A 16-week alumni-led initiative engaged 120 direct participants in practical discussions on markets, financial awareness, digital tools, and economic opportunities.
The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), through a grant led by Aqsa Ahmad, a 2024 International English Language Program (IELP) alumna, supported an initiative to strengthen economic literacy and digital awareness among young people in Multan and South Punjab.
Titled Youth Economic Literacy and Digital Awareness Initiative in South Punjab, the 16-week project connected students, entrepreneurs, academics, and development practitioners through interactive learning sessions and community dialogues. The initiative focused on helping participants understand economic systems, recognize market opportunities, access relevant information, and make more informed financial and business decisions.
Connecting Economic Knowledge with Everyday Decisions
Subsequent Community Economic Dialogues encouraged participants to examine economic challenges and opportunities affecting their communities. Discussions explored market dynamics, financial awareness, entrepreneurship, and the importance of informed decision-making.
Rather than relying solely on lectures, the initiative created opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives with academics, practitioners, and peers, connecting economic concepts with everyday experiences.
Strengthening Digital Awareness and Practical Skills
A series of Digital Literacy and Economic Awareness sessions conducted in August introduced participants to the role of digital resources in accessing information, exploring employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and making informed decisions.
The project also engaged Student Focal Persons to encourage participation and support dialogue among young people.
By combining economic education with digital awareness, the initiative addressed two interconnected needs: understanding how markets and economic opportunities function, and developing the ability to navigate information in an increasingly digital economy.
Applying Economic Literacy to Entrepreneurship
Participants described how the initiative helped them reconsider practical business challenges.
Zeeshan Javed, 26, a shoe shop operator from Multan, reported gaining a clearer understanding of market forces, including demand, supply, and investment, and how these concepts could inform everyday business decisions.
Sohail Zaffar, 21, from Multan, highlighted the importance of understanding markets, managing risk, and making informed investment decisions when exploring business growth opportunities.
Their experiences illustrate how economic literacy can help connect classroom concepts and community discussions with the decisions entrepreneurs face in managing and developing their businesses.
Turning U.S. Exchange Experience into Community Learning
Led by Aqsa Ahmad, a development professional associated with Lodhran Pilot Project, the initiative brought together PUAN alumni, educational institutions, and community stakeholders around economic understanding and digital awareness.
The project reported around 120 direct beneficiaries and an estimated 750 indirect beneficiaries, extending its intended reach beyond the participants attending the activities.
Through alumni-led engagement and practical learning opportunities, the grant demonstrates how U.S. exchange alumni can contribute to economic awareness, entrepreneurial thinking, and workforce readiness in their communities.
The initiative reflects PUAN’s commitment to translating exchange experiences into locally relevant opportunities that strengthen professional knowledge, informed economic participation, and the skills needed to navigate changing markets.
