By: Shehneela Mazhar
Over 60 percent of Pakistan’s population comprises youth but with limited avenues of learning and exposure outside the traditional classroom environment which is still dominated by exam-based instruction. Students do well in exams but are hardly prepared to do well in life. In order to address this particular issue, Dr. Saima Mubashar, an E-teacher alumna, is currently implementing a Alumni Small Grant (ASG) project “21st Century Employability Skills Workshop”. The project aimed at empowering youth from Sargodha division, south Punjab, to compete and get prepared for the challenges of the 21st-century job market and become a change-maker in the process.
The workshop was structured around hands-on practice in eight different training modules offered in two cohorts, which included: Understanding 21st Century Paradigm, Creativity and Critical Thinking skills, Collaboration and Teamwork, ICT skills, Writing Job/Scholarship Applications, The Art of Nailing the Job Interview, Communication Skills and Work Ethics, Attitude and Productivity.
“I wanted to do something to fill this gap and help students to become life smart. The workshop was based on key skills identified as necessary to survive and thrive in the competitive 21st-century job market”, says Dr. Saima.
Under the two-day training workshop, 75 undergraduate and graduate students benefited from the project.
“The workshop has been really fruitful in terms of giving knowledge and imparting 21st-century employability skills to youth, especially the session on how to attain scholarships and study abroad!! I’m grateful that we had such a wonderful opportunity after years in our city! Hopeful to attend many more upcoming events from Dr Saima” says Anosh Rehman 25 from Sargoda
Muhammad Ghayoor Hussain, 23 another beneficiary of the project says “It was a wonderful and knowledge full experience. I learnt alot. All the sessions were very informative and they involved practical based learning through various activities. My communication skills are highly uplifted after this workshop. This workshop has developed the necessary contemporary skills in me, and thus it made me competent enough to ensure my employability in the 21st-century Job Market. I am highly thankful to you for organizing this workshop”
The project is already showing significant impact as after the workshops, the trainees have formed an active community of practices named ‘ The Macaw Community’ where the 75 undergraduate and graduate students who hail from diverse disciplinary and geographical backgrounds now interact regularly, share ideas and inspire each.
While lauding the efforts of U.S. Mission in Pakistan and PUAN, Dr Saima says that the alumni network is like a common chord that holds all its member, spread across Pakistan, together. Thank you PUAN for always encouraging us to make a meaningful contribution towards our communities and supporting us every step of the way.
With over 15 years of experience as an ELT practitioner, Dr Saima is currently working as an Assistant Professor and Vice Principal and Head of the Department of English in the Higher Education Department. She has also attended a US Exchange Program for Master Trainers offered by HEC-NAHE in collaboration with the University of Oregon. Dr Saima aspire to continue imparting training and development expertise to youth.
