Youth Engagement Services (YES) Network Pakistan owes its origin to the dissatisfaction of one young man from the typical, run of the mill, type of programs developed and executed for the youth of the Pakistan. Based on the principle of pouring desire into young people rather than bringing it out from within them, these programs have little if any impact on the hearts & minds of the country’s youth. Consequently, their chances of improving the lives of these young people in any way what so ever are minimal if not non-existent.
Conscious of the same this young man, known to all as Ali Raza Khan, decided to launch a youth-led development movement in the country, with the goal to provide an opportunity to all young people to explore their changemaking potential, help young people arise out of anonymity; make them feel special; help them re-establish a new profile in their community; and promote them as the most promising resource available to meet their personal and societal needs.
“I know that once I have created a desire among youth, they would be able to take care of themselves, their communities, and their families.” “Desire is such an important thing in life. If you don’t have desire, you will never be able to succeed in anything.” Ali Raza Khan
It is a testament to this approach that till date YES has introduced the concept of Social Entrepreneurship in over 1200 technical institution of the country; integrated this concept into the curriculum of over 172 leading vocational and educational institution of Pakistan operating under Punjab Vocational Training Council; and is working with over 80 leading universities of the country to prepare young people as social entrepreneur through a variety of exciting and innovative projects.
It is therefore no wonder that the Network’s model of youth engagement is recognized as a profound idea with society-changing potential by Ashoka, Innovators for the Public, a global organization that pioneered in the field of social entrepreneurship. In addition to this, YES also stands affiliated with International Association for National Youth Service (IANYS) and Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP).