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.

Golden Jubilee Events - BUSINESS IDEAS & JOB EXPO 2010

Motivating youth to experiment with unexplored avenues of entrepreneurship and academics, the two-day Business Ideas & Job Expo 2010 organised by Jang Media Group and Tehzeeb Pakistan concluded here on Friday. 

Youth visited the venue in large numbers on the second day to learn about the changing market trends. They visited every stall enthusiastically and inquired about the opportunities available and qualifications required in the market. The additional feature of ‘Business Ideas’ this year successfully gave new dimension to the young minds looking for profitable career opportunities. 

“I think I should start my career with my own business,” said Saleem Ijaz, a student of MBA last semester. Sharing his experience of the exhibition, another student Sharjeel Ahmed said that he has learned many good things about how to start a new business. “There are unlimited business opportunities available around and in this time of recession in job market, the youth should seriously consider this option,” he said adding one consultant said to him that every recession opens up new business avenues. 

Sales Manger Tehzeeb Arif Waseem told ‘The News’ that he has given more than 50 power point presentations to youth about the new business ideas. He said that their organisation has a list of 1,000 culture friendly business ideas suitable to Pakistan’s political and economic situation. “Soon we will display them on our website www.tehzeeb-pakistan.org. “To start up with, we gave presentations on five innovative ideas related to auto industry,” he mentioned. 

Talking about the most liked ideas, Arif said that many young visitors expressed keen interest in Carvertising. “It is a new form of advertising in which consumers wrap their cars in ads for cash,” he said pointing out that car owners can earn a good amount of money by making their car a marketing tool for big companies. 

“To start this expenditure less business, consumers should contact the marketing departments of any organisation,” he said while advising his customers not to approach wrong persons in an organisation. “Approaching the right person in very important to succeed as a business person.” He said that another idea that received good response was to start a business of safety controls for cars in order to protect them from theft. “In developed world, such tools are common mainly for parental monitoring of cars. “Teen drivers are more likely to speed and less likely to wear seat belts. This safety issue gave rise to this idea that proved to be a big success in western markets,” he said. 

The exhibition not only provided a platform to youth to interact with big companies, but it also provided an opportunity for many business organisations to introduce their brand in the market. “Although we are new in the market, but the response was overwhelming,” said Shabir Ahmed, sales boy at a stall offering gent’s wear. As many as 40 stalls of different companies and academic institutions were set up on the occasion. The stalls of big organisation received hundreds of CVs containing information about the aspiring candidates. Some conducted on the spot interviews. Even the stallholders of small business groups displaying their products for sale also received CVs of students looking for experience opportunities. Students were of the opinion that more such exhibition should be organised for youth that feels is directionless and clueless in the present insecure political and economic conditions. “Such events should also be arranged within universities and colleges so that maximum students can benefit from such positive activity,” suggested Shela Saeed, a student of Masters in Social Studies. 

Adding colour to the overall environment were the stalls set up by businesswomen. The delicately designed gold plated jewellery and trendy dresses displayed on these stalls remained the focus of attention for visitors. “Many girls and boys approached us to ask about the prospects of such business,” said Noreen Faiza, a jewellery designer. She said that innovation is the key to be successful in the jewellery and garments business. “The Pakistani products have excellent market aboard,” said Faiza adding that her products are sold as hot cakes in the Europe and United States. 

A young dress designer, Sana Malik, said that combination of quality and marketing skills guarantee the success of a business. She said that despite high competition in this business, there are plenty of unexplored areas yet to be discovered. She urged young and educated girls to try their luck in garments business.