This is our perspective, and we acknowledge that others may have differing views, which are valid and welcome. I understand that our same logic might apply to many places and situations, but I invite you to consider this scenario for a moment. Imagine you’re in a position to allocate a donor’s contribution of £5000. You have a critical decision to make, one that requires a thorough cost-benefit analysis. You could choose to invest this amount in supporting a student’s foreign education, a long-term investment that may yield returns only 20 years down the line, and perhaps even then only equal to the original donation. Alternatively, you could use these funds for something with a more immediate impact, such as healthcare, social care, or essential community support. My concern lies in guiding donors toward considering not only what they think is valuable but also what communities in Gilgit Baltistan may need most urgently.

A wise adviser once shared that in the UK, every national government, public interest (PI) firm, and donor is motivated to invest in the disability sector. There is an understanding here that investing in disability services, accessibility, and social care creates inclusive societies, boosts the economy, and empowers individuals with disabilities to lead fuller lives. This begs the question: why don’t we see this focus in Pakistan, particularly in areas like Gilgit Baltistan? Why is there a lack of targeted private investment directed at improving the lives of disabled individuals, who face some of the most significant barriers to education, employment, and social participation?

While short-term projects funded by donors are undeniably beneficial to society, sometimes producing immediate visible changes, I believe it’s essential to consider a broader perspective. Simon Sinek once said, “be different,” and this concept applies perfectly here. Why not stand out by addressing areas of unmet need? Why not focus on groups that are often overlooked and marginalized, like disabled individuals, and invest in creating lasting, equitable change for them? Inequality rules the mind

Inequality rules the mind

There’s also an undeniable sense of disparity that colors this discussion—a feeling of imbalance. In Urdu, there’s a phrase that loosely translates to “lack of awareness,” which captures an attitude that may contribute to why disability support is so underfunded. It is as if these issues are taken for granted, brushed aside without full consideration of their importance. This lack of awareness perpetuates an unequal society where certain needs remain unmet simply because they aren’t prioritized.

Let us do a thought experiment. Picture yourself as an elite in the world. Picture yourself with money, maybe 2.5 M$ is your monthly salary. Now imagine giving that to a disabled person

Let’s take a moment for a thought experiment. Picture yourself as one of the world’s elites, enjoying a life of abundance, with a monthly income of $2.5 million. Now, imagine what it would be like to invest even a fraction of that income into the life of a disabled person—someone facing barriers to education, employment, and daily life that we often don’t consider in our day-to-day existence. A small portion of such wealth, directed thoughtfully, could profoundly change the life of a person who lacks access to basic resources.

This disparity, however, reflects something much deeper—a mindset shaped by inequality. There’s an undeniable sense of imbalance here, an outlook that often ignores or underestimates the importance of disability support and social inclusion. In Urdu, there’s a phrase loosely translating to “lack of awareness,” which encapsulates this very attitude. Issues that don’t directly affect us are often taken for granted, brushed aside without adequate thought. This “lack of awareness” can perpetuate an unequal society where certain fundamental needs are unmet, simply because they are not prioritized.

When we look at places like Gilgit Baltistan, we must ask ourselves why this lack of investment in disability support persists. In the UK, for instance, governments, public interest firms, and donors increasingly direct resources toward disability services, accessibility, and inclusive social care. There is a collective understanding that supporting these areas builds an inclusive society, strengthens the economy, and enables individuals with disabilities to contribute and live fuller lives. But in Pakistan, particularly in areas like Gilgit Baltistan, private investment in disability support is almost absent. Why?

While it’s true that many donors focus on short-term projects that offer quick, visible benefits to society, perhaps there’s room for a shift. Imagine what might be possible if donors could look beyond short-term gains and recognize the profound, lasting impact of investing in underfunded areas like disability support. As Simon Sinek suggests, we can “be different.” Standing out sometimes means focusing on areas that are often overlooked and marginalized, like the disabled community, and creating equitable, lasting change for them.

The choice between funding a long-term goal like a foreign education or addressing immediate community needs in healthcare and disability support isn’t always easy, yet it’s essential to recognize the profound impact that can be made by addressing urgent needs. By guiding donors to consider not only what they value but also what communities in Gilgit Baltistan may urgently need, we encourage a holistic approach to development—one that’s deeply rooted in the immediate realities of those we aim to support.

The insights gleaned from a recent survey conducted in the United States reveal a noteworthy trend: approximately 14.4 percent of the participants admitted to splurging more than $40 per month on their coffee shop visits. Such statistics bring to light a significant portion of individuals dedicating a considerable portion of their budget to caffeinated indulgences.

Upon conversion, this seemingly innocuous expenditure of $40 translates to a substantial sum of approximately 11,113.36 Pakistani Rupees (PKR). In the context of a region like Gilgit, Pakistan, this amount holds immense potential to fuel transformative change. Whether it’s covering essential expenses like fuel costs or orchestrating inclusive events such as tea parties tailored for the disabled community, the impact of redirecting these funds towards philanthropic endeavors cannot be overstated.

The narrative underscores the notion that even seemingly trivial daily expenses, such as the ritualistic morning coffee or the occasional muffin from popular coffee chains like Starbucks, can amass into a considerable financial outlay over time. By conscientiously reallocating these funds towards initiatives that bear tangible benefits for society, individuals possess the power to catalyze significant positive change, transcending the boundaries of geographical locations.

Moreover, the discourse takes on added significance within the framework of Ramadan, a sacred period in the Islamic calendar characterized by acts of generosity and introspection. It posits that amidst the spiritual rejuvenation and communal solidarity fostered during this auspicious month, the act of forgoing luxuries such as coffee or muffins during Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) or Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) serves as a potent catalyst for channeling resources towards noble causes.

In essence, the narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the need to recalibrate our spending patterns, especially during moments of heightened awareness like Ramadan. It underscores the imperative of leveraging our financial resources judiciously to address pressing societal needs, thereby imbuing our actions with a sense of purpose and altruism. As we traverse the temporal landscape, it prompts us to reflect on how we can harness our expenditures as a force for good, propelling us towards a future defined by compassion, empathy, and collective well-being.

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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

To view our Annual Reports, Team Goodwill has published its reports on its LinkedIn Page

Please find the necessary documents via the Documents tab on the Page.