Pakistani Christians: innovative projects against poverty and social exclusion
Faisalabad
(AsiaNews) - In a period marked by a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by a
widespread and systematic discrimination against religious minorities, a group
of Pakistani Christians has created a series of activities, courses and
initiatives to open new prospects for development. And
it is in this spirit that, recently, the Pakistan Social Institute (PSI) -
directed by the priest and activist Fr. Bonnie
Mendes - has promoted three days dedicated to the design, development and
presentation - also in terms of fundraising - of innovative projects capable of
cornering the market, with a particular focus on youth. Because, as Fr. Mendes
pointed out, the future of a country often in the news for incidents of
poverty, violence and marginalization also involves familiarization with
"modern methods" and quality standards that can meet
"international standards".
The
Pakistan Social Institute took shape
in May this year and has already launched a series of activities, following the
philosophy that led to the birth of the association. The
objective is to form a young and enterprising leadership in the Christian
community, supplying the most advanced research and studies in order to be
competitive in the field of development and innovation. "The
future belongs to young people - says Michelle Chaudary, secretary general of
the movement - and the PSI will do its best to strengthen them and give them
the knowledge necessary to be competitive [in the labor market]."
Following
this principle, PSI members organized a three-day course last October 4 to 6 in
the Dar-ul-Mussarat technical institute in Lahore,. The
seminar was attended by different groups from Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Rahim
Yar Khan and Lahore itself, who examined issues related to the
"development of integrated projects", building knowledge on the
latest science and technology and "
the
prospect of increased competition. "
During
the lessons, business development was analyzed, starting from the draft project
to the final presentation for funding, through the analysis of the logical
frameworks and planning of budget and available resources. Teachers
proposed interactive learning methods, to stimulate the participants' sharing
of ideas and "real-life experience. Because,
warned the creators, a "joint mobilization" of resources is not
enough if the young people are lacking in knowledge and skills.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr. Bonnie
Mendes points out that "the world is changing" and is in a "deep
competition between organizations." For
this you need to maximize "labor standards" making it as modern as
possible. Continuous
updating and professionalism are the keys to any success, while at the same
time guaranteeing "labor standards required by international
organizations." The
priest is excited about the "success" of the training course and
hopes that similar events will be promoted in the future by the leadership of
Pakistan Social Institute (PSI).
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