The term “Goodwill” typically refers to the act of doing good for others. However, the concept of “good” itself can encompass various dimensions, including both short-term and long-term benefits.

In the short term, “good” often refers to actions or behaviors that result in immediate positive outcomes, such as providing assistance, kindness, or support to someone in need. This could include acts like donating to charity, offering a helping hand to a friend, or volunteering in the community.

On the other hand, “good” can also extend to long-term benefits or consequences. This involves considering the broader impact of our actions over time, including how they contribute to the well-being, development, and sustainability of individuals, communities, and the environment. Long-term “good” may involve fostering relationships built on trust and mutual respect, promoting social justice and equality, or advocating for policies that benefit future generations.

From my take, I like most people refer to Goodwill as providing assistance, kindness etc. But what benefit is Goodwill to the other, remains a unanwsered question. Thinking about this more clearly

Goodwill is often associated with

Building Trust and Relationships: Acts of goodwill foster trust and rapport between individuals, organizations, and communities. When people feel supported and cared for, it strengthens the bonds between them, leading to more cohesive and supportive relationships.

Enhancing Reputation: Engaging in goodwill activities can enhance one’s reputation within communities, organizations, or industries. Positive actions and altruistic behavior are often remembered and respected, contributing to a favorable public image.

That is an ideal individualistic outlook but it does not include the other.

Certainly, let’s clarify:

A few examples of the goodwill initiatives undertaken by us at Goodwill in the past, approximately four years ago, include:

1. Supporting Persons with Disabilities with Food Rations during COVID: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided food rations to individuals with disabilities. This initiative aimed to address the immediate needs of this vulnerable group during a challenging time, ensuring they had access to essential sustenance.
2. Providing Shelter: We offered shelter to those in need, extending a helping hand to individuals who were experiencing homelessness or facing precarious living situations. This initiative aimed to provide a safe and secure environment for those who lacked adequate housing.
3. Distributing Clothing: We distributed clothing to individuals who lacked adequate attire, whether due to financial constraints or other circumstances. By providing clothing, we aimed to ensure that individuals had access to basic necessities and could maintain their dignity.

It’s important to note that while these actions may have brought individual happiness to the recipients by addressing their immediate needs, they also contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of the community. By supporting vulnerable individuals and addressing social issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, and lack of clothing, these initiatives help build a more inclusive and compassionate society, ultimately benefiting everyone.

Certainly, let’s clarify:

Despite the positive efforts and intentions behind goodwill initiatives, it’s important to acknowledge that the state of being “good” or achieving universal goodness may not always be fully realized.

Several factors contribute to this and at that time my individualistic good did not realise, or did not want to realise the

1. Complexity of Issues: Many social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, are deeply entrenched and complex. Addressing these issues requires sustained effort, resources, and systemic change, which may not always be easily achievable through goodwill alone.
2. Limited Resources: Goodwill initiatives often operate within constraints such as limited funding, manpower, and time. These limitations can impact the scale and effectiveness of interventions, making it challenging to address the root causes of social problems comprehensively.
3. Structural Barriers: Structural barriers, such as institutionalized discrimination or systemic inequalities, can hinder the impact of goodwill efforts. Overcoming these barriers often requires broader societal and policy changes that extend beyond individual actions.
4. Varying Perspectives: What constitutes “good” can vary depending on cultural, social, and individual perspectives. Differences in values, priorities, and beliefs may lead to conflicting interpretations of what actions are considered beneficial or ethical.
5. Unintended Consequences: Despite good intentions, some goodwill initiatives may inadvertently perpetuate harm or reinforce existing power dynamics. It’s essential to critically assess the impact of actions and ensure they align with principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity.

While the pursuit of goodness and the practice of goodwill are valuable endeavors, achieving universal goodness is a complex and ongoing process that requires collective effort, critical reflection, and continuous adaptation. Recognizing the limitations and challenges is crucial for fostering meaningful progress towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.

I don’t feel the need to delve into this topic extensively because it’s already widely discussed on multiple blogs. However, I want to emphasize that Goodwill’s mission is to benefit people, and it does so through active community involvement. Goodwill operates with the belief that the community itself is instrumental in achieving positive outcomes. Unfortunately, society, especially from a sociopolitical standpoint, often overlooks or fails to fully grasp this crucial aspect of Goodwill’s work.”

In this revised version, the statement is more straightforward, ensuring the reader can easily understand the speaker’s perspective on Goodwill’s mission and its perception within society.

“If we don’t involve ‘the people’ directly, how can we accurately represent their voices? This principle is at the heart of what we stand for at Goodwill. We advocate for the full inclusion of disabled individuals as active participants in society, ensuring their voices are heard and valued just like anyone else’s.”

Maybe this is something to ponder upon during this festive period of Ramadan.

We have received several inquiries regarding how to donate to the GB Goodwill Movement in Gilgit Baltistan and in Pakistan. The process is straightforward:

1. GB Goodwill Movement operates through KCBL, the first private bank in Gilgit Baltistan.
2. Visit your nearest KCBL branch in Gilgit Baltistan.
3. Bring a signed cheque made out to “Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement.”
4. For instance, if Asad Baig wishes to donate 5,000 rupees, he should send a cheque made out to “GB Goodwill Movement.”

That’s all there is to it!

In other cities of Pakistan, the signed cheque can be sent to GB Goodwill Movement’s office, and your cheque will be recieved by one of our team who will contact you after it arrives!

All cheques must be made in the name of the NGO, Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement

Donate for a good cause this Ramadan

Dear Esteemed Professionals,

I trust this correspondence finds you in good health and high spirits.

My name is Ghulam Muhammad Baig, and I am currently enrolled as a student at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, pursuing a degree in Politics & International Relations. Concurrently, I am engaged in leading an NGO known as the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, which is dedicated to serving the disabled communities of Gilgit Baltistan. Our operational headquarters are situated in Zulfiqarabad, Gilgit.

In essence, we are a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Our initiatives encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from empowering disabled individuals through various skill development programs to addressing their fundamental needs by providing sustenance, shelter, and clothing to the marginalized segments within the disabled community.

Alhamdulillah, we began our work in June 2021 in Gilgit Baltistan, with support from senior doctors working within the NHS in the UK. Now, we are seeking additional support from other professionals within our community

We understand that many of you send money home as remittances, but we kindly ask you to consider the challenges faced by disabled individuals in our country as Allah says helping the poor is a good deed. Unfortunately, many of these people are excluded from assistance in society! We are seeking small donations, even if it is $5 or $10 because every penny counts towards helping these people.

We hope that you will support us in our Ramadan Fundraiser and help disabled persons in Gilgit Baltistan

In Pakistan and several other countries across South Asia, there are significant challenges with the allocation of aid. This aid primarily refers to funding directed towards Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged in various initiatives at the regional, provincial, or national levels. Despite the pressing need for increased social development aid, there persists a notable discrepancy in getting aid to the appropriate recipients in a timely manner. This challenge, however, does not primarily stem from corruption, lack of consideration, or a deficit of willpower. Instead, the primary culprit is disorganization.

Why Disorganization in Aid in Gilgit Baltistan?

In the context described, aid refers to the support received by Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from various sources such as governments, other NGOs, and agencies. While foreign monetary aid is a notable example, it’s not the sole form of aid. Instead, we’re focusing on how these organizations acquire support from different entities within their own country or from international sources.

In the West, aid is usually funded through open sources like DFID or UNAID or other forms. The aid is not given purely as a donation instead it has many steps where it asks one for their organisational information and so on. It even has many funding rounds (stages) of accquiring monteary funds. This allows one to approach each agency, and explain clearly what is needed and what is meant.

This is not the case in Pakistan.

1. Limited Resources Distribution: When government funding is allocated without transparency or accountability, it can result in a few select NGOs receiving the majority of the resources, leaving others with limited support. This can hinder the overall development and impact of the NGO sector.
2. Inequality and Unfair Practices: Without transparency, there’s a risk of inequality and unfair practices in the selection process for funding. NGOs that have connections or political affiliations may receive preferential treatment over others, regardless of their effectiveness or impact.
3. Dependency on Government Funding: NGOs and NPOs becoming overly reliant on government funding can be problematic, especially when the funding allocation process lacks transparency. Dependence on a single funding source can undermine the independence and autonomy of these organizations, limiting their ability to pursue their mission effectively.
4. Potential Solutions:
   • Advocacy for Transparency: NGOs and NPOs, along with civil society organizations, can advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of government funding. This can involve lobbying for policy reforms that mandate transparent processes for funding distribution.
   • Diversification of Funding Sources: Encouraging NGOs to diversify their funding sources can reduce dependency on government funding. This may involve seeking support from international donors, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
   • Capacity Building: Providing capacity-building support to NGOs and NPOs can help them become more sustainable and resilient, reducing their reliance on government funding. This support can include training in fundraising, financial management, and organizational development.
   • Networking and Collaboration: NGOs can also collaborate and network with each other to share resources, best practices, and advocacy efforts. Collective action can amplify their voices and increase their influence in advocating for fair and transparent funding practices.

Addressing these challenges requires collective action from NGOs, NPOs, government agencies, and civil society to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources in Pakistan’s development sector.

In Gilgit Baltistan, the NGO has tried to push the government away from this model, and we have reached somewhat success however much work is needed to bring Western model of foreign aid into good governance.

Dear Candidate

I trust this message finds you well. I hope you can spare some time for introspection regarding your interest in applying for the vacant position.

Allow me to elucidate certain crucial aspects that merit your consideration.

A long way to go yet

In this movement, of PWDs development not just within Gilgit, but within Baltistan, every NGO has a goal : to make society more inclusive. Our enduring structural plan hinges on three pivotal components: 1) effective project management, 2) the capability to execute plans proficiently, and 3) the acumen to discern tangible results

Not every non-governmental organization (NGO) espouses a specific long-term mindset, and such discretion is well within their prerogative : nonetheless, every NGO wants good for disabled people. So we have to bring in individual reforms at every level

You & Project Management

At Goodwill, you will have the liberty to express your own insights, opinions, and perspectives. The intention is not to appoint a “yes man”; on the contrary, we seek individuals who embody the following ideals for this field of work:

A. Aspire to catalyze positive change for the disabled society.

B. Envision transformative shifts in individual behavior.

C. Advocate for the integration and flourishing of disabled individuals within an egalitarian society.

At Goodwill, the emphasis is not solely on generating the most creative reports but rather on fostering a collaborative environment where shared contributions are valued.

Which fields can I bring change in?

• Gender equality
• Disablity rights
• PWDs and social rights
• PWDs and employment rights
• How can we change institutions within society

Results

In Goodwill, as in many organizations, supervisors generally seek tangible results. However, the nature of these results may vary based on the approach of measurement—whether quantitatively or qualitatively. Nonetheless what we are concerned about is whether such measures can help disabled people in whatever field they choose to go, for example Khushan.

The only thing that matters is whether Goodwill, makes a change in a person’s life : whether that is a huge or a small change

The only question now is are you ready to join us? 👇👇👇👇👇

Apply now

Friday, the 15th December : It is with immense pleasure that Icare Foundation has signed a long term agreement with GoodWill Movement to focus on inclusive operations within Pakistan. The Icare Foundation is a platform for organized and intelligent giving for donors of all levels – individuals, corporations, aid agencies and other non-profit organizations – with the goal of maximizing the impact and effectiveness of their donations. Together with the foundation, we can work on our shared objectives within the region of Gilgit Baltistan.

We are also attaching our link on the Foundation’s website, via the DONATE VIA ICARE Foundation RADIO button.

Together we can make a difference!

As disabled people, we are told that foreign aid is scarce in Pakistan.

The question is that where does this foreign aid go? Foreign aid is different from individual aid, whereby countries (donors) donate to others.

A recent Scottish Government development Report highlighted that SG gives educational fund allowances to the government of Pakistan (donor recipents). How much of this is spend on Disabled education : Keeping in mind that GB has the highest number of educated people?. Only time will tell.

Human right organisations should keep this in mind in GB while dealing with inclusion and should acconut their local governments.