Happy New Year 2015 It Is the Year of Responsibility Human Right 29 We Have a Duty to Other People, and We Should Protect Their

Message from the CEO Dear Friend, As we close the door on 2014, it is time to review if it was a good year for Human Rights in our homes, workplaces and society in general. What do you say? I cannot give you comparative statistics of the years gone by. I can tell you that the public we work with are certainly more aware of their rights than before. They can see that rights do not just appear out of the blue; one has to work to get and to keep rights, in whatever context. We have plenty of examples around us that show the lack of Right to Education and disregard for the Right to Life. The Peshawar incident is the most recent and heartbreaking one. To the degree we can see that rights are missing in society, we can also see that we need to do something to ensure rights are given to people. Our greatest duty you will agree, is to see that children’s rights are protected. We judge our work from the successes of those we serve. 2014 has been a great year for our organization. We have expanded our reach into more schools, reaching a greater number of parents, teachers and students. Our college/university area has shown expansion too, with many faculties committing to work with us on a long-term basis. Our Newsletter is shared with you to show the results and successes we produced with our youth, parents, teachers and children, and to thank those who supported us. Through this Newsletter we also wish to show you the potential you hold to influence all those around you. Miracles will occur in homes and workplaces if the individual stands up for what is right and if you and I make our voices heard and our actions count. We have labelled 2015 The Year of Responsibility at the individual level. Our plans are great for this year. We look forward to serving you and working with you to create a better world. Staying connected with you always! -Fareeda Abbasi

Happy New Year 2015 It is The Year of Responsibility

Human Right 29 We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms.

“People of character do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world.” -Michael Josephson

© 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 1 of 31 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1. We are all Born Free and Equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way. 2. Don’t Discriminate. These rights belong to everybody, whatever our differences. 3. The Right to Life. We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety. 4. No Slavery - past and present. Nobody has any right to make us a slave. We cannot make anyone our slave. 5. No Torture. Nobody has any right to hurt us or to torture us. 6. We All have the same Right to use the Law. I am a person just like you! 7. We are all Protected by the Law. The law is the same for everyone. It must treat us all fairly. 8. Fair Treatment by Fair Courts. We can all ask for the law to help us when we are not treated fairly. 9. No Unfair Detainment. Nobody has the right to put us in prison without a good reason and keep us there, or to send us away from our country. 10. The Right to Trial. If we are put on trial this should be in public. The people who try us should not let anyone tell them what ot do. 11. We are Innocent until Proven Guilty. Nobody should be blamed for doing something until it is proven. When people say we did a bad thing we have the right to show it is not true. 12. The Right to Privacy. Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into our home, open our letters or bother us or our family without a good reason. 13. The Right of Freedom to Move.We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish. 14. The Right to Asylum. If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the right to run away to another country to be safe. 15. The Right to a Nationality.We all have the right to belong to a country. 16. The Right to Marriage and Family.Every grown-up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are separated. 17. Your Right to Own Things. Everyone has the right to own things or share them.Nobody should take our things from us without a good reason. 18. Your Right to Freedom of Thought. We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want. 19. Free to Say what You Want. We all have the right to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people. 20. Right to Meet where You Like. We all have the right to meet our friends and to work together in peace to defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group if we don’t want to. 21. The Right to Democracy.We all have the right to take part in the government of our country. Every grown-up should be allowed to choose their own leaders. 22. The Right to Social Security.We all have the right to affordable housing, medicine, education, and child care, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old. 23. Workers’ Rights. Every grown-up has the right to do a job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade union. 24. The Right to Play. We all have the right to rest from work and to relax. 25. Right to a Bed and some Food. We all have the right to a good life. Mothers and children, people who are old, unemployed or disabled, and all people have the right to be cared for. 26. The Right to Education. Education is a right. Primary school should be free. We should learn about the United Nations and how to get on with others. Our parents can choose what we learn. 27. Culture and Copyright. We all have the right to our own way of life and to enjoy the good things that “art”, science and learning bring. Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community. Copyright is a special law that protects one’s own artistic creations and writings; others cannot make copies without permission. 28. A Free and Fair World. There must be proper order so we can all enjoy rights and freedoms in our own country and all over the world. 29. Our responsibilities. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms. 30. Nobody can take away these rights and freedoms from us.

© 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 2 of 31 www.ythre.org [email protected] 0311 205 0292 021 343 83909 Issues that Concern Us These pages are being introduced for you. Send us your views on agreements we need to change, so that we have a society that grants Human Rights to all. You can write on any topic as long as you present the situation and give solutions. Do not attack another in your article. Instead, write to persuade others to bring about a better society.

Adolescent Suicide This topic came to my attention when I observed a student commit suicide due to tension of failing in an exam. Fortunately this was not in reality, it was just a scene in a movie. This made me think and wonder about some questions. • Is committing suicide the only way to get out of this stress? • Is the fear of failing so great to take such an extreme step? • What is the role of teachers and parents in creating this situation? Research says that the latest mean worldwide annual Suicide rates are on the rise. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among all those between the ages of 15 to 24 year of age. Suicide among young teens and young adults has increased by 300% in the last three decades. Common reasons that lead to suicide attempts in our society are: • School problems • Dispute with parents, siblings or peers “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living • Low self-esteem someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma • Bullying - which is living with the results of other • Depression people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ • Breakup with boyfriend or girlfriend opinions drown out your own inner voice. And School problems can be, for example, facing difficulties in doing some most important, have the courage to follow assignment or quiz which can be the cause of disqualifying from that your heart and intuition.” subject or being dropped out of your school. Teachers, peers and parents - Steve Jobs can play part to stop or to prevent this act. Some of the warning signs of committing suicide are: • Signs of depression • Conversing about the suicide • Collecting information of suicide methods • Use of drugs or increasing the use of drugs In my view, parents can play a vital role in decreasing suicide by reducing Join membership of Youth Together for the communication gap and practising open line communication with Human Rights Education. their children. They should make sure that if the children are facing any www.ythre.org/membership problem regarding anything, they should provide safe space to children Order your Free Human Rights Material to share issues with them. Parents should act as though www.ythre.org what they are saying is important and show they are listening to their children. They should let the children Website: www.ythre.org know that they are concerned and want to help them. Facebook Page: www.fb.com/ythre Awareness in the children as well as in parents helps our society to prevent our children from adolescent suicide. Let us wake up to this problem before it is too late!

Salal Qazi

Join membership of Youth Together for Human Rights Education. www.ythre.org/membership Order your Free Human Rights Material www.ythre.org Website: www.ythre.org Facebook Page: www.fb.com/ythre

No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline. - Kofi Annan

“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women” - Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Join membership of Youth Together for Human Rights Education. www.ythre.org/membership Order your Free Human Rights Material Silence never won rights. www.ythre.org They are not handed down from above; Website: www.ythre.org They are forced by pressures from below. Facebook Page: www.fb.com/ythre - Roger Baldwin

Our News Shared with You. Highlights... We had a fantastic six months, with expansion occurring in our work and our team. We reached students, teachers and parents across the rural and urban areas, with mega events, peace-walks and pledges signed. Our I am Empowered to Serve Project produced rave results with university and college students, taking on students of different years into the programme. The dedication of some of our youth is admirable. Working with Karachi University Sociology Department, we trained and activated forty students to work in two villages. These students covered eight schools and exemplified the value of individual contributions in changing prevailing conditions. We initiated our first Volunteer Programme on theYouth Empowerment Project, with students training at our premises in order to work out in the field. This project is valued by young people, with many applying every week to join our project. This project also serves three schools with workshops based on our Character Building Curriculum. We deliver to parents, teachers and students on a monthly basis. Our Character Development Programme on the I am Empowered Project has been conducted in fourteen private and government schools. These workshops are popular with students, parents and teachers. Azeem Childrens’ Paradise School has adopted this programme into their school curriculum, with children now assessed on both academics and behaviour. We have new schools joining our programme and more requests pouring in from educational institutions to deliver the programme to them. We appeared on Geo TV and Sindh Television programs in Pakistan, speaking on the role of the individual and especially about youth and on their role in improving conditions in society. Our Newsletter is full of good news for you. We thank all those who appreciate what we do and are inspired by our work to contribute to their own communities. Together we can make a difference! Messages from Our Dedicated Staff for You My message is for all those who believe together we can make a difference: I am proud to be part of this great team since 2013. My motivation in leading the team is its dedicated efforts in working on empowering youth through the fantastic training programmes that include Human Rights, Peace Initiatives, Conflict Resolution, Study Skills and enhancing the quality of learning at all levels of education. Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Mahar Projects I/C and Social Outreach Officer @ Youth What my Team and I believe: We firmly believe a teacher Together For Human Rights Education can change the future of students by giving them true application, study and learning. We believe that the role and responsibilities of parents must be given high priority, as it has positive impact on building a strong character in children. What I believe about Youth: You are currently seeing the challenges we are facing. I believe firmly that youth has the potential to bring change by taking responsibility for raising Human Rights. Our Strategy is very Clear: We want to bring change through empowering youth, teachers and parents. We are working with private and government schools, colleges and universities, so that every person can be success in personal and professional life. ------I am very happy to be a a part of Youth Together for Human Rights Education. It is a platform where I am given an opportunity to prove myself competent. Our organization wants every person to know and have his or her 30 Human Rights, without discrimination. My job involves working with a highly motivated team, reaching Kashif Raza Panhwar: Production Coordinator @ Youth Together For rural and urban areas to deliver quality workshops and Human Rights Education bringing about measurable results. Working with schools is

© 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 6 of 31 www.ythre.org [email protected] 0311 205 0292 021 343 83909 a real pleasure and I believe by working together we will reach the goal of bringing rights to the people of Pakistan. If you ask me how we can make a better Pakistan, I will say, let us all learn 30 Human Rights and bring application of Human Rights in our lives. This is the way we can create a civilized society in Pakistan. ------The goal of my life is to serve the humanity. I am really inspired from the work of Youth Together For Human Rights Education. It is changing lives of people through the application of Human Rights. In my view this is the only way we can bring change in Pakistan. The aim of Youth Together for Human Rights Education is to develop strong character skills placing emphasis on Marvi Solangi – School Coordinator @ Youth Together For Human Rights Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. When I deliver training Education workshops in schools, I see the changes in these children. Teachers’ and parents’ feedback is that, now children care about their health, they wash their hands, have clean bags, they follow good communication by speaking the truth and they avoid eating unhygienic food that causes disease. Even in some rural areas, where children were used to consuming Gutka, after my lectures they don’t use it anymore. On workshops of Manners, the majors changes I have noticed is in children’s good social habits like using the words Thank you, Welcome, Sorry, May I, and Excuse Me, in schools and homes. Parents always want the best for their child and always want their child to live a better life than they did. Parents provide as many resources as they can for their children. Here is my message for Parents: Please take responsibility to become involved with children in their homework, show respect to them, appreciate them, don’t compare them to your neighbours and relatives kids. Parents should set an example of good manners in the home so that children follow them. I thank all parents for their support and willingness to learn. Together we give children a bright future! ------I am pleased to say that I am working in Youth Together for Human Rights Education for the betterment of society. I train students as well as parents. I am working in schools and try to make students successful and useful members of society. It gives me great pleasure to see the results in students’ lives; more confidence, more responsible and more caring. I realise the value of parent training. Our Hina Jawed – School Coordinator Character Development Curriculum focuses on parent’s @ Youth Together For Human Rights Education attitude on how parents’ should impact positively on their children. It is very difficult to change parents’ ingrained attitudes, but Youth Together for Human Rights Education is doing this valuable work. I must mention that in Youth Together for Human Rights Education I have had the opportunity to polish my skills and improve my character also. It’s a very good profession for every responsible person. Today our society demands from us that we should work for the betterment of society. You can join us for this precious purpose! ------I am really proud to say that I am a part of this small group, which is influencing hundreds and thousands of people. Being part of senior management, my greatest accomplishment to this organization is that I have given my best to make this small group work professionally ensuring quality work and target attainment. We are a good team. Achieving our vision, is subject to sincere staff working in a collaborative manner with schools, universities/colleges, community partners, government departments, residents and businesses in the country. By doing this well, we can serve the underprivileged communities. We strive to be a group that earns and establish public trust and confidence. We focus on Mohammad Sajjad - Administration Officer @ Youth Together For Human providing excellent public service aiming to improve life Rights Education knowledge, skills and developing positive attitudes within the young generation. They are the future of our nation. Teachers, parents and others play a vital role and our workshops are directed towards them too. We promise to ensure clear communication, doing what we say we will, following professional delivery standards and providing easy access to our services via website, Facebook and email. We will deliver client-centred service following our regional norms and values. My message is to “Stand up for your and others basic Human Rights. Only then can we together create a better world!”

Acknowledgements and Appreciation of You! Our vision is to create a society where men, women and children grant respect to each other, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or class. Where peace and tolerance prevails. A fair and just society, where children grow up reaching their full potential and are rewarded for their own efforts, skills and contribution. We take this opportunity to thank all those who support our aims to empower people in rural and urban areas. Our dedicated work is carried forward through the support of key organizations and people. Together we make a strong team. Working with passion and dedication we change positively many lives. We thank and appreciate them for what they do and hope they will continue to support us through the coming years. Our team working together makes the impossible, possible.

Acknowledgments Our Board members are thanked for valued work, funds and assistance provided during this year. We especially thank Madam Naila and Mr Lutif Ali, Madam Samina and Mr Akhtiar Ali, Mr Muhammad Ali Panhwar, Madam Tahira, Madam Kulsum and Sir Dilshad Ali for their valued support through this year. Through your efforts we were able to expand and achieve our targets in the year 2014.

Donors are Appreciated for their Support To those who donate funds and in-kind, each and everyone of you is appreciated. We could not do the work without your support. A BIG THANK YOU from the team! Youth for Human Rights International WebDesigns Ltd US Consulate Switzerland Embassy HH Design The Tory Family Foundation The Nigel Bruce Charitable Trust The Claremont Trust The Dorfred Charitible Trust and The Open Gate Trust

Our Staff are Highly Valued Special Acknowledgements given to Media

The following Staff are highly valued for their contribution in the Geo TV Entertainment: Dr. Aamir Liaqat year 2014: Each one of you is very special! Hussain for inviting us to talk on 10th December Mr Shakeel Ahmed – Projects I/C and Social Outreach Officer International Day of Peace and Tolerance and Mr. Kashif Raza Panhwar – Production Coordinator spreading the message of Human Rights. Mr. Muhammad Sajjad - Administration Officer Ms. Marvi Solangi – School Coordinator Sindh Tv: Salam Sindh Morning Show Mr Ms. Hina Jawed– School Coordinator and Abdul Razak Masan Director at Sindh TV, ALL Staff Member of YTHRE working with us to serve others. and Host of Program Ms. Maham Aamir for We Value YOU! covering our work with the aim of creating a culture supportive of Human Rights.

Acknowledgements and Appreciation of You! A very Big Thank you to all Educational Institutions working with us. We thank Management fo Universities, Colleges and Schools along with teachers who devote their time and energy to empowering the youth and children in schools. This Newsletter is about you. Thank you to the Students and Youth – tomorrow will be different because of you! As a result of all your support we were helped immensely in the year 2014. We hope you will continue to collaborate and help us better the lives of many in the coming months of 2015 and years to follow.

Schools Acknowledged and Management Acknowledged

HM: Ms. Zebunissa of Govt. Girls Primary School, Ayub Village HM: Mr. Ahmed Shaikh, Teacher Mr. Liaqat Ali Markh of Govt. Boys Primary School Kheema Basti Ayub Village Mr. Abdul Khalique Head Teacher, Mr. Ghulam Shabir Solangi, and Mr. Hizbullah Bhutto of New Grammar Govt. Boys Secondary School Sachal Village HM: Mr. Datar Bakhash of Government Ali Muhammad Gujro Primary Boys School Sachal Goth HM: Mr. Manzoor Hussain Lashari of Govt. Middle School Sachal village HM: Ms. Rehana Parveen Bhutto of Govt. Primary Boys School D.B Advani Sachal Village HM: Zakia Pathan, Teacher Ms. Yasmin Siddiqui of Govt. Girls Higher secondary school Sachal Village Administrator: Mr Atiq Shamsi and Madam Seema Idrees of Azeem Childrens’ Paradise Primary School Administrator: Mr Atiq Shamsi and Madam Samina Jillani of Azeem Childrens’ Paradise Secondary School HM: Muhammad Ashraf of Knowledge City Grammar School Shar Goth HM: Madam Noushaba of Brazil Secondary Girls School PECHS, Karachi City HM: Madam Bilquees of City Govt. primary School Safyani Para Ibrahim Hyderi HM: Mr. Ameen of Govt. boys Sindhi Primary School Ibrahim Hyderi HM: Mr. Faqeer Muhammad of Govt. Boys Secondary School Morirro Meerbahar IH HM: Madam Zarina of Govt. Girls Primary School Morriro Hall No 2 HM: Madam Afroz of Govt: Girls Primary Urdu School Morriro Hall No 3 HM: Mr. Khan Muhammad of Govt: Boys Primary School Urdu Medium HM: Madam Hafeeza Govt. PECHs No 2 Primary School.

Acknowledgments University/College

Dr. Sobia Shehzad Chairperson - Department of Sociology, University of Karachi Dr. Naila Usman Siddiqui - Assistant Professor and Student Adviser Ms. Nosheen Raza - Lecturer who has initiated our work at Karachi University

Madam Khairunnisa, Principal Government Girls College Green Belt-Mehmoodabad, supported by Madam Nagina Soomro, Asst. Professor and Madam Shehnaz Qazi, Lecturer.

Reaching Far and Wide - Our Children - Our Future Our Character Development Curriculum workshops were delivered in 13 government schools and 4 private schools. We focus on improving knowledge, skills and attitudes in children, with efforts directed towards their personal success, while respecting the rights of others. Results produced varied across the schools and mostly depended on the school time allocated to our programme. We are pleased with the results achieved so far and wish to share some of our work with you. Children unless told about rights, assume rights to be what they get. Focus remains on self, with no responsibility for others. We end up, then, with a society based on ‘class’ association or wealth ownership. Such a society defines rights for themselves and cares not for the rights for others. These last six months our greatest emphasis in our school programmes has been on three areas, “The Application of Human Rights in Homes and Educational Institutions”, “Health and Manners “ “Study Skills” and most importantly “Respecting - Not Bullying”. While working on these areas our undying theme is to develop character skills that lead to stable and better lives. How Important is it for a Child to Know their Rights and be Respected? Does it help a child to know their rights? A child knowing they cannot be tortured, enslaved, be discriminated against and that they have a right to food, protection and shelter, and they can participate and have opinions, such a child has a different viewpoint on himself and life. How many children know these rights and how many adults know they should grant these rights? Our curriculum is directed to getting these rights understood and applied in homes and educational institutions. On defining respect and seeing if children are being respected by adults, girls spoke of being told off, beaten with a stick, pushed and shoved around, in order to get them to do things. We discussed if this kind of treatment is correct or not — we can push and shove around objects, but is it right to treat human beings in such a manner? Traditions and culture gives us some challenges to overcome, but we need to start working to improve conditions for this and the next generation. Children learnt the importance of respecting one another, helping one another and caring for one another. Young students, who listened to the workshop and saw Human Rights videos and did activities, loved our workshop on “Why Should Humans Have Human Rights” and what are Human Needs and Human Wants. Students could distinguish between “needs” and “wants”. They realizedbasic needs are Human Rights. The majority of the students by the end of the lesson could distinguish between what are“needs” and “wants”. and did the activity sheet correctly. Is My Willingness, My Communication of any Value? We covered the concept of Help, Control and Communication with children from Primary Schools in Ibrahim Hyderi. Children loved the idea of helping each other. They liked even better the concept of their willingness being taken, when someone controls them. Young children showed willingness to direct others with due regard granted to other’s willingness. They agreed in associating with others not to push or force other kids. Communicating the truth and retaining their own integrity, was a favoured activity of the students. Because we provide a safe space students openly admitted to wrong things spoken to just to avoid getting into trouble. One child said that when mum asked, who eat the cream on the biscuit, they remained quiet, even though they had done so. Children agreed they did not feel good when they did not tell the truth and usually one lie led to telling more lies - so best to stick with the truth. Children then told our trainers lots of truths and all about their mistakes, lies and wrongdoings.

What is My Right to Ownership, Privacy and Health? At our workshops on Health and Manners, held in schools in the rural area of Ibrahim Hyderi, students are learning to improve on areas. It is normal conduct for them to use other’s property without permission. -If a thing is placed somewhere it is considered fine to use it, even though it does not belong to them. We covered the Right to Privacy and the Right to Property and Ownership by each individual. Children understood that whereas they had these rights, each of them also had the responsibility to give these rights to others. Student in this locality spoke of eating fruits from streets and trees without washing them. They even drink unhygienic water without realising its consequences. They spoke of eating Supari and Gutka regularly, because most people in the village do it and since it is inexpensive and much more affordable than fruit. One boy said he has Supari and Gutka even for breakfast instead of proper food. Our session on Health and Manners was therefore very much welcomed and students asked questions on consequences of actions they take and how will it impact on them. These children are from rural areas and very young. Yet it required no particular effort to make them understand the concept of Human Rights. These rights are inherently agreed on by us all. Children promised to look after the rights of each other and set an example in taking responsibility for own and others’ rights. Does the Intention of “Why Study” Impact on Life? Students at Brazil Secondary School for Girls learnt the real reason for coming to school. They were asked why they study? The intention with which a student is studying, directly relates to the result he or she will bring about. If they wish to come first - that is the result they will work for and may possibly achieve it. However that in no way guarantees they can apply the subject they study to their life. If they wish to get more marks than another student - then that is the result they will aim for and may succeed in. We tell our students that they should study to apply knowledge to life. That is how they will become professional, competent and able in their life — if knowledge can be applied by them. Students learn that we study to apply knowledge to life. Life purposes also needs a clear and precise definition. They are not about what I aim to get from life. Rather, they are about what I wish to give to others. Wealth, respect, status and all such things are things we receive from others. They come about because of our professional service given to others. High quality service to others brings back to us personal gain in the form of wealth, status etc. However, in truth, the satisfaction one gets from serving others is of higher value. Material gains by an individual in no way compares to the satisfaction one gets from empowering another.

Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human developement - Kofi Annan

Student Successes: Abdul Ghafoor student of Class 5 said “I always used to come late to play with my friends. My friends always wait for me and I keep them waiting and do not arrive on time. Today I learned not to come late. This is bad manners. Now I’ll never come late to play because I want to be good mannered and part of good manners is keeping one’s promises with friends.” Samad student of Class 4 said, “I always eat many times in the day and always feel pain in my stomach. The section of the workshop on looking after the food taught me good things. What to eat and when to eat - this is what I learned. I learnt to keep timings of eating and allow gaps between meals and eat nourishing food. I think this will help me to keep healthy.” Rumesa student of Class 7 said, “My parents died and I am feeling alone that’s why I cannot concentrate on my study. But today I learned about role, activity and result and how they all must align for me to get a good result in life. I realised if I am not doing proper activity, (sitting and feeling sad about myself) then I cannot produce right result. That’s why now I will concentrate on my study and achieve my life purpose and do something for others.” Abdul Samad said, “I learned good qualities of human being in this workshop. Humans have qualities we admire and respect. As humans we love and care for each other. I will never hurt others. And I learned about bullying. Its an animal act. Bullying is not a quality worthy of being called a Human Being.” Rameez said ,“My father was using Gutka and it was my responsibility to bring Gutka for him. By doing this slowly I started using Gutka. When my father came to know this, instead of stopping me, he started giving me extra money and said extra money is for your Gutka. After our workshop Rameez said, I know it is hard to stop it, but I can stop taking it and stay away from those peoples who are using Gutka. I will also tell my father not to eat Gutka. This is important for all our lives.” Asma said, “First time now I know about my basic rights. I learnt about the option we have in our lives, that enables us to live lives worthy of respect. We should help each other and treat everyone equally because we all are humans.” Kulsum student of Class V said, “Before your workshop I tell a lie and thought its my quality to tell lie and get away with it. But after your session, I am doing good communication and speak truth with my parents. This has helped me to value myself and my relationships.”

Is Your Child being Bullied? Bullying can be a source of trouble and upset. This can not only occur for children but also for their parents. Can we assume that a person will naturally grow up to show another respect and courtesy? Life shows us this cannot be assumed. We determined in a class that it was considered normal to tease another and call them names based on their ethnicity, or their height or the skin colour of the child. Children when young mostly learn from observations. When they see grown ups, brothers and sisters and adults speaking rudely and making fun of another, they assume this is the right conduct. Since they observe their elders are doing it, they assume it to be right. One of our workshops held at Azeems schools was about the Value of Humans and how they should be treated. We concentrated on bringing about self-realisation on the consequences of what happens to another as a result of what we do. Also how we value our own-self if we do bad or wrong acts, such as bullying, teasing and making fun of others. Children were asked, is this really how human beings should treat another? Children learnt about how gossip and bullying can cause others harm and also make them a person of bad character. Children enjoyed the movies shown and promised to remain positive and optimistic about the future. Practical learning is popular with students at Azeem Primary and Secondary School. Skits took place showing “Consequences of Bullying”, “What Defines Us as Human” and “Attitudes of Respect and Disrespect”. Students had enjoyable sessions and conducted dramas showing different scenes. Tolerance and Violence – What is the Difference? To commemorate the International Day of Tolerance, 16th November, we organized an interactive workshop on “Say No to Violence”. We delivered this workshop at the US Consulate with 30 students from the Al-Qadir School in Lyari. Children learnt the definition of Violence, Tolerance, Peace and the main reasons why adults and children resort to violence. The word tolerance was defined in the context of Human Rights and how every person has a right to hold a viewpoint they wish to hold. Our workshop gave the most common reasons of conflict and tools to bring peace in life. A question and answer session followed in which students asked questions about how to resolve conflict within homes, with parents, with illiterate people and also where there is too much danger and fear of being harmed. Students of Al-Qadar are appreciated for full participation, for intelligent questions and for showing full potential for taking responsibility for the issues that prevail around them. The school Management and the US Consulate are especially thanked for organising the event and giving us an opportunity to meet students who give us great hope for the future. But is it My Responsibility or is it Yours....? Our first Workshop on “Role and Responsibilities of Student” was welcomed at Knowledge City Grammar School, where both teachers and students took keen interest in the workshop. Students firstly learnt about their identity and value. They were not simply a body that others could push around. They were in charge of the body and it was their responsibility to keep it clean and healthy. They also had the responsibility of developing their minds and learning new things to help them in life. Our workshop was popular with children loving to share their experiences and to tell us what they do. Students told us they have no time to sleep at night and some times it even gets as late as 2 am before they go to bed. They promised to sleep at 9 pm so they were not tired for school the next day. Many students said we always did homework in front of the television set, while watching cartoon program. Now we will not watch television while doing homework but schedule television time and homework time and sleeping time to ensure we take responsibility for our duties and our body. Tariq said after returning from school, I always play in street with uniform on. Now I’ll change uniform nda then have my play- time. One student, Saima, said I have learned to do homework on time if I want to achieve my life purpose. Now I’ll do my homework on time. Knowledge City Grammar School excelled in performing great activities on International Human Rights Day. The students, teachers and management are highly appreciated for dedicated efforts towards raising awareness of the rights of individuals and getting these rights applied in lives.

Teachers Turning the Downward Spiral into a Victory If Pakistan is to change it will be because of the teacher. A teacher influences thousands of lives through her career so we invest our time in teachers the most. Children learn, copy and follow teachers. Young students hold competent teachers in high regard. We are implementing our Teacher Training Curriculum in several schools. In this newsletter we are happy to announce the start of training of teachers at our Govt. Girls College Green Belt Mehmoodabad PECHS. Our topics ranged from How Educator’s Goals Are Achieved in Today’s Challenging Environment, Teachers Setting Good Example, Child Rights, Conflict Resolution in the Classrooms and Bringing Peace, Human Rights With No Discrimination and Stereotyping/Prejudice and Its Consequences. Teachers in You we Trust and Believe Parents leave children in the custody of those they trust. Every parent sends their child to school with hopes and dreams. Teachers are trusted to look after our children and give them a good education. Our training session with Teachers of City Government Primary School Safyani Para Ibrahim Hyderi, Azeem Paradise and PECHS schools covered how we ourselves have to set a good example in health, hygiene and manners. Eating breakfast and nutritious foods is not just for reading but also for adults and children to both apply. It is surprising to see how many teachers do not have breakfast before coming to school or ensure nutritious food and adequate sleep. Teachers are valuable to us all. Not only is the knowledge of the teacher important but also her/his character. What do we mean by Character? We mean right and wrong conduct, such as being honest, keeping promises, being punctual, performing duties. We also mean character strengths - such as kindness, humour, love of learning, integrity, etc. Does a teacher persist and resolve issues so that her class children reach their full potential? Does she/he keep abreast of the new techniques of teaching and up-to-date with the subject she/he is responsible for teaching? Teachers appreciated learning the true purpose of coming to school and the result one seeks in doing any activity. The same job or activity can be done with different intentions. I can teach with the intention of completing the working day, so I can go home, or with the intention of signing the register of attendance, so I get my pay, or I could teach in class genuinely and care about students learning to apply in their life, what I teach. Time will pass in all three cases. The benefit to the child will only be obtained in the third case. As a Teacher, How do I Meet Goals in Today’s Challenging Environment? The workshop “Role and Responsibilities of Teachers in Today’s World” was delivered to teachers from Brazil Govt. Girls Secondary School and PECHS No. 2 School. We are also pleased to announce the start of Teachers workshop conducted for 6 schools in Ibrahim Hyderi. Contrary to popular belief, neither wealth nor private schooling for the child is the basis of a good education. Instead, teachers with love in their hearts and respect for the child, can give a bright future to the lives they touch daily. The true purpose of education was defined for teachers attending our workshops. It goes far beyond getting degrees and certificates. It pertains more to making the child able to lead a successful life. Including in it is the ability to judge; to make choices and decisions taking into account self and also others. Educational years should prepare a child for life. That means developing knowledge, skills and attitudes in a child, together with the ability of the child to make correct decisions and judge situations. We covered in our workshop what influences the child of today. How can we as educationalist play our role in giving children positive experiences. The session covered the dignity of the child and how as educators, we have duty to help the child reach their full potential.

Does Peace in the Classroom Exist? A quiet classroom does not mean there is an absence of conflict or that there is peace and friendship between the teacher and the children. Children who are quietly protesting, or unwilling to be there or in fear of the teacher, are not really at peace in the classroom and we doubt if much learning will occur in such a classroom. A workshop was conducted for teachers at Brazil Govt. Girls Secondary School and at Azeem Children’s Paradise School to see the kinds of conflicts that are possible in the classrooms. The old ways of hitting and smacking have proven to be extremely destructive. This is why our streets have hooligans and criminals on them. Force begets force. What happens to a child who is not respected and is beaten? The child resents it and even though fearful holds the grudge against the cruel teacher. This resentfulness and grudge builds up and eventually, the child grows up to demonstrate force on the streets and on his family, by using torture and cruelty. As educators we have immense power. With immense power comes increased responsibility. How do we use power in the classroom with children? Do we enforce our viewpoint and make the child do what we want or, do we bring about a realisation and understanding in children, of what is right and wrong? By the very nature of being an adult we have greater power over students. With power comes even more responsibility. Sometimes power can be misused by teachers. A harsh word said, or cross look given, or voices raised, can make children feel unsafe. If this repeatedly occurs then child rights are violated and their development and growth is affected. In classrooms we at times have students and teachers in conflict. Students may want to go slow on the subject, with attention to detail, while the teachers have targets to meet on the curriculum. Students want the subject to be entertaining, while teachers have interest in getting them to learn all they are supposed to learn and completing exercises given to them. Values and interest may differ between teachers and kids in the classroom. Sometimes there are data differences between the teacher and student, not only in terms of the subject under study, but on general schedules, rules and homework assignments. Teachers participated actively in the workshop and did practical drills to see how they could handle different types of conflict. How to motivate children towards the real purpose of education, was of great interest. Teachers learnt about the tools to use when conflict comes about in the classroom.

Are my Teaching Skills Adequate? The mediocre teacher tells. Our Teaching Skill workshop covered how to The good teacher explains. teach a subject to a student. Words and long lectures do not impart knowledge or create life- The superior teacher demonstrates. long learners. The need to show the material The great teacher inspires. that one is teaching to students is important, so that understanding is brought about and - William Arthur Ward a strong foundation of the subject is created. Getting children to memorise things without understanding limits the learning potential of the child. Teachers went through the theory and practical section of the workshops How do you overcome boredom while teaching about elements and compounds or confusion when giving kids the steps of conversion from decimal to fractions? Teachers learnt skilful ways to demonstrate the lesson material so the students gain conceptual understanding of the subject material. The workshop was practical with all teachers working on developing their skills. Azeem School Teacher Training receives our priority - Teacher coaching forms an integral part of our curriculum. The benefits realised by coaching teachers on an individual basis yields great results. With the willingness of individual teachers, we can improve teacher skills. Along with coaching we have class inspections carried out to observe teachers giving lessons to children. This inspection is followed by the class children being interviewed, to determine their understanding of the subject matter that is being delivered in the lesson. We are grateful to teachers for their dedication to the profession that holds at heart the future of Pakistan. It is with their willingness and dedication that children’s future is bright and successful. Thank you Azeem Children’s Paradise School.

What a Parent will Do, will Anyone Else Do? When do we say Parenting is good and when do we say parenting is bad? While the result of parenting depends on the child, we can say if the parents did their duties well, then the rest was up to the child to get it right. If however the parents do not know their duties and responsibilities, then the child has little chance of being successful in life. More often than not, we come across parents who are not aware of their role and their responsibilities. Has the child slept enough before coming to school? Has the child had a nourishing breakfast? Has the child’s time been scheduled at home - is there time to play, exercise, do homework, be with the family, talk to dad and watch TV? What should a parent do if a child is having difficulties at school? If homework is too hard for them to do or if child is upset or resisting going to school? Our workshops cover a wide range of topics for parents. Our aim is to empower parents so they can provide the best environment and support to their children. These past months we have been busy giving workshops to parents in the areas of Sachaal village, Ibrahim Hyderi, PECHS and North Nazimabad. To reach more parents we conducted a special TV programme just on The Role and Responsibility of Parents in raising children. Our workshop on “Creating Homes that Help Children the Most” was popular with parents. A new level of interest was generated for parents when they had the opportunity to talk about the kinds of interest and values differences that exist between themselves and their children. This difference brings about stress in the homes. Peace is destroyed if it leads to arguments and shouting matches. Our activities made parents think how could they use the interest and values that students have, so children meet their goals for life and have fun doing it too. More often than not, children will show good understanding when given logical reasons and asked to take responsibility for chores. They would also like to see time fairly allocated to study, friends and play. Parents spoke about the power they have in our culture over children and it is quite normal to boss young ones around. Personality differences at times do also occur between parents and children and at such times it is the responsibility of parents to set an example of good behaviour. Conflict is generated when parents try to compare the child to someone else’s child. Mothers spoke of saying to their child that another child is better. Implying why do you not become like them. Conflict is generated in such cases as the child cannot become someone else. The child gets discouraged when he cannot seem to please the parents, whatever he or she works hard to do. Parents spoke of better ways to encourage the child, valuing the child for who they are and skills they have. In the workshops parents spoke openly of the different situations that occur and how they will give due regard to the child’s dignity. Parents were educated on the valuing their children for who they are and generating a trusting and loving relationship with children. Listening to them and taking interest in their children’s views are of great importance. Parents appreciated the workshop and were rejuvenated to try out the tools to improve relationships with their children.

Awards and Certificates for Excellence in Performance Character Development Programme Awards and Certificates As part of Character Development Program, certificates and awards were issued to those students who excelled in achievements and showed best performance at Azeem Children’s Paradise School, Nazimabad, Karachi. Over 500 children were in attendance. Children did wonderful activities like tree planting, plays, making posters on: Human Rights, Stop Bullying, Health and Hygiene and Manners - Everywhere You Go!. First, Second and third prizes were awarded to classes on excellent work done. Children were happy to be acknowledged for their hard work.

Fantastic Work - Prize Distribution for Students At the Award Ceremony held at Govt. Primary School Morriro Meerbhair, Ibrahim Hyderi, students were awarded prizes on the basis of their excellent work. Students made posters on health and manners and practices of hygiene. Most appreciated was the great work of students on Human Rights. Management showed gratitude for awards being provided to students by us. Parents also appreciated our efforts and said they had a hope now that there is someone who can do something for the betterment of their community. Mr Sultan Gabol and Mr Amin are especially thanked for their support.

Going to School but do Children Have Notebooks to Write In? We work at Govt. Primary Boys School Ali Mohammad Gujro delivering our workshops regularly to these children. However we noticed these young children had no notebooks in classes and the HeadMaster requested our help. Our organisation raised funds from caring citizens and helped to give children notebooks to write in and follow the instructions of their teachers. Thank you to all those who support our work. We are grateful and children are especially thankful to you. Please continue to support us reach more children and improve the quality of education.

“Awards and recognition are not the purpose of life and not the goal of an activist. The heart of an activist usually re-donates the money, or uses the accolades as a foot in the door for more activism and awareness. A plaque on the wall won’t change the world; it only shows your devotion.” Shannon L. Alder

KU Sociology Department. Prize Distribution & Certification Ceremony On the 25th of November the atmosphere was buzzing and excitement was in the air. On this day Youth Together For Human Rights Education proudly conducted a Prize Distribution and Certification Ceremony in the collaboration of Department of Sociology, University of Karachi. Project: I am Empowered to Serve. Special Guest were Invited from Youth Together for Human Rights Education 1. From Youth Together for Human Rights Education -Madam Fareeda Abbasi the CEO and National Coordinator of Youth Human Rights International and Madam Naila Lutuf, Board Member YTHRE. 2. From the Department of Sociology, Dr. Sobia Shehzad, Chairperson, Dr. Naila Usman Siqqidui Assistant Professor, Students’ Advisor of Sociology Department of University of Karachi, Dr. Kauser Professor and Ms. Nosheen Raza Lecturer and Founder of the programme with YTHRE. The programme started with Dr. Sobia giving an inspiring speech conveying gratitude to the team of Youth Together For Human Rights Education, specially Madam Fareeda, for dedicated efforts on training and fieldwork through out the term and setting with her team an example of professionalism and service to community. She said these activities will count as a major plus for all students in their future and will assist in greater success and achievements in their life. Madam Fareeda as Chief Guest, spoke about the valuable efforts of the youth.

Students Experiences during Projects Sahar: Today I am feeling proud to work with “Youth Together For Human Rights Education”. I learned many things in training, Here I will share the change I am “The only thing seeing in myself. Now I am feeling so much confidence in speaking and presentation necessary for the skills. This is a really remarkable achievement for me. persistence of evil, Kanwal: I am here because of YTHRE. I have learned life knowledge. How I can is for enough good deal and motivate people and specially serve the people who are less privileged. They people to do need lot of awareness and support. nothing.” Rao Haroon: Youth Together for Human Rights Education is really a great Platform for Youth to develop skills. I have learned knowledge of Human Rights which is - Amnesty Saying valuable for my life. I will work to implement Human Rights in society.

She praised them for their efforts in the “Youth In Action” Project and “I am Empowered to Serve” Project. She spoke about how a small group of people can bring change and history shows us this is true. She mentioned that research has shown that it only takes the commitment of 3.5% population in a nonviolent campaign to bring change. Human Rights therefore can be made a reality and society can be changed to respect all human beings. Madam Fareeda said, “With 27000 students in Karachi University, the Sociology Department comprising of nearly 950 students, 3.5 % of the total students of the University- they have the potential of bringing ‘No Discrimination, Equality of Rights’ to all in Karachi University.” She said, “The youth have the intention, power and ability to do so. The students can bring change and are relied upon to do so! Youth are very keen to learn and in the application of Human Rights are leading the way, that is the major change she is seeing in Pakistan.” Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Mahar, YTHRE Youth Project In Charge, recapped the achievement of Youth Projects. He shared the fantastic results of the fieldwork, where those receiving the service are praising the responsible work of our youth. According to him, students worked in community on improving education and raising awareness. Combining the three projects they served respectively 500, 1700 and 1100 students of rural communities. He added finding out the faults of others is wasting time. Instead we should concentrate on improving ourselves. Dr. Naila Usman Siqqidui highly appreciated the students of Sociology on learning “Human Rights” and working on community project with YTHRE. © 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 18 of 31 www.ythre.org [email protected] 0311 205 0292 021 343 83909

Ms. Nosheen Raza, who has played a vital role on these projects and is dedicated to the cause of Human Rights, appreciated the previous successful projects and gave the examples of how volunteers of projects are now the presenters in Youth Together For Human Rights Education, serving many institutions. Certification & Awards for Excellent Performance Students received Awards and Certificates from CEO Madam Fareeda Abbasi, based on performance in Youth Projects. The results were directly linked to their academic studies. 35 students Level -1 & Level- 2 who worked on the “Youth In Action” Project received Certificate and Award for their outstanding performance. 15 students of Level-1 who worked in “I am Empowered to Serve” Project received Certificate and Awards on their outstanding performance. 17 students of Level-2 who worked in “I am Empowered to Serve” Project received Certificate and Awards on their outstanding performance. Views of Our Youth Students were very excited and happy with the Youth Projects conducted at Karachi University on collaboration with Sociology Department. More than 80% students showed strong willingness to join us in our next Youth Project . 100% said that the fieldwork was a source of learning and increasing competence. Students sent messages of thanks via cell phone throughout the evening to us for a brilliant event and for giving them awards and motivation to do “What we can or cannot do, what we consider something for society. Thank you Students and Faculty - We are proud to be possible or impossible, is rarely a function of associated with you in efforts to bring positive change to society! our true capability. It is more likely a function Speech Competition Results of our beliefs about who we are.” On the 13th of November the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement. -Anthony Robbins On this day we conducted a Speech Competition with the collaboration of the Department of Sociology, University of Karachi. The objective of the Speech Competition was to get students to learn and express their views on how to create a better society. Eleven students from the Sociology Department of Karachi University competed with each other. Topics were assigned to individual students. They were asked to speak on the existing scene in Karachi and provide solutions to improving the scene. The range of topics varied from “Stopping Corporal Punishment in Schools”, “Universities are giving Degrees not Education”, “Ways to Stop Gender Discrimination”, “Youth Role in fixing Pakistan” …. and much more. The students had prepared well and expressed their views clearly and in a convincing manner. The faculty members, fellow students and the team of YTHRE were impressed with not only the content of the speeches but also the way in which they were presented. Judges comprised of Sociology Department Faculty Members and YTHRE staff. Students were assessed and given points on the delivery of their speeches, the content of their speech and if it provided solutions to existing problems in the city of Karachi. We congratulate the following students for work well done and winning the first second and third prizes respectively. Ambreen Kanwal, (First Prize), who spoke on “Universities are giving Degrees, not Education”. Wajahat Ali, (Second Prize), who spoke on “The Future of Pakistan lies in the Hand of the Youth”. Tarique Jamil, (Third Prize), who spoke on “Corruption - Role of Youth in Ending it!”. Romana Jabeen, (Third Prize), who spoke on “Physical Punishment in Schools and Homes - How to Stop it?” All students who participated in the event did very well. It was a pleasure listening to their speeches and their views. What we all learned from today was that young people have the potential to bring great change in Pakistan. Grateful acknowledgements are given to all who participated and to the audience who filled the room eager to listen to their class fellows!

Outflow for Creating A Bright Future Students are our future. We need to facilitate them. Parents send children to school to gain an education so that they have a better life than they themselves have. At KMC Govt. Primary School in Ibrahim Hyderi, we have children who come excited to school to learn and study and to create a bright future. Having no books and material does not dampen their hopes. They remain unaware of the lack of progress that occurs when no school materials are provided. At the start of this term we took the step of distributing notebooks to 110 students belonging to the poor families. The photos show the happiness of children. We noticed that students proudly put their notebooks in their bags and after some time, they took them out again; looked and felt them again. They smiled to themselves and gave usig b happy smiles too. School teachers also were very grateful for making their task of teaching possible. Everyone in the class beamed and we were glad to be of service. Childhood and Play - Both Go Together Children have a right to play. In every school our children should have sports equipment to play and learn sports. CEO Fareeda Abbasi distributed sports goods at Government Primary Sindhi School Ibrahim Hyderi. It was pleasure to see the bright faces of children when they received cricket sets, ball, bats, football kits, skipping ropes etc. Students looked happy and excited. Students and management showed gratitude for continued care and dedication.

“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened” - John F Kennedy

School Prize Distribution Ceremony An event on Prize Distribution took place at Govt. Brazil Secondary School for Girls. Students who had grasped the workshop topics, shown demonstration of application and worked on homework assignments, were given awards for excellent work. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes were given to students from different classes on the Results Day of Govt. Brazil Secondary School for Girls. Very Well Done from us to all students receiving awards. All the teachers and management of Govt. Brazil Secondary School for Girls are thanked for supporting the programme on Quality Education and Human Rights.

“A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion..” -Chinese Proverbs

© 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 20 of 31 Reaching the Youth – Our Most Valuable Resource Our greatest resource in Pakistan is our youth. These youngsters are caring, energetic and want with deep passion, a better Pakistan. We will see them within the next few years working as managers, government officers, lawyers, doctors, social workers, writers etc. They will be holding decision-making positions across all sectors of society. To empower young people we have expanded our programme from Karachi University Sociology Department, introducing it to International Relations Department & Sindhi Department and Mehmoodabad Government Girls College. In October 2014, we initiated an in-house training for youth. New areas are at the initial stages of training receiving Level 1 training, while KU Sociology Department received Level 1 and Advanced level training from us. We plan our work with youth with two objectives in mind. Firstly, to train young people on our result-based-curriculum, developing their knowledge, life skills and positive attitudes. This we do with the aim of students attaining personal success, while respecting and protecting the rights of others. The second objective is to enable the students to take more responsibility in their own educational institutions, and to conduct social work that produces results in the field. We give students the opportunity to conduct fieldwork to broaden their experience, improve their confidence level, and most importantly, to make them see that their efforts are valuable in changing the lives of those less privileged. Details of training and fieldwork are provided in the following pages. The youth programme involved Karachi University students speaking on Sindh TV Morning Show, Salaam Sindh, about their experiences on the project and the vital role of youth in bringing positive change to Pakistan. During this period we conducted a Speech Competition amongst the youth on major topics that relate to the current situation in Pakistan. Our first term project culminated with a grand event to acknowledge and award youth on their performance during this term. We took this opportunity to present Human Rights Posters to the Dean of Arts and also to Chairperson of the Sociology Department. Students celebrated their achievements and team effort on this day. We thank the students and all faculty members, Dr. Moonis Ahmar, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Sobia Shehzad, the Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, Dr. Naila Usman Siqqidui, the Assistant Professor, Students’ Advisor of the Sociology Department of the University of Karachi and especially Ms. Nohseen Raza, Lecturer at the Departmetn of Sociology, whose support and commitment keeps the Youth Programme progressing and expanding. Thank you Students and Faculty - We are proud to be associated with you in efforts to bring positive change to society! Details of all these areas along with the training and fieldwork are shared with you in different sections of this newsletter. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

- Winston Churchill

© 2015 Youth Together for Human Rights Education - Creating with YOU a Culture Supportive of the Rights of All Page 21 of 31 Youth Stand Strong and Empowered Young people from I am Empowered to Serve Project and Youth Empowerment Project have both received training on a variety of topics ranging from “Qualities That Define Us As Human”, “Role of Youth in Making Human Rights a Reality”, “Conflict Resolution- Ways to Bring Peace”, “Stereotyping and Its Consequences” to “Mastering Learning”. Individual workshops have been conducted on the topics of developing Character Strengths, Communication Skills, Study Skills, Presentation Skills and Survey Skills. While it is not possible to share all the results with you, here is a glimpse of a few events. Survey Technology - Key to Finding Out the True Data Why is it important to survey and what are the consequences of not surveying? What happens if we assume we know the issues of the community? Students learnt the importance of surveying and how to conduct surveys, so the purpose is achieved. What is the responsibility of a surveyor and how to behave professionally so one succeeds in surveying. Understanding of the questions by the recipient, with no bias or prejudice being conveyed by the surveyor, forms an essential part of surveying. Different situations were drilled by students that they may encounter during the survey. Emphasis was placed on students becoming confident in handling these real life situations that come up during the process of surveying. Samita said, “It was informative session today, I learned how to conduct survey in professional way,. Also how I will be in surveyor role. I realise I must have knowledge about Human Rights. I must also focus on the reason for survey and the intention on result I am seeking. This will help me to be a good professional surveyor.” Aflaton said, “Thanks to your team for give professional training on how to conduct survey, how to handle the situation during survey. I will apply these techniques in survey. This will help to in my professional career.” Result of Workshop were good with 100% students finding the topic of the event interesting and 88% students finding the information useful for them. Who is Going to Improve Conditions? Given the violations of Human Rights that are widespread and with the menace of corruption touching every family, it is no surprise that trust in each other is lost, communication gets valued less and help is considered a word reserved just for the angels. Amidst such an atmosphere, a feeling of hopelessness can become a norm. Our workshop addresses these areas. It restores the spirit of help in the youth. It raises confidence of students being competent enough to control things and be controlled to achieve valuable results together. Most importantly in students being strong enough to communicate truths, even when mistakes are made by them. Students valued the workshop given at International Department, Sindhi Department, Karachi University and at Mehmoodabad College PECHS. Youth were acquainted with the purpose of our organisation and the work we do across educational institutions to improve on Knowledge, Skills and Positive Attitudes. We spoke of the issues that trouble the 18 million population of Karachi. Who will sort these areas out? Who is strong enough, powerful enough and responsible enough to say my city, my problems, my brothers, my sisters and I will take this on my shoulders? The youth responded positively to taking on this role and creating a new spirit of volunteer work to bring change to areas. Here is a success from one of our students. “Through this workshop I learnt that I should try to be compassionate. I should be helpful and we should respect each other. My ideas were positively changed on respecting others, helping others and I realised that I can devote time to training underprivileged students. A broad view arose as a result of this programme that will definitely be helpful in future”. Students had similar positive things to relate to us. All in all it was a fantastic memorable event, which will be remembered in years to come.

Stereotyping and Prejudice - Fiction or Fact? It is a fact that prejudices and stereotyping exists in our society. These impact on us in homes, educational institutions and in offices. Young people participated in the workshop to do with removing prejudice and discrimination. Each one of us values our own culture. Living in a global world we can also learn from other cultures. Students were asked what can we learn from Chinese people, from British people, from Sindhi people, from Italian people and from other ethnicities? Each group has something to offer and we have the capacity to appreciate the goodness in others and learn from them. In our workshop we covered detailed definition of the three words “Stereotype”, “Prejudice” and “Discrimination.” Most of us remain unaware we even have these ideas that cause us to discriminate. We might think women cannot take on certain jobs, or they are bad drivers or we may think that people of certain ethnicity, religions or nationality are not to be respected, because… A multitude of reasons and justifications that we hold, strengthen these views. Such viewpoints then lead us to discriminate against women or certain ethnic groups or nationalities and even certain religious groups. Young people actively participated in the workshop. They realised that together we can make a society where Stereotyping –Prejudices and Discrimination are not tolerated! We can create a home and a society where we grant respect and equality to others, irrespective of differences. Students shared their viewpoints on the workshop relating to the Consequences of Stereotyping. Some feedback from our students at Karachi University. Nisar Ali: It was a wonderful training session, today I learned about my culture and about others culture and about the stereotyping attitude. I am feeling change in myself. I will never ever give negative general statement, because we cannot generalise about all people just because of witnessing a few people actions or views. Sahar: I learned about culture and the meaning of of culture. I really liked the session about culture and stereotype. I will follow my own purpose will remove conflicts raised between cultures. I will apply my trainings given to me here, for the betterment of my community. Hira Aftab: It was nice session conducted today. I learned about prejudice, culture, stereotype and discrimination. I got useful information from today’s training session. Through this information now I will not bully someone on his or her culture. I am changed now I will not give negative general statement about someone’s language, gender, social class, religion and nationality.

“Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.”

- Kofi Annan

Students Demonstrating Competence The best part of our Youth Project is the practical work done in the field. Having attended the training workshops with us, student volunteers then put their skills to use by working in rural underprivileged areas. Weekly visits are made to schools and working with the teachers of schools, the students serve local communities. The fieldwork involved providing tuition, giving awareness sessions and doing surveys to determine the local views on subjects like, girls’ education, purpose of study, right to privacy and right to ownership. As part of I am Empowered to Serve Project, 40 volunteers worked in community to serve them on raising awareness and improving education in 8 schools of Sachal and Ayub villages. Youth Volunteers delivered 94 training sessions by giving tuition to 332 kids in schools and 761 kids attended workshops on the subject of Improving Health and Manners. We thank the Headteachers and administrative staff for collaborating with us to train volunteers in serving the children.

Youth Volunteers Views Fouzia: It has been my dream to teach kids. Today it is fulfilled through the volunteer work assigned to me. This experience gave me skills to teach professionally. Today I am really excited and I must say thanks to your team for giving such valuable knowledge, especially developing my Presentation Skills and providing a platform to apply knowledge in fieldwork. Saher: I belong to this area Sachal village where people are illiterate. They do not follow practices of hygiene and so people get ill. I liked to be the one to make aware students about health and manners as it directly impacts on their life. It makes me happy to provide sessions to those students who do not know about quality of food and practices of hygiene. I am thankful to you who gave us a chance to do something for the people of my community I will continue to assist the people of my community and will not stop. Roa Khalid: I learned survey skill and teaching skill through this project. I am now confident to do the survey in communities as well as teach in an effective way, by using methods that give good understanding to students. I experienced a lot of things from your training and supervision. I appreciate you guidance to us and pointing out our mistakes and giving us better suggestions.

“Remember, the change you want to see in the world, and in your school, begins with you.”

-Joseph Clementine

Media Bringing Positive Change We convey special thanks to The Media Professionals and Executives for showing programs that raise awareness of Human Rights and that give freedom of expression to the ordinary public of Pakistan. We thank you for the support and look forward to working with you in the year 2015. Special Acknowledgements given to: - Tanqeedi Shaoor: Mr Younus for covering our work with the aim of creating a culture supportive of Human Rights. - Sindh TV Salaam Sindh Mr Razak Massan ( 2-hour Show) covered on the following topics: • Human Rights - Parents Bringing Change to Pakistan. “If people in the media cannot • Youth Empowered to Serve Pakistan. decide whether they are in the • How To Give True Education and Develop Character Skills in Children. business of reporting news or • Human Rights – Children’s Rights – Who is Responsible? manufacturing propaganda, it - Dharti TV: Interview of CEO on Quality Education Right of Every Child. is all the more important that the public understand that dif- - Geo Live TV Show on Human Rights Day. Guests CEO Youth Together For Human Rights ference, and choose their news Education & National Representative of Youth For Human Rights International & Nadia Gabol sources accordingly.” Advisor of CM Sindh on Human Rights, with celebrity host Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain. - Thomas Sowell

- Television News Network interviewed CEO at the Peace-Walk on the topic of The Right to Life and the role and responsibility of the “When we, through our educational culture, through government and people in ensuring this right was given to one and all. the media, through the entertainment culture, give our - Jehan-e-Pakistan: Bilal Zafar covering activities of Youth Together for children the impression that human beings cannot con- Human Rights Education. trol their passions, we are telling them, in effect, that human beings cannot be trusted with freedom.” - Sindh TV News interviewed Staff and Board members of YTHRE -Alan Keyes on the Importance of the Rights of Children and how we can play an effective role together in ensuring the Rights of Children. - US Consulate for including our work in the November News Issue. - Daily Awami Awaz - publishing Human Rights Peace-Walk News - Daily Anjaam Paper - publishing Human Rights Peace-Walk News - Daily Jang - publishing our Geo TV Show event and promoting Human Rights.

My Rights My Responsibility! Peace-Walks in Schools of Karachi. Full of Life! 10th of December marks a special Day! It is the day for all humans to ensure we care for the rights of each other. Irrespective of differences we all have agreed that each of us should have 30 Rights. Our Peace-Walks were conducted to spread the message of Human Rights across many schools. Before we started the Peace-Walk we gave children an introduction to the International Day of Human Rights and why this day is celebrated across the world. Students understood the need to celebrate this day. They understood it is the people that bring rights and people that keep rights in society. A big thank you to all 14 schools. We share with you full of life photos of the Peace-Walks in schools and streets for the Rights of All. Together we can bring change!

We Conducted Peace Walks in 7 School in Ibrahim Hyderi Govt: Girls Primary School Morriro Hall No:2, Ibrahim Hyderi City Government Primary School Safyani Para, Ibrahim Hyderi Govt: Girls Primary Urdu School Morriro Hall No:3 Government Boys Secondary School, Ibrahim Hyderi Government Primary Boys Urdu School, Ibrahim Hyderi Government Boys Secondary School Morirro Meerbahar, Ibrahim Hyderi Government Boys Sindhi Primary School, Ibrahim Hyderi Children shouted slogans through the streets of: We want Peace! We have Right to Quality Education! We all are Born Free and Equal! We have Right to Food! No No No Slavery! No No No Peace Walks in Sachaal Goth, North Nazimabad and PECHS Torture! No No No Corruption! No No No Discrimination! Schools that participated were: People came out of homes, traffic stopped and shopkeepers came out to Ali Muhammad Gujro Primary School Sachal Village watch the walk of the children of their village. People around liked the event and said that they have seen political motivated walks before, but Knowledge City Grammar School Sachal Goth this is something else. This is the first time a Peace Walk is occurring for Govt Boys Middle School Sachal Village the Rights of the Individual. Children added slogans to the Peace-Walk Govt. PECHS No 2 Primary School to include! Brazil Secondary Girls School PECHS, Karachi City Water is our Right! Good Roads is our Right! Quality Education is our Azeem Paradise Primary School, North Nazimabad, Karachi City Right! Students were accompanied by teachers and in some cases the Head teachers accompanied our Peace Walk. Azeem Paradise Secondary School, North Nazimabad, Karachi City

It is Your Day, Our Day and Every Person’s Day! Did you Walk With Me? December 10th is our International Human Rights Day. In celebration of this day Youth Together for Human Rights Education and Youth for Human Rights International conducted a Peace-Walk at Karachi Press Cub. For Your Rights - My Rights - Our Children’s Rights this Peace-Walk is conducted every year. Thank you for joining us in this event for the RIGHTS of EVERY CHILD IN PAKISTAN. Whatever our beliefs, religion, political views, gender or race - by agreeing on the concept of respect for the rights of others, we generate a code of acceptable conduct in society. Working together, with each individual playing their part, we can bring major change to our communities. We stand for the rights of every Human Being. We support any institution, government and police-force that respects the rights of each individual without discrimination. With many thanks and a high appreciation for those helping to create a culture that respects the rights of every human being, especially children.

Who Will Make Sure Our Children Have Rights? Children’s Rights — Who will give our Children Their Rights? Child Labour is common in Pakistan with 3 .3 million people below the age of 14 forced to work in Pakistan . • 34% of young girls in Pakistan do not get Primary Education. • 70% of girls do not get Secondary Education. • 23% of boys do not get Primary Education. • 61% of boys are not getting Secondary Education. • Corporal Punishment is still practised in Pakistan. • Forced Marriages and early child marriages are part of life. • Restricting girls to a life of slavery is also happening in villages and towns

Who will protect and safeguard the young? Who will bring respect and dignity to the child’s life? Weeks turn to months, months turn to years and decades. The child lives in a land which has Rights for Children, as part of its constitution. The reality is different to the constitution. Who will bring change? Who is protecting the child? Who will care? We will! You will! I will! We sign the pledge in celebration of 10th of December Human Rights Day. Every Child’s Rights Day.

You Did Something to Make a Difference! Thank you! History has shown us that rights come about when every individual in society is educated on rights and stands up for their own rights and the rights of others. We thank the following esteemed leaders for continuing to raise their voice for Human Rights. • Head Teacher: Mr. Farman Rajpoot supported by Mr. Manzoor Solangi, for conducting a Peace-Walk at Genius Educational Nursery KG School in Thatta Solangi Noshehro Feroz District, Sindh. • Head Master: Sir Hakim Ali Shah supported by Mr. Hosh Mohammad Abro for conducting a Peace-Walk at Govt. Boys and Girls Middle School Gabbar Massan Larkana. Sindh. • Mr Murad Khan participating on KEY 2 Live TV morning show (1.5 hours), watched across Pakistan and Gulf countries, speaking on International Human Rights Day raising awareness of Human Rights and its importance in our society. Mr Murad Khan also raised voice against threats of terrorist to our Human Rights defender and Human Rights journalist and urged all to work towards for Human Rights promotion and protection for a peaceful and better Pakistan . • On 10 December 2014 , Mr Murad Khan also took part in FM Smile Radio show, popular in KPK Province (1hour) in District Haripur, to deliver Human Rights education and raise awareness of many Human Rights violations in Pakistan and the importance of respect of Human Rights in our society. • Sindh Writers & Thinkers Forum for conducting a Peace-Walk for the Right to Life & Right to No Unfair Detainment and Right to No Disappearance of individuals from society. • Riaz Ali Buriro for the Peace-Walk held in Hyderabad by Mehran Foundation in collaboration with YTHRE/YHRI • Mr & Mrs Shahzad Ali for the event to speak up for the rights of disabled people and raise awareness of the need to protect and respect the rights of those who are disabled. • K. Murtuza Syed for the grand effort to raise awareness of Human Rights amongst the youth in Khaipur Mir. On 10th of December, MIKAZA Royal Academy organized The Human Rights Day Special in association with YTHRE and YHRI. This event had an Inter-Schools Essay, Poster and Quiz Contests. 6 Educational Institutions articipated.P MIKAZA Royal Academy, Govt. College for Women, Atia Higher Secondary School, Govt. Superior Science College, Govt. Mumtaz Degree Science College and Elysium School System. Well Done to all of you and thank you for your continued support!

“Washing ones hand off the conflict between the powerful and the power- less, means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral” - Paulo Freire

Taking the Oath to Care for Your Rights On International Day of Human Rights students from 13 schools promised to care for the rights of others. A strong sense of commitment was present as students repeated the oath and stepped up to sign the pledge. Students of Ibrahim Hyderi and Sachaal Village promised the following: • I will treat everyone with equality and not discriminate with anyone based on differences • I will increase love and will play an active part in stopping fighting and violence • I will make common the education of girls in my area • I will respect every individual, whatever ethnicity, religion, sect they belong to • Each day I will help somebody in someway The promise taken by Azeem Childrens’ Paradise School Students were: “In a country well governed, • End Child Labour poverty is something to be ashamed of. • End Child Illiteracy In a country badly governed, • End Child Marriage wealth is something to be ashamed of.” • End Physical Punishment - Confucius • Respect and Care for Every Child

The Participating Schools Ali Muhammad Gujro Primary School Sachal Village Knowledge City Grammar School Sachal Goth Govt Boys Middle School Sachal Village Govt Girl’s Primary School No: 3 Ibrahim Hydri City Government primary School Safyani Para Ibrahim Hyderi Sindhi Primary School Ibrahim Hyderi Government Girls Sindhi Primary School No 2 Ibrahim Hyderi Government Boys Secondary School Ibrahim Hyderi Government Boys Secondary School Morirro Meerbahar IH Govt. PECH No 2 Primary School Govt. Brazil Secondary School PECHs Azeem Paradise Primary School Azeem Paradise Secondary School

Children Showing You What are Your Rights We Are All Born Free and Equal A teacher asked the Hindu boy to sit on the floor because he is not a Muslim and all other students in the class are Muslims. When Headmaster visited the class he saw the Hindu student sitting on the floor. He asked the teacher why is this child sitting on the floor when every student is sitting on chairs. The teacher replied, ”Sir, he is Hindu, so he does not deserve to sit amongst us. Headmaster said this is not fair to treat a human being the way you are doing. The boy is first of all a human being, so we should respect him. We all humans are born free and equal.”

Don’t Discriminate One poor girl, Asma, wants to play with girls. She asks a group of girls “Can I play with you?” One girl from the group replies: “How can you play with us? First look at your status, you are not able to play with us! You are from a poor class.” Asma was upset and started to cry. Moomal asked Asma “What happened and why are you crying?” Asma tells her that the group of girls don’t like to play with me because I am a poor girl. Moomal then went to speak to those girls with Asma. She asked them why are you not allowing Asma to play with you? They replied “OooH hello look at her status. Only tell to us what you do, when you know her status. Moomal said “We should not discriminate based on status, class or wealth. We should respect everyone, whatever our difference. So please don’t discriminate with Asma.” The girls thought about it and agreed to not discriminate. They then included Asma and played with her.

No Slavery Asad is rich boy. His cell phone falls down on the ground. He then says to the poor boys pick up my cell phone. The poor boy picks up the mobile phone and gives it to Asad. One boy Sarvech comes and asked Asad “Why do you say to the boy to pick your cell phone for you?” Asad says, “I am rich. All poor people are my slaves. So it is the best way to treat them.” Sarvech asked the poor boys, “Why did you pick up Asad’s cell phone for him? He replied, “Asad is a rich boy. We are poor, therefore we pick his mobile when he tells us.” Sarvech said to the boys, “Please understand we are all equal and born free, so no one has a right to make us slaves”.

Don’t Torture A teacher is teaching boys and girls. When the Urdu teacher started to teach some students started to laugh and shout, disturbing the class. The teacher got angry. He punished students. He hit girls lightly, but when he started to punish boys he hit them very hard. Girls started to laugh on boys. The Science teacher was passing by and saw what was happening. He asked the Urdu teacher, “Why are these students crying and why are these girls laughing?” The Urdu teacher told the Science teacher the reason for the class disturbance and his punishments. The Science teacher told the Urdu teacher, “It is a crime now to torture students and physically punish them. So do not break the law and hit students.”

We Are All Equal Before The Law Two girls Raheela and Banzeer were going to college. Daily on the way to collage few boys snatch their things and tease them. One day Raheela and Banzeer decided to go to the police station to complain that two boys are daily following us and snatch our belongings, so please give us protection. Policeman Wajid responded that one of the boys is the son of landlord, so we cannot arrest him. A girl standing by heard all this and said to the Policeman Wajid, “You should not treat the boy with special treatment. We all are equal before the law.”

Student Successes Samina said: I really liked your workshop. It was too good and I learned about many things like control human being with willingness and not with force. I gained knowledge about that and qualities that define us as human being. I also know about the purpose of my life now. I will help and respect all human beings. Saad said: I really liked today’s session and learned a lot of things. It was a complete review of all workshops. I learned about purpose of my life and purpose of study. Now I’ll study more and will do hardwork to learn all subjects because without it, I cannot achieve the purpose of my life.

Our vision is to create a society where men, women and children grant respect to each other, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or class. Where peace and tolerance prevails. A fair and just society, where children grow up reaching their full potential and are rewarded for their own efforts, skills and contribution. In the year 2015, we are aiming towards: - Reducing gender, ethnic and religious discrimination. - Improving the quality of education in schools and institutions. - Raising awareness of Democracy so that individuals understand their role in electing responsible leaders. - Renewing the concept of “Human” in Human Rights.

Our team working together with you makes the impossible, possible.

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Head Teachers Views Sir Datar Bukhsh: I am very pleased with the valuable work of the Youth Volunteers in tutoring students on different subjects in my school. I see that children are more confident. I notice especially that they are motivated in subjects they are studying. Madam Rehana Parveen: I really appreciate the efforts of your organisation involving Youth to raise awareness on Health and Manners in government’s schools. It is good that my students learned basic manners they use in schools and also look after their health by eating healthy foods.

“Don’t demand respect as a parent. Demand civility and insist on honesty. But respect is something you must earn - with kids as well as with adults.” - William Attwood

Disclaimer We welcome you to work with us and play your part. The views expressed in newsletter articles and submissions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the Together we will bring about Results. views of YTHRE, YHRI or the editors. It is the purpose of this newsletter to share a variety of viewpoints. This newsletter does not create any legal relations, contractual or otherwise. Any news, views or opinions expressed by those writing issues or stories and events are solely the responsibility of the author(s). Write to [email protected] and join the ranks of YTHRE Whilst making all reasonable efforts to provide correct information, YTHRE and YHRI cannot and does not warrant or guarantee that the data provided by this newsletter are accurate in every respect. No warranty of any kind, Members. whether express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose is given with respect to the mentioned data. Order your Free DVD kit on Human Rights from our Therefore, YTHRE and YHRI, as well as their officers, directors, employees, agents and managers, on behalf of whom this disclaimer is issued, shall have no liability or responsibility whatsoever no matter whether it is based on contract, website tort or any other legal ground for any inaccuracy, incompleteness, omission, lack of timeliness or any other error, and shall have in particular no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any direct or indirect or consequential loss to any www.ythre.org person caused by or arising from any information - whether correct or incorrect - supplied by this newsletter Please visit the websites at www.ythre.org or www.yhri.org for official policy statements. www.fb.com/ythre End of Disclaimer.