Pakistan Plans One Million Youth Volunteers for Social Change
Pakistan plans to mobilize one million young people as community volunteers to tackle major social challenges. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the initiative on Tuesday. The program will focus on literacy, childhood malnutrition and out-of-school children.
Youth Volunteers to Support Communities
Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children. UNICEF estimates that 25.1 million children aged five to 16 do not attend school.The country also faces a serious child nutrition challenge. The World Bank estimates that around 40% of children under five suffer from stunted growth.
Iqbal said the government is developing a nationwide volunteer program.
Young Pakistanis will work as social mobilizers in their communities.The volunteers will promote positive behavior and connect national development goals with local communities. They will also help families understand the importance of education and healthy living.Their work will include encouraging families to send children to school. Volunteers will also raise awareness about health and nutrition.In addition, they will discourage drug and tobacco use among young people. They will promote healthier lifestyles and support other community-based initiatives.
Young Pakistanis to Drive Social Change
The program will also involve volunteers in environmental activities. For example, young people will participate in tree plantation campaigns and other environmental drives.The government hopes to use Pakistan’s large youth population to address long-standing development problems. Therefore, the initiative could give young people a direct role in improving their communities.
Nearly one-third of Pakistan’s estimated 257 million people are between 10 and 24 years old. The UN Population Fund highlights this large youth population as a major national resource.Iqbal said young volunteers could help connect government priorities with people at the grassroots level. Their involvement could also strengthen awareness campaigns across communities.The initiative aims to turn Pakistan’s young population into a force for social development. However, its success will depend on effective training, coordination and sustained support.
