Special Ops/Community Action Report

1-      Agenda Brief of the activity (Background-Theme-Impact)

My theme is Social Harmony through Education and role of Teachers. I have selected a group of mothers and grandmothers for focused group discussion. I briefed them about importance of social harmony for peaceful society and how they must check and balance the education and training their children are getting as they are the future society of Pakistan. As international day of Tolerance is on 16^th November, I encouraged them to highlight it with youth and children. It was a very healthy and critical discussion much more thought provoking then I expected. Participants liked the topic and gained the impact to go to teachers/school administration and ask what they are doing or teaching children to promote social harmony and peace building. Participants interacted openly and shared their own life experiences.

2-      Nature & Number of Participants

All are mothers and grandparents who have raised their children and now raising their grandchildren. I deliberately selected them for focused group discussion as mother is the first teacher of child and guide them how to behave and move in society. I told them the topic before reaching the venue. Number of Participants are 10 excluding me.  I choose the peaceful environment of park, morning time and the green venue for calm, cool and open minded discussion.

3-      Outcomes of Activity

Outcome is wonderful. Participants shared different views and point out the reasons of disharmony in society i.e. distance from religion, lack of training of teachers, differences in syllabus of schools in a community, no dress code for teachers, no check and balance by mothers about their children activities and indulgence in social media are major reasons for disharmony and lack of training regarding importance of social harmony and peace building. I noted their perceptions, feelings and thoughts to get to end result. Result: More efforts are needed at home and schools/colleges to promote social harmony and peace building. Focus on syllabus is required and extracurricular activities regarding this should be done frequently to create impact and encouragement. I got firsthand knowledge and views, so I am writing a blog on this topic also using the points from discussion which will be soon published on Urdu news website. Moreover I am taking it to next level by arranging another discussion with students to know their views and preparing a survey questionnaire too.  

4-      Pictures or Videos from the activity must be attached