Tonight, under the auspices of the Gilgit-Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, a heartwarming Iftar dinner event unfolded, radiating warmth and compassion towards individuals with disabilities. In a gesture emblematic of solidarity and support, the community gathered to embrace inclusivity and champion the empowerment of those often marginalized.
Amidst the comforting ambiance of shared meals and camaraderie, a pivotal focus was directed towards enlightening attendees about dignified avenues for livelihood, accessible from the sanctity of their homes.
Through informative discussions and engaging sessions, participants were equipped with valuable insights, tools, and resources, igniting a beacon of hope and aspiration within each individual.
The Gilgit Baltistan Goodwill Movement hosted this event, free of cost like every year as serving’s people interests are in our interests.
Ramadan is also a time to reflect upon our projects and keep our good work for the future.
In recent years, Goodwill, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering individuals through job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs, has garnered the support and endorsement of numerous celebrities. Despite the undeniable benefits such endorsements bring in terms of visibility and credibility, Goodwill acknowledges that this particular area can often be challenging for brand ambassadors to embrace wholeheartedly. Unlike more glamorous or effortless endorsement opportunities, such as promoting luxury products or trendy lifestyles, associating with a charitable organization like Goodwill requires a deeper level of commitment, effort, and research.
For brand ambassadors, endorsing Goodwill means actively engaging with the organization’s mission and understanding the complex issues surrounding unemployment, poverty, and workforce development. It entails investing time and energy into learning about the diverse programs and services offered by Goodwill and the tangible impact they have on communities and individuals in need. Furthermore, it involves leveraging one’s platform and influence not just for personal gain, but to amplify the message of social responsibility and philanthropy.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
GB Goodwill Movement operates through KCBL, the first private bank in Gilgit Baltistan.
Visit your nearest KCBL branch in Gilgit Baltistan.
Bring a signed cheque made out to “Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement.”
For instance, if Asad Baig wishes to donate 5,000 rupees, he should send a cheque made out to “GB Goodwill Movement.”
On March 11, 2024, ICare Country Director Syed Hasan Ali and GB Goodwill Movement’s CEO Ghulam Muhammad Baig made a commitment to collaborate on supporting Persons with Disabilities throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
Director Hasan Ali expressed appreciation for GBGM’s efforts towards the differently abled members of society. He also affirmed that ICare Pakistan would provide support to GBGM’s operations on the ground wherever needed. This assistance would be facilitated through financial aid sourced from ICare’s donor network.
Collaboration is essential in society; without it, there would be no society. We hope that we can raise funds to benefit all disabled persons of Gilgit Baltistan.
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.
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.
We began our work in June 2021 in GB, with support from GB senior doctors working within the NHS in the UK. Now, we are seeking additional support from other professionals within the UK and US from 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celebrating Mobility, Accessibility, and Inclusion
Every year, on March 1st, people around the world celebrate International Wheelchair Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of mobility, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. It’s a time to recognize the challenges faced by wheelchair users and to promote awareness and understanding of their needs within our communities.
History and Significance
International Wheelchair Day was first observed in 2008. The day aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of wheelchair users while raising awareness about the barriers they encounter in their daily lives. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the advancements in wheelchair technology, accessibility, and the ongoing efforts to create more inclusive societies.
Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion
Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of inclusivity. International Wheelchair Day encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to take proactive steps towards improving accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and infrastructure. From wheelchair ramps to accessible restrooms, these modifications not only benefit wheelchair users but also create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Empowering Wheelchair Users
Wheelchairs are not just mobility aids; they are tools of empowerment. They enable individuals with disabilities to navigate the world, pursue their passions, and participate fully in society. International Wheelchair Day celebrates the resilience, strength, and achievements of wheelchair users, highlighting their contributions in various fields, including sports, education, arts, and business.
Advocacy and Awareness
International Wheelchair Day serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives. It’s an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, dispel myths, and promote a more inclusive mindset towards disability. By sharing stories, experiences, and insights, we can foster greater empathy, understanding, and support for individuals living with mobility impairments.
Celebrating Diversity and Resilience
Each wheelchair user has a unique journey and story to tell. International Wheelchair Day is a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the human spirit. It’s a day to honor the accomplishments of individuals who have overcome obstacles and defied societal expectations, inspiring others to embrace their own strengths and capabilities.
Looking Towards the Future
While progress has been made in advancing accessibility and inclusion, there is still much work to be done. International Wheelchair Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wheelchair users and the collective responsibility to create a more equitable and inclusive world.
As we commemorate International Wheelchair Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting accessibility, and embracing the diversity of human experience. Together, we can build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.
and contribute to our charitable efforts. Your donations will be utilized to:
1.
Provide free training to disabled individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan.
2.
Treat various diseases affecting disabled individuals.
3.
Provide essential ration to the needy during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Together, we can bring hope, support, and opportunity to those who need it most. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small. Let’s spread the spirit of generosity and compassion this Ramadan.
