Youth conference: Not an adult in sight

NYA seminar aims to promote young leaders.

ISLAMABAD: Welcome to the National Youth Assembly (NYA), where youngsters geared up to take matters into their own hands at the ‘Reinvent Yourself’ seminar initiated by the NYA held at the Pakistan National Council for the Arts.

The event aimed to provide leadership and motivational support to its young participants. With Junoon’s music blaring in the background, the auditorium’s charged atmosphere was only the beginning. It kicked off with an introduction to the NYA Child Ambassador and International Children Peace Prize nominee Malala Yousafzai. As the young girl took the stage to a standing ovation, she narrated how she would go to school disguised in everyday clothes, hiding her books under her shawl to avoid suspicion of the Taliban. Citing the examples of Thomas Edison and Stephen Hawking, Yousafzai stated that “these people faced hurdles but they reinvented themselves. So don’t let excuses get the better of you”. She went on to commend the NYA on its message and activities geared towards young people.

Former NYA Joint Secretary Sohaila Mushtaq and Technical and Vocational Training Minister Shahjahan Yousaf also spoke about the importance of the youth’s involvement in the country.

They added that constitutional development has been hindered by the lack of respect for the rule of law.

When NYA President Hanan Abbasi pointed out the reserved seats for minorities and women in local government and parliament, but none for the youth, Yousaf replied that there should be mandatory tickets for the youth in the government assembly.

Motivational speeches by Change in Education CEO & Founder Faisal Mushtaq and international bronze medallist in snooker Shiram Chingezi gave insight into their success by urging people to do something instead of talking about change. “Don’t just complain,” Mushtaq urged.

Concluding the event, an interactive session on leadership qualities and motivation was held by Nazia Ramzan, a well-known trainer from Karachi. As she discussed issues such as why we keep failing at particular tasks and how to get oneself out of stress, many youngsters from the audience happily participated as they gave out their opinions, occasionally joking with laughter and applause. “I was doubtful about coming here since it was a Sunday, but it’s been worthwhile, I feel motivated already”, said a young female participant. Certificates were distributed to all those present for their participation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.