Strengthening Youth through Local Peace Messages of Sufis’ Poetry

Lahore witnessed turbulence, peace and tranquility, cultural festivity, conquers devastations and destructions in different period of history. But it always remained important after its birth as metropolis in eleventh century. Its strategic importance had never even been ignored and it remained a provincial capital till date. Lahore became second largest city and cultural capital of Pakistan and is selected for the project implementation as it is the largest native Punjabi populated city in the world and an important historical Center in South Asia. The city is hub of art and culture in the country, with a rich history dating back over millennium.

Lahore is at a crucial juncture as it tries to contain and combat militant violence that has devastated communities, families, and lives across all over the district and province. The Lahore district is frequently targeted in the war of terrorism. The project will give them a unique perspective on how to counter violent extremism in their communities and homes. By involving the young generation students of the following colleges in the project activities their knowledge including clear headed understanding in connection of religions about Sufis & saints preaching also teaching could be the best educational tool to boost up their confidence for the peace promotion.

CHANGE has started a project “Strengthening Youth through Local Peace Messages of Sufis’ Poetry". In this connection CHANGE plans to organize and conduct capacity building advocacy seminars on peace and tolerance, mushairas from Sufi’s poetry, Sufi musical evening, and sufi peace conference which would provide a platform for youth to demonstrate their poetic talents. The youth benefitting from this program will be from the targeted colleges of Lahore, which, according to a recent specialist is the “Key recruiting ground for terrorism”. Students from these 6 Govt. Boys colleges will be engaged in the proposed activities creating peace and tolerance by Sufi and Saints school of thoughts. CHANGE will conduct above said events and invite reputable artists, well known mushaikh (peace experts) and scholars in programs. Apart from them young parliamentarian would also be invited from the target town and constituencies.

Expected Outcomes: Recognize and respect differences to ensure youth’s peace building efforts in Lahore to create harmonization and develop linkages of different youth sects with stakeholders among rural community to Counter Violence Extremism (CVE).

Project Start: 20th March, 2015

Project End: 20th June, 2015

Supported by: Umeed Jawan