), decided to take action. Witnessing the impact of disengaged youth and a lack of strong democratic structures made him take charge of things with the help of Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program supported by U.S. Mission in Pakistan in partnership with Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). Haris’s ASG project, titled “Localizing Democracy,” aimed to empower both young people and local leaders. The project consisted of three key components: Educate, Equip, and Engage.
The project kicked off with a series of awareness sessions for over 300 individuals. These sessions focused on demystifying democracy, the Pakistani Constitution, and crucial laws like the Right to Information (RTI) and Right to Service (RTS) Acts. The goal? To equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, fostering a stronger democratic foundation.
Recognizing the importance of skilled leadership, Haris organized training workshops for 120 individuals from Peshawar and Khyber. One workshop catered to aspiring youth and political figures, providing them with a roadmap to navigate Pakistan’s democratic system and the skills needed for a successful political career. The other workshop targeted elected local government representatives. Here, the focus shifted to committee formation, proposal writing, and effective budgeting – all crucial aspects of ensuring efficient local governance.
The project matured with a unifying showcase conference. This event brought together young people, political hopefuls, and local representatives, fostering connections and promoting inclusion within the democratic process as the results of this ASG project “Localizing Democracy” were truly inspiring.
“This training is essential,” remarked Shah Khalid Shinwari, the elected Tehsil Mayor of Landikotal. “Despite our pleas for support, the government neglected us for years. These sessions are vital for building our capacity and ensuring accountability.”
Safeena Shah, a young climate activist from Peshawar, echoed these sentiments: “Witnessing the challenges our leaders face in tackling the climate crisis motivated me to pursue a career in politics. The training on youth leadership and political participation was invaluable. It provided me with the roadmap and skills I needed.”
Haris credits the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for their unwavering support throughout the project. “The collaboration was seamless,” he shared. “The team provided constant guidance and support, making the entire experience incredibly enriching.”
Haris’s story is a proof of the power of youth and the transformative potential of the ASG program. Through “Localizing Democracy,” he has initiated a wave of change, empowering both the future leaders and the current stewards of Pakistan’s democratic journey.
