LAHORE, Pakistan: The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in collaboration with the Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR) organized a five-day training on Social and Economic Empowerment of Minorities (SEEM) in Lahore, aimed at increasing deeper awareness about government-run social protection schemes.
The participants belonged to various districts of Punjab including Khanewal, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.
Mr. Kashif Saeed (Director – Policies, Punjab Social Protection Authority) delivered a detailed session focusing on the salient features of government-run schemes that aim to uplift the socio-economic status of vulnerable population groups such as widows, transgender citizens, and disabled persons.
The other trainers included Mr. Sohail Anwar Chaudhry (Governance and Planning Advisor, Oxford Policy Management Ltd.), Ms. Huma Mirza (Director-Education Services, Akhuwat) and Mr. Atif Tufail (Head of Human Resources, Akhuwat).
Also speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Jacob (Executive Director, CSJ) briefed participants on how rights-based development projects can help society alleviate poverty. He also introduced participants to key techniques of human resource management as well as poverty measurement tools available.
The training included a series of informative lecture series, interactive group exercises, and productive discussions that sought to, identify major challenges & opportunities for minority citizens in terms of access to government-run social justice and social welfare schemes.
The participants were given info-packs with information on all ongoing government schemes
One of the participants, Mr. Robinson Sajid (social activist) said, “It was a great experience to have been a part of this incredibly informative training. It was so productive and idea-oriented with clear goals for participants to enhance the capacity of minority citizens/communities to avail government-run welfare initiatives. I got a chance to interact with prominent development sector professionals who have inspired me to do social work more effectively”.
