Turning a new leaf

Life for most young people these days has turned into a work-spend treadmill and those who are donating their time rather than money are doing a great service to the country

Sadia Ahmed September 01, 2010
Pakistan seems to be taking a battering these days in every possible way. It is plagued politically by incompetent leaders, jinxed by unpatriotic national heroes accused of spot-fixing, and reeling from a recent spell of accidents and natural disasters — flight ED-202 and the floods.

I wish I could get my hands on a magic lamp and ask the genie to solve all our problems. But then I’m woken up to reality.

At the same time, though, the good work people are doing to help those affected by the floods is extremely motivating. I would like to laud the enthusiastic response by people throughout the country — particularly by the youth — who are helping out with the relief efforts.

Like many other citizens and with the desire to make a difference, my brother and I also decided to start our own relief efforts for the flood victims. Working under the banner of EASE — Eastern Aid for Social Enrichment — we collected funds to buy food and medicines for the survivors which we dropped off at the PAF Base.

By the end of our two-to-three week fund collection drive, we had raised over Rs2 million from within Pakistan and abroad. Most people we approached for donations and services, whether wholesale stores we bought rations from or a truck driver whom we asked to carry our aid to the PAF Base — all went out of their way to give discounts on their goods and services.

This is exactly the attitude we need. No matter how big or meagre the contribution is, it ends up making a big difference when put together, particularly during this time of crisis. Life for most young people these days has turned into a work-spend treadmill and those who are donating their time rather than money are doing a greater service to the country. This zeal brewing within our youth makes me feel that there is still some hope and we are probably not a warped nation just yet
WRITTEN BY:
Sadia Ahmed The writer is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and SOAS University, currently working for the Editorial pages at The Express Tribune.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (2)

fahad shamsi | 13 years ago | Reply http://www.forbes.com/feeds/businesswire/2010/09/01/businesswire144698525.html This is also a good read about how entrepreneurs social media have stood up in getting funds for Pakistan.
The Only Normal Person Here. | 13 years ago | Reply I read your write up in speakers corner in today's tribune. Well congratulations on your achievement and keep it up. And yes... our youth's mettle and ardor is unmatchable. Always makes me wonder why cant our old and not-so-old generation gauge that. But always on the verge to blame us when every time our country goes through any crises, youth is the first to come out and help.
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