By: Shehneela Mazhar

In the remote city of Quetta, Pakistan, a remarkable success story unfolded when Hameed ul Mehdi, E-Teacher Online Scholarship Program 2018 alumnus, a passionate human rights defender and educational scholar, embarked on a journey to uplift the lives of the Hazara tribes through sports and psycho-social support. This innovative community development project, funded by the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) under the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), empowered 60 young Hazara girls and foster their self-development, self-inner peace, and overall well-being.

Hameed ul Mehdi’s impressive decade-long career in the development sector equipped him with the expertise to tackle the challenges faced by the Hazara tribes. From serving in various capacities with local, national, and international organizations to working with UN Geneva and a Migration agency in Sweden, Hameed had garnered invaluable experience and a deep understanding of human rights, education, and skills development.

The Hazara tribes had endured the brunt of terrorism, resulting in severe trauma and isolation. Recognizing the power of sports, particularly Karate, Hameed designed a project that would not only provide physical activity but also serve as a tool for stress management, confidence building, and fostering a fair play mindset.

The impact of the project was profound, with 70-80% of participants reporting improved confidence and a better understanding of human rights. Many young karate players benefited directly from enhanced skills, techniques, and confidence during the matches. Several participants expressed their ambitions to compete at national and international levels, inspired by the success of other Hazara girls who had won medals in various championships worldwide.

Zakia, a 21-year-old participant, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn new techniques and compete in the tournament, highlighting the impact of the project on her self-esteem. Eighteen-year-old Saima appreciated her coach’s guidance and how the program instilled confidence and self-esteem, setting it apart from other initiatives.

Hameed ul Mehdi lauded the support and coordination from the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) during the project’s implementation. Their trust and encouragement enabled Hameed’s team to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young girls, paving the way for future success and inspiration.

Hameed ul Mehdi’s project is a shining example of the positive impact that community-based initiatives can have on vulnerable populations. By combining sports and psycho-social support, the project empowered young Hazara girls, instilling in them the courage to face life’s challenges. With the unwavering support of PUAN and the U.S. Mission, Hameed’s vision became a reality, fostering a generation of strong and confident young women ready to take on the world.

Follow the journey of Hameed ul Mehdi through his Facebook page which is: facebook.com/hameed.mehdi

Together, we can make a difference, one project at a time.