During their four months in the US, Global UGRAD in Pakistan [10] fellows immersed themselves in community work in their host communities, serving both local and international causes. Below are specific examples of their projects plus how they plan on continuing their service back home in Pakistan.
Working with Children
Afza volunteered at the child development center in Chadron, Nebraska where she taught and mentored young children between three to nine years old. “Working with children was challenging since there is a difference in values,” Afza said, but she found that her experience significantly honed her teaching skills. “Now I know what quality of training should be provided and what activities are required to harness young minds.” Afza intends to use her experience at Chadron to conduct a small tutorial for the staff at the child development center at her university in Pakistan. “I will highlight the differences and suggest options on how to provide quality education for both mothers and children,” she said.
In Cookeville, Tennessee, Fawad also volunteered at the Child Development lab where he organized learning and playtime activities for children. Fawad noted that through his experience, he learned about children’s learning processes and how to encourage them.
Cleaning Up the Environment
Zohaib, Paras and Narjis participated in Shawnee State Cleaning Day at Portsmouth, Ohio, in which they cleaned up Second and Third Street on campus. Through his experience, Zohaib realized that, “We should take part in such activities and not feel embarrassed by doing such work.” Following his experience, Zohaib would like to organize clean-up drives with his friends back in his hometown of Karachi.
In Moscow, Idaho, Qurat Ul Ain worked with the Muslim Student Association to pick up trash around the highway widely used by the surrounding community. The volunteer activity gave Qurat Ul Ain the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the shared sense of community. “I liked how all the Muslims in Moscow and nearby towns got together to clean the highway. I really appreciate how they consider it their own town and the fact they feel the need to keep it clean,” she said.
Helping the Hungry and Homeless
Saba volunteered for Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, Illonois where she packed food to be sent to various countries. Saba thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the organization. “We were dancing, singing and working all at the same time!” she proclaimed. Saba realizes that a little effort can go a long way, and is motivated to inculcate a sense of responsibility among her peers back home towards the issue of child hunger.
Asad worked with “Kids Against Hunger of Central Minnesota” in St. Cloud, Minnesota to pack food for needy children in Pakistan. He was happy to learn that there are great organizations in the US who are sincerely working for people in Pakistan, and was inspired by how easily replicable the organization’s project was.