Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
............. would happen only if people understands yr point of view
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Suggestion:
Why don't we pick up each point and discuss it together to come to some reasonable common terms.. let's say give 2-3 days for each topic and post the final result at the end and then move to next... later Fraudia Paai can open a Solution thread with all the results combined.. keep this thread as a discussion forum for all the points mentioned and summarize them in a nutshell later...
your thoughts?
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
for that the person who proposed the idea would have to take initiative to explain what their vision and suggested approach is first.
we may have to extend it beyond Monday because so far it aint looking good, I understand people are busy and I would rather have us do a good job than rush ppl thru some artificial deadline and lose out on good topics and all. but lets not drag it on for too long. discussions on topics can continue, lets atlleast explain them and then as a group decide on some quick hits and then we can see how well we work and all.
so guys, please..can you explain your ideas by Friday?
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
For Human Right Voilations I guess we have to link up with already established NGOs because they already have the legal entity and the participants.
For awareness we can do following;
Newspaper: Have your campus or community newspaper feature a section or issue on human rights. Publicizing human rights abuses is an effective way of pressuring governments and other institutions to take action. Governments care about their image both at home and abroad, and the media helps to shape popular opinion on many issues.
Displays: In schools and libraries, create displays and bulletin board notices with information about general human rights information.
Special Bookmarks: Distribute bookmarks at the library, bookstores, and at school/universaties.
Educational Events: Organize talks, discussion forums, guest speakers.
I will keep on posting as it comes. Later
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Mr. Fraudia, I'll post mine by Friday mid-night.
Sorry but now-a-days i can't use internet from work so I'll do that on friday after work.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
OK.. my little attempt..
24. Red Tape Culture:
Back Gorund:
I have always experienced this mentality of our people back home, by those who are responsible for carrying out things of legitimate nature...
Issue:
The whole society, for the large part, is the victim of this issue. On higher levels, it can be evident in our all previous governments (current included) and on a lower level, it's spread like a tumour. As one example, just try to go to house building finance corporation to get your home loan approved, and face all the parties involved.. from Peon to the office clerk, everyone shows you their importance and how things are to be through proper channel.. un-necessary paper work and waste of time... restrictions which are not needed...
Go to development authority and face the same problem... Go to have your driving license issued and you find the representative of this mentality... they even go further as this culture dictates them for taking bribes...
I believe, in fact, all of the problems in pakistan are intertwined with this one issue.... This is the root cause of every major problem. Take Balochistan issue, for a higher level example, and list all the Red Tape steps taken by our Govt. you will be amazed...
What we want to do
To get rid of this culture and introduce a system of responsibilities and reliability
How we should go about doing it
Although it should start from the root, that is govt. level but given the fact that we, as poor people, can not bring about changes at higher level that easily, it is only advisable to start from the bottom... Problems faced by common men on daily basis... Wise people know the power of more people than a single man... Education is not a pre-requisite for this task... Only people with sound understanding of environment are needed...
One good way that I can think of is to start it from your neighbourhood... Create non-sophisticated, lower level, organization, more like NGO's or welfare socities, which run voluntarily by every single person in the area... It takes care of individual issues of any person from the neighbourhood... A person should be able to take the representatives of the Org. to govt. offices which can have positive effect as these orgs. will eventually be recognised and can have links to city govt. level personell.
This can be the initial step and there can be many other ways to get rid of this culture.. The idea of creating group of people into some organization is solely based on the power of Unity. The only things required in going about this idea are honesty - being number one, perseverence, persistence, the enthusiasm to help fellow neighbours, etc. etc.
How complex or difficult do you think this will be
As it seems it's not easy... convincing people to get united is a task that is a big ask.... There will be people who are the nourisher of the Red Tape society and would always differ... Identifying and flitering out such elements is going to be a tough nut to crack...
How long do you think it would take to have a good output
since, it is on a lower level, it can start showing up its fruits soon if it succeeds.. but just one welfare society of that sort will not eradicate the problem... It will be just the beginning... The individual socities will have to help other neighbours develop their own and then co-ordiante with each other... It can take a lot of time.. it will start from few neighbours and can be spread to the whole one city... from one city to another and then to the whole country seems utopian paradise but I strongly believe it's not impossible..
Will you be willing to lead the initiative if it was picked as a top area
sure .. why not... remember, there is nothing to lose even if it fails... we are already losing enough...
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Good going all/
everyone pls come up and join in on this.
Pir ji,
good move extending deadline.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
thanks haris
to the rest of the gang, please be specific in how it will be done, could this group do it on its own or not. some of what I have read is def great ideas but could be out of the ability/reach of the group to do. but let that not stop you, keep them coming.
next week we will pick a few short term immedate hit ones and some potential longer term ones and then shortly thereafter start on some quick wins
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
^ I agree lets pick up the easy ones first that will build up the confidence level (mine and others) to tackle the bigger issues.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
I need to know what can be the ways to to abolish the pathetic feudal system in the rural areas of sindh (waderaY) and Punjab (chodhry)?
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
qureshi sahab, wasn't tha your idea, what ways were you thinking of in which we can help when you brought up that topic.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
I dun think I mentioned FEUDAL system as one of the options....
I just realized after posting my last reply about the poison of this colonial system... SInce, I myself have not lived in that system, it will be unfair to comment on its resolution... I was hoping someone would come up with a reasonable solution to that who has seen such a system very closely...
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
just a time check guys, 2 days to get your idea fleshed out for the team to read.
Thanks folks
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
so I am beginning to think that maybe this is not going to work.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
I know couple of people who have told me that they are going to post by friday...
just wait or otherwise, we two can carry out a discussion on my proposed plan :P
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
sure man, I was just giving ppl a guilt trip, learnt the art first hand from valida mohtarma :)
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Mr fraudia, plz no guilt trip.
I'm just being careful in using internet because of my new company. I used to browse GS from work sighs
I'll surely post my comments by Friday mid-night. I need to search a little for some facts for my Balochistan issue suggestion.
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
it was just to get acknowledgement, i did not know if ppl were just not reading this anymore etc
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Ok, I finally made it on time 
My suggestion was;
#7- ‘Uniformity of education system and standards throughout Pakistan’.
(Though Ive come up with another few considerable ones since, I think I’ll stick with this for now and share the others perhaps later at some other time.)
I feel an urge to start with this cartoon I came across somewhere a while ago. Cant remember where it was, maybe received in an Email. Good work by the artist. Our education system or whatever we have of it, has probably been doing exactly this to the majority.
Anyway…**
The Concept:**
Over the years, ever since able to think about how societies develop and what hampers social and national advancement the most, I have been told and have also concluded on my own reasoning, that education is the one most important factor, and also perhaps the most overlooked, under-estimated and largely abused.
That brings one to the questions: *What’s different between developed/advanced (or rapidly advancing) societies and primitive, under developed and stagnant societies? Why is it that some societies are better and some worse? And how does a particular society step out of darkness and find the path to prosperity? *
The Answer (found again in a question): *Historically what one factor has proven most important and vital for a society’s enlightenment? What one thing has been urged even by prophets and religion? What one factor has contributed to prosperity the most? *
Undoubtedly literacy and education!
Coming over to our concern; Pakistan, *why inspite of so much attention, financing, and highest level importance given since the beginning, has literacy and education always remained extremely pitiful?
*
Due to an undefined educational system!
Lack of uniformity in education standards and no practical control or concern from the government particularly about school level education, systems and standards!
The govt run schools (in slang called ‘peela’ schools owing to the standard uniform colour) are thought to be meant only for the less privileged; the standards and methods there are primitive, largely uncontrolled, unmonitored. The better off go to pvt run schools operating in ever nook and corner; they’re under nobody’s control and can follow no standards. Students there head to local board exams in X, XII. Those with more resources afford schools offering O/A Level (GCE) education. Those with even more resources go to schools offering IB and very few in the 3 important Pakistani cities to the local elite American run (embassy) schools.
That gives us about 4 different systems running in our country. By the book though, we are said to have one system; the boards! Federal Board being the premier board is perhaps best run. That says enough about uniformity of system within the boards! Since last year the Agha Khan Foundation has founded its own pvt board approved by the govt. That gives us a 5th system, which resembles the boards system but is a hybrid between boards and the Cambridge board exams (GCE). Inclusion of regularized madrassahs offering regular education as well gives us a 6th system!
With such differences prevailing at school level, what are we expecting to get at college/univesrity level?
But what causes these differences? Could be economic factors, financial status, elitist culture and many other reasons.
But whatever the reason, we need to take a look at the nations that we look up to and emulate in every other way except in areas that matter most.
Everything in Pakistan (even in India and Bangladesh) is highly influenced by British standards, or what British standards were 60 years ago. But what are UK education standards today? How have they maintained uniformity of system at schools level, at boards, and eventually university criteria?
And in the US, the school system, the public school, upto 12 years has shown uniformity of system at its best. Eventually with uniformity the intermediate product is measured equally at Univ entrance stages. And the SATs seem like a cherry topping.
In Pakistan with 6 different systems, we don’t even have a uniform entrance criteria for universities! What glitches that must be causing may be imagined.
The need:
The government needs to visualize a well governed high standard, quality and uniform system for the entire country, initially atleast upto primary level (class V-VI) and expanding to the entirety of 12 school years. For the Univ and SAT phenomena; as a concept is going on at HEC lately called NTS (National Testsing Service), should be considered seriously too, but maybe after basics are in order.
The government can’t coerce people to follow one system; that doesn’t happen even in places mentioned above that are better than us. SO what the government actually can do is;
Define our education system according to modern requirements, methods, global competitiveness.
Have the education system go through a metamorphois based on those proposed and required changes.
Implement the new system with full force at all government run schools all over the country at no or minimal costs for students in all corners of the country be it at Gwadar or Chitral. Employ new education staff, teachers, supervisors at good compensation, ensure their career security, keep checks strictly.
**Result **
Once the govt’s sponsored system is in place and proves effective in 5-10 year, the gap between pvt schools following the same system and govt schools and their products will narrow. If the system is effective and shows good results for students who make it to univ in Pak or elsewhere, public that opts for foreign exam systems and shuns the thought of local system or govt schools may start finding less differences in the end products and opt for the national public education system and have faith in it. Every student will have equal opportunity and standards.
**Our efforts:
**We could organize a team that would;
-
Study successful education systems of the world and highlight key areas, common factors and examples to consider and have implemented for Pakistan.
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Study the actual problems with our education system and the main issues caused due to the disparity and differences.
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Gather some statistics regarding number of schools, students belonging to each system prevailing in Pakistan. Which system has proven most successful in terms of career/educational success over the years and why?
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Analyze the surveys and findings, draw conclusions, infer desired results upon incorporation of changes, interpret the reasons, problems, shortcomings, causes suggestions, methods of implementation and so on. Compile them all.
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Convey our concerns, findings, survey, suggestions, proposals, reasons, methods to the govt, concerned depts., authorities, through direct correspondence, summaries forwarded to newspapers as articles, letters.
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Discuss with other organizations working towards improvement of education like; TCF, AKF etc.
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Get views endorsed by high profile citizens to gather momentum.
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Have our focused ideology on the subject copiled, printed/published, distributed, aired for public and feedback.
The gain
We may not be able to change much or anything at all, but we’d be able to suggest what needs to be done with good reasoning. Everyone knows something needs to be done. But what, why, how, when and by who? We discuss that and shed light on these things. We may be able to arouse serious concern and give the whole issue some direction. Who knows if we’re lucky some important authority might heed our effort in some way and we might get some actual action out of it.
Thoughts
This definitely is big, we can spread it over 4+ months. Have a team, assign areas, move surely if slowly. The team can be spread all over, no concerns about who’s situated where, with affordable phone rates, internet and contacts everywhere its not really a big deal. The team and leader all should coordinate well, reach out to outside resources like publications, orgs etc equally and passionately. Outside coord shall be on behalf of the group. The leader shall be looking over the progress and contributing in any area he feels he/she can. I’m serious about this and would love to lead, but given the current circumstances I’m in, quite busy and caught up with stuff, I do feel I may not be able to do justice and be at my best.
Share your views, suggestions, questions. Hope I’ve been able to convey the concern well. Thanks :k:
Re: Needs/topics we can contribute in?
Not as much elaboration as some of the topics, but its not as broad as the other topics..
27- A survey of the impact of NGO think tank policy studies in third world countries: What we can learn from what has been done before
This is my preferred topic between the two I suggested.
This study will survey the efforts of think-tank type NGOs, determine their impact in influencing policy change, and try to figure out what factors were involved in the success of such projects, and look at what cause other projects to fail. This will serve two benefits
- Set a direction for us and perhaps allow us to escape from the pitfalls other groups fall into, particularly groups similar to ours where we need to overcome the negative image of online thinktanks not being taken seriously
- Ensure our goals are clearly defined so we know why we arent merely another academic venture. Why are we different from other places where everyone gives their opinions on Pak affairs, like paklinks.org or chowk.
- Identify channels where studies and groups like ours have impact
- Identify publications and journals that have visibility, and see whether we can meet their standards
- Allow us to reference these studies in any work we undertake, emphasising our similarities (subtly) with previous successful groups, once you have a "its been done before" reference to give you might argue your point more effectively
It could just be a preliminary study for reference within ourselves, if publishing it doesnt seem like its worth it.
The scope could also include the motivations of the recipients of our studies, who is more inclined towards accepting proposals from groups such as ours.
How:
The internet for one, simply because we would be most interested in finding people who match us as closely as possible. Beyond this I honestly havent researched yet. Find examples of NGO policy work in the subcontinent/latin america/maybe africa, find who authored the studies, who these studies were geared towards, find commonalities. Also find negative examples of internet based groups who have published policy studies but they didnt have any impact whatsoever besides text in pdf form accessible in a weblink.
How Complex:
Not very complex, with the exception of finding useful examples of policy studies that impacted change in a third world country :). I suspect we will find much more negative examples than positive ones, which is also good.
How Long:
3-4 weeks.
Would I be willing:
I could participate in the legwork and the writing.