 |
Posted: July 17 2006,08:49 by David from INTERNATIONAL - Fundacion Cultura de Paz
|
|
QUESTIONNAIRE
Firstly) is your organization youth-led or primarily youth-serving? Please explain briefly.
Answer.
Peace World Wide is a Youth-serving organization primarily involved in
the education sector as well as human rights, sustainable development
and elimination of gender bias.
1. INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES
a) If funds were available, what youth activities related to a culture of peace (CoP) would you
like to do as an individual?
Answer. N/A
b) What non-financial support would you need to do these activities?
Answer. N/A
c) If funds were available, what youth activities related to a CoP would your organization like to do?
Answer.
There are many ways to encourage youth participation to promote a
culture of peace. Unlike problems confronting youth in other part of
the world, Pakistani youth from non-Muslim background suffer excessive
discrimination. From a young age, non-Muslim children are forcibly
taught Islamiat (Islamic Education), shun by their Muslim peers,
isolated socially, rarely permitted to excel or represent the country
in sports both at national and international level, deprived of social
cohesion and falsely accused of petty crimes. Non-Muslim youths are
initially coaxed shortly followed by harassed into embracing Islam.
Educated and semi-educated Christian youths in particular have been
denied decent employment by the Muslim masses both in the government
and private sector, instead relegated to menial and degrading
janitorial and sanitation tasks further eroding their self-worth.
Peace
World Wide would like to initiate youth managed programs that
reinvigorate their lost self-esteem. An idle mind is a devil's
workshop. Sports and recreational programs, opportunities to
obtain affordable further education, a purpose built community
centre with state of the art equipment and accessories be established
where unemployed youth regularly gather to devise methods of exploring
their true potential. Other programs can also include
long-term/interest free small loans scheme wherein unemployed youth can
start a small business, effectively generating goodwill as well as
becoming self-reliant. A program of civic mindedness can also be
organized wherein unemployed youth can do community service at various
hospitals, clinics, parks and recreational spots to further develop
their sense of patriotism. Establishing small industries that produce
export items is another way of providing financial security to our
unemployed youth. Most of the projects mentioned above require a
dedicated team of both adults & youths work in collaboration as
well as massive funding.
d) What non-financial support would your organization need to do these activities?
Answer.
Non-financial support could once again be in many forms. International
donor organization can help by providing volunteer teaching staff on
rotational basis, providing equipment such as computers, teaching aids,
printed paraphernalia and other accessories, providing
scholarships & apprenticeships will motivate deserving &
talented youth achieve success, raising awareness of the benefits
of proper nutrition, raising awareness of infectious and fatally
harmful diseases through counseling sessions, organizing work related
& interfaith harmony seminars and workshops conducted by foreign
experts specializing in child & youth psychology.
2. SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT AND THE UN
a) What changes in youth policies do you think the government/leadership in your country should
make to promote a CoP?
The
government of Pakistan is solely responsible for the widespread
discrimination and isolation between Muslim & non-Muslim youth. The
government must abolish Islamiat as a compulsory subject in the current
syllabus, introducing, instead Civic or Ethics across the board. The
government with the active participation of parents- teachers must also
commence a long-term campaign via the print and electronic media
highlighting the importance of national unity and patriotism.
Furthermore, discrimination of all kinds must be classified as a crime
with those affected able to seek justice and those responsible for such
crimes adequately punished. Non-Islamic religions must be allowed to
flourish side by side with Islam. A level playing field is vital for
better social integration and national prosperity.
b) What CoP youth activities do you think the UN should carry out?
The
United Nations could play a proactive role by establishing an elite
panel consisting of Youth & adults from various International
organizations acting as arbitrators. Such a group can visit any
hotspots on short notice and should be authorized to interact with the
aggrieved parties as well as independently submit their recommendations
on rectifying the problem. The UN should also make it mandatory for
signatories of any treaties to adhere to such treaties in letter and
spirit. The UN should berate the offending governments with threats of
international sanctions as well as outright suspension from the
organization if no effort is made by offending government in rectifying
the problems raised by the elite panel. Constants pressure and close
scrutiny will automatically deter offending governments from ignoring
or abusing UN treaties. The UN should also force developed countries to
invest more time and money in youth development rather then simply
providing financial aid to offending government's to tackle youth
issues. The Pakistani government has in the past diverted development
funds for other ideological purpose and in some cases has siphoned such
funds into the private bank accounts of high ranking officials. The UN
could also encourage high profile NGO's and other social welfare
agencies to carry out youth development projects through indirect
funding and provision of technical support. Transparency is the key to
success.
OTHER QUESTIONS
3. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for improving youth participation in CoP
activities on any level (UN, government, civil society)?
We
strongly urge the UN, Pakistani Government as well as civil society to
include youth in every decision making process, after all it is
youth development that is the central issue.
4. What could be done to improve/ensure transparency and flow of information in promoting the CoP?
The
Elite Panel established by the UN should comprise of Youth & adults
from all walks of life. These people are chosen based on their
education, dedication, willingness to perform independently and are not
affiliated with any political party or a religious organization that
promotes violence and superficial supremacy. A well reputed
international auditor should also be appointed to regulate the flow and
use of funds worldwide. Unrestricted Internet access and easy access to
reputable education institution worldwide should be guaranteed by the
UN.
5. To ensure the best possible benefit of a UN Voluntary Fund for youth on the CoP, how should it be managed / administered?
Answer.
Once again the UN is obligated to choose persons with the highest
integrity & moral character both from developing and developed
countries. Senior management positions must be made rotational to
discourage corruption and prevent complacency from setting in. Poor
performers must be replaced with those prepared to put any extra
effort. Politicians or religious clergy should be barred from holding
posts in such a setup.
6. How can youth not yet involved in CoP activities be reached and motivated to get involved?
Answer.
Youth can best be motivated by being offered financial incentives,
further education, paid vocational training, provided small loans to
establish a small business, provided sporting gear, provided free
counseling service, encouraged to travel and do volunteer work in
remote regions for short period of time and amply rewarded for their
effort, accorded respect, treated as a responsible member of the
community and provided technical support in improving their
communication skills. Multi skill training too would keep any
prospective youth consistently interested in such a project.
7. a) Which other organizations do you know of, that work for a Cop?
Answer: Not at this time
b) Would you be willing to contact them or may we contact them with the questionnaire? Please
Specify.
Answer: Not at this time
8. My response to this questionnaire is my personal opinion?------ / organization's opinion? ___
Answer: this questionnaire is our Organization's opinion.
With Best Regards,
Hector Aleem
Chairman
Peace Worldwide
H # 160 St, 78 Sector G - 11/2
Islamabad - Pakistan
Ph: +9251 - 2105872 Fax: +9251 - 2292879
web site: http://www.pww.org.pk
|
