By Rimsha Ali Shah

“When I applied for the Peace Conference, I did not anticipate how it would lead the way for me to pursue my dream project.”

Delivering a session on “Youth Activism and Interfaith Harmony” at the PUAN Youth Activism Conference 2016, Dr. Muhaiman, an alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) recalled his journey from a participant to a speaker.  During the November 2015 PUAN International Conference: Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Muhaiman had not foreseen the journey he would undertake.  Inspired by discussions on peace promotion and compelled to make a difference to the notion of extremism, Dr. Muhaiman came up with the idea of Society for Peace and Resolution of Conflict (SPARC) with the mission to “eliminate all forms of racial, ethnic, linguistic, political and religious bigotry through peace, love, respect, tolerance and through culture.”

His workshop showcased how his project “Orientation of Madrasah Students” (OMS) engaged students from five madaris in Haripur and equipped them with language and technical skills, and exposed them to the learning culture of universities.  This was made possible with the help of an alumni small grant from the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).  All alumni of various U.S. government sponsored exchange programs in Pakistan are eligible to apply for the grant of up to 5,000 USD to enable them to give back to their communities.

Madrasah Students Spend 15 Days as University Students

Mohsin Hussain, a madrasah student noted, “I always wanted to experience university culture.  After being here I have realized that it is not only a place for the rich, but people like me can also get admission and get the best education.”

The project engaged 25 students from various madaris in Haripur for 15 days at University of Haripur, Haripur.  During these 15 days, the students not only took part in English language classes geared towards enhancing their writing and grammar skills but also computer literacy classes that oriented students with tools for giving presentations, word processing, and other basic computer skills.

“I enjoyed learning IT and English grammar from the teachers here.  They taught us without any discrimination and with a lot of clarity,” said Ahmed.

Along with imparting these skills, the program also featured guest lectures by the faculty of the university: Dr. Abdullah, Head Department of Environmental Sciences delivered a lecture on Islam and Environment; Dr. Sadaf Ayub, Assistant Professor in Department of Education delivered a lecture on the Standards of Education; Dr. Muhammad Jahangir, Assistant Professor in Department of Agriculture gave a session on Halal and Tayyab Food; Mr. Atiq Khattak, Lecturer in the Department of Management Sciences delivered a lecture on the 7Cs of communication; Director of Sports Mr. Rafiq Khan talked to madrasah students on the importance of sports.

“Apart from the technical skills, the classes have taught me so much more about resolving conflicts peacefully,” said Hasnain.

The madrasah students also had the opportunity to interact with university students who spoke to them about their campus experience.  One of the students, Faizan said, “Before interacting with them, I was of the opinion that the university students would not be helpful or friendly.  But I have found them to be very warm, welcoming and well-versed.”

Students also had the chance to take part in a friendly cricket and volleyball match with the university students.  Along with sports, these students were also engaged in community service activity where the SPARC volunteers and students were given bags and gloves to clean up the campus.

“I am now motivated to aim for a university education after completing my madrasah education,” exclaimed Sharjeel.

As he concluded his session at the PUAN Youth Activism Conference, Dr. Muhaiman encouraged the dynamic group of youngsters before him to capitalize on the opportunity the conference provided and take a leap of faith to execute their dreams.  After all, it was the PUAN Peace Conference that paved the way for him to pursue his mission for peace promotion.