By: Shehneela Mazhar
Amin Amir Ali, an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)/ Voluntary Visitors 2019 alumnus from Karachi, Pakistan, carried out an Alumni Small Grant (ASG) project on “Economic Resource Hub for People with Disabilities”. The project aimed to provide economic opportunities for people with disabilities by teaching them entrepreneurship skills.
The project was implemented over a period of 12 weeks and involved a series of live webisodes that featured successful entrepreneurs with disabilities. The webisodes also provided practical strategies for starting a business. In addition, the project offered one-on-one mentorship to participants.
Amin’s journey was rooted in his experience with the Rickshaw Project, a fleet of hand-controlled rickshaws operated by individuals with disabilities. This venture revealed the profound empowerment that entrepreneurship could bring. Fueling his passion, Amin aspired to establish an ecosystem where businesses run by people with disabilities could flourish in Pakistan. Pursuing his dreams, he even pursued a Master’s in Disability Studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada.
The core objective of Amin’s ASG project was to create an Economic Resource Hub. This hub was envisioned as a live webisode series that showcased successful entrepreneurs with disabilities through an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In collaboration with NOWPDP, Pakistan’s leading disability inclusion initiative, the Bootcamp aimed to offer practical strategies for individuals with disabilities to initiate their own businesses, fostering their integration into mainstream society.
Amin’s rationale for selecting this project was deeply grounded in Pakistan’s socio-economic context. With approximately 27 million individuals having disabilities, the country faced significant losses in GDP due to the economic and social barriers faced by this demographic. Amin’s project aimed to address this by equipping individuals with disabilities to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship.
The impact of Amin’s project was profound. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp attracted 121 participants, with 52 attending on December 22, 2021, and 53 on December 23, 2021. Participants were empowered and motivated to explore self-employment. Aamir Hayat from Mianwali expressed gratitude, stating, “I attended the Bootcamp and it was very helpful for all of us. Thank you so much for giving us such a platform for learning.” Jazib Iftikhar from Wah Cantt shared, “This session has motivated me, and I believe I can start something on my own.”
Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), Amin found unwavering support. His project aligned perfectly with the PUAN Charter’s goals of promoting inclusivity and empowerment.
Despite challenges in coordinating with deaf participants during webinars, Amin’s resourcefulness prevailed. He overcame this obstacle by creating sign language videos, ensuring that information reached all participants effectively.
Amin Amir Ali’s ASG project illuminated a path toward inclusive entrepreneurship, fostering economic independence for people with disabilities. Through collaboration, determination, and a deep-rooted passion for change, Amin’s journey stands as a testament to the potential of creating lasting impact in society.
