By: Shehneela Mazhar
From the city of flowers, Peshawar, KP, a transformational project came to life, fueled by the vision of Dr. Waheed Ullah, Global UGrad alumnus 20111, a passionate catalyst for change. With the unwavering support of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and the U.S. Mission, the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative took flight, aimed at bridging the chasm between academia and industry. This endeavor sought to empower students, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing professional world by building linkages between academic and industry.
Meet Dr. Waheed Ullah: A Beacon of Empowerment: Dr. Waheed Ullah, a luminary in project management with a PhD, embodied the spirit of empowerment. As the former President of PUAN, he embraced collaboration, driving impactful initiatives that changed lives. His dedication to empowering students and fostering collaboration between academia and industry became the beating heart of the ASG project, igniting dreams in the hearts of young minds.
Rationale Behind the Project: Paving the Way for Success: At the core of the project was a powerful purpose: to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through dynamic focus group discussions, training sessions, and networking events, the initiative sought to uncover challenges and opportunities for collaboration. It provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, bridge skill gaps, and foster a profound understanding of industry expectations. The ultimate mission was to empower students, enabling them to make a seamless transition from academia to the professional world.
Impactful Outcomes: Voices of Empowerment: The impact of the ASG project was nothing short of life-changing, as participants’ voices echoed their newfound empowerment:
- Saba Rukhsar, a bright student from Islamia College University Peshawar, shared, “The project has been a beacon of light, guiding me towards my dreams. I gained invaluable industry insights and honed the skills needed to shine in a fiercely competitive job market.”
- Imran Ali, from Sarhad University of Science & Technology, expressed, “This project opened doors I never knew existed. Collaborating with industry professionals gave me opportunities for internships, paving the way for a future beyond my wildest imagination.”
- Marwa Afridi, a promising student at Shaheed Benazir Women University Peshawar, revealed, “The project helped me align my academic curriculum with industry needs, making me a force to be reckoned with in the job market. I now feel equipped to shape my destiny.
Unleashing the Power of Collaboration: Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and PUAN infused the project with boundless energy and wisdom. Their unwavering support strengthened the project’s foundation, ensuring it adhered to global best practices. PUAN’s vast alumni network enriched the initiative, fostering connections that opened doors to new possibilities.
Empowering the Future: Peshawar’s Trailblazers: The most significant outcomes of the project left an indelible mark on Peshawar’s future. First, academia now boasts industry-aligned curricula, nurturing students with the skills demanded by employers. Second, robust collaborations between academic institutions and industries have ignited a powerful exchange of knowledge and expertise. Third, a resounding success emerged as academia agreed to involve industry representatives in the curriculum review committee. This milestone paves the way for a deeper understanding of industry needs and an adaptive curriculum. Moreover, industry representatives offered exposure visits and internship opportunities, enabling students to stay ahead in a dynamic market. This inclusive approach has a particularly significant impact on female students, creating a level playing field for all aspiring leaders.
The Quest for a Flourishing Tomorrow: Dr. Waheed Ullah’s ASG project breathed life into aspirations, inspiring students to reach for the stars. Peshawar’s future stands adorned with possibility, as students and industry leaders unite in a shared dream of progress and success. As the flames of collaboration continue to blaze brightly, the city’s trailblazers are poised to conquer the professional world, armed with passion and determination. With the ASG project as their guiding light, they march forward, ready to ignite dreams, bridge realities, and shape a future that knows no bounds.
By: Shehneela Mazhar
