Young people urged to be passionate about their goals

The ‘Junior Youth Summit 2010’ held at the International Grammar School & College (IGSC), Islamabad, gathered youngsters (aged 15 to 19 years) from Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other parts of the country to discuss the issues faced by the Pakistani society. Moreover, it gave young people an opportunity to forge friendships and convert ideas into actions through interaction. 

Organised by the IMPossible Trainings and Management Consultancy and hosted by the International Grammar School & College (IGSC) and supported by the Techure Foundation Org., UK, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Hawk Adventure Club and Transnational Education Services (TE Services), the Junior Youth Summit 2010 was held from November 26 to 28. 

The event provided participants of different schools and colleges with a common ground to exchange ideas and interact on specific issues affecting Pakistan at the time of recession. With the theme of ‘Social Entrepreneurship,’ the participants proposed their business ideas and discussed their practicality. 

The International Grammar School & College (IGSC) principal said, “Each one of us has that undeniable significant power within us to impact the world around us, but it has to be conscious endeavours by us. Give the fullness of your brilliance, be the best you can be at all times and be wildly passionate about your commitment!” 

In spirit and numbers, the junior youth from the twin cities, with the help of mentors and guest speakers created a dynamic atmosphere of diversity. A large number of delegates from the International Grammar School & College, Beaconhouse School System (both from Beaconhouse Educational Complex and Beaconhouse Margalla Campus), ASAS (F-8) and Roots (DHA) participated in the vibrant event. 

All participants were given an opportunity to listen to a variety of renowned guest speakers on various topics related to ‘Social Entrepreneurship’. 

The invited speakers included Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mahfooz Elahi, Salman Shahzad, project manager of the Vocational Trainings South Asia British Council, Moazzam Iftikhar, director of the Riphah Business Resource Centre, Usman Zahid, CEO of the Snow White Dry Cleaners and Shaheen Chemist, and Khuram Idrees, director of marketing and commercialization at the Nust.

Salman Shahzad said the curiosity and inquisitiveness makes one think how these young people observe and question today’s problems. “They are the change-bringers and I very surely see them bringing change. The summit is a start but I see no end to this initiative, which has been taken. It has triggered change.”

To inspire and to motivate young people, sixteen-year-old Huzaima Amin was invited to the event as a special guest. Talking about his courage and bravery, Huzaima Amin is the youngest person in the history of Pakistan to get ‘Tamgha-e-Juraat’ on his audacious act of saving lives of small children and Major General (r) Muhammad Yusaf, in the tragic Parade Lane incident earlier this year in Rawalpindi.

The panel of judges included ICCI President Mehfooz Elahi and Iram Rehman, managing director of the Westridge SMC Limited, judged the ideas of summit delegate teams on the criteria of creativity, practicality, sustainability and presentations. Judged by the panellists, the groups worked in a competitive environment trying their best to win. The overall scores of the teams included different activities carried throughout the summit and their business idea presentations. 

On the concluding day of the summit the winning team from ‘XYZ School’ was announced. The winning team was rewarded with Rs100,000 funding for their idea by the Techure Foundation and a voucher for a free paragliding experience with all team members. 

After the second day’s proceedings, the Junior Youth Summit concluded with a memorable musical night and a grand dinner in which delegates enjoyed themselves fully. In the end, the participants returned feeling more inspired to continue the learning process.