Leadathon15, for the sake of our future

The idea behind this is that the disenfranchised generation of today needs meaningful direction.

Maha Qasim April 17, 2015
Since the early 2000s, Pakistan has seen tremendous growth in youth-based interventions with new conferences, workshops and seminars cultivating a forward-looking environment for the youngsters of today. On account of the dynamic structure of such conferences, many young men and women attribute their personal and professional successes to the skills they acquire at these forums. For instance, the Young Leader’s Conference in Pakistan has shaped lives of countless participants by exposing them to innovative ideas, new networks and professional conduct.

The idea behind these endeavours is that the disenfranchised generation of today needs direction to propel their personal and professional lives in a productive and meaningful direction. However, many of these events are geared towards the adolescent demographic, especially targeting the young adults who are making the tumultuous transition into adulthood. Experts agree that this age bracket (15 – 24) is most susceptible to novel ideas, and benefits from the structured approach these conferences take.

Having said that, an institution in Islamabad is trying to challenge convention in order to introduce the leadership conference model to a different sect of the population. Edopia, a new school based in G-6/3 Islamabad, has just announced the launch of their flagship event, ‘Leadathon 15’, a leadership conference that has specifically been designed for children ages 5 to 13. This marks a dramatic departure from the conventional norms of leadership and networking conferences.
“These are incredibly impressionable years”, says lead co-ordinator Jaweria Sethi. “The idea is, that if you harness all that energy and spirit into positive action in the early years, you have a better chance of helping children become good human beings and true global citizens. The world is changing at a rapid pace; global warming, energy crises and food scarcity are just some of the problems this generation will have to resolve. More than any other generation since the baby boomers, these children will have to be gently steered into incredibly murky waters. What is needed is to equip these children early on so they become a productive part of the increasingly global world.”

The conference will be conducted from April 24th till the 26th at Edopia #58, Embassy Rd, G-6/3, Islamabad. The event is being compacted into a three day event that will include team building activities and sessions to develop a collaborative spirit among all participants. It will also include a series of academic and personal growth sessions designed to help children reach their highest potential. Schools across Islamabad are invited to participate in all the activities as well as a talent show that is taking place at the closing ceremony, to showcase every student’s unique capabilities. Invitations are open to all and registrations for potential candidates are open as well.
“These children are our future,” says Malghalara Kalim, one of the mentors at Edopia. “It makes sense for us to try and capitalise on their youth and optimism so they can approach their academic, personal and future professional lives with an open mind and positive attitude. We hope to help them grow up into individuals whose manner is decisive and confident, who grasp concepts of leadership and act upon their dreams of making a difference in the world while maintaining the courage of their convictions.”

Photo: Edopia Facebook page

 
WRITTEN BY:
Maha Qasim The author is a 23 year old Islamabad native interested in fantasy-fiction literature, indie-electronic music and nerdfighteria. She can be found blogging her days and nights away at www.songsforteenagenomads.tumblr.com
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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