Ideas Foundation Pakistan is a non-profit and youth-based organization founded in 2011 and has been operational for 14 years. Its headquarters is in Islamabad. Enthusiastic youngsters run this organization—students from the renowned universities of Islamabad are part of this great initiative. It has volunteers/campus ambassadors from the Air University, NUML, NDU, Bahria University, COMSATS, FAST, and more. This foundation works on the motive of “Be the Blessing for Everyone.” This foundation aims to convert ideas and thoughts into actions.
This foundation was founded by the Talha Azhar who is a trainer by profession and an optimist by persistence. He has been striving for youth empowerment, capacity building, and training delivery since 2008. He has worked with the British Council, UNDP, NUST, SOS Children Village, and with 34 universities as a resource person. Mr. Azhar has outstanding experience in consulting and developing customized programs in the areas of “self-identity,” “training the trainers,” “youth empowerment,” “team building,” “self-esteem,” and “self-effectiveness” programs based on learners’ needs.
The Ideas Foundation aims to enhance the social status of orphans and marginalized children through creative learning experiences, training sessions, equipping children with skilled-based education, arts, music, literature, and sports. The concept behind such hands-on and educational activities is to turn talent into skill.
The youth-based organization is operating on various platforms and thriving to combat the social and economic issues that are depriving Pakistan’s underprivileged people of basic needs. This shows the commitment of the organization to bring social, economic, and ethical changes to society.
Partnerships
Ideas has partnerships that reflect its commitment to its goals by showcasing its openness to work with other organizations, government, and private sectors. Some important partners are Sha’oor the Society, Life Savers Welfare Organization (LSWO), International Volunteer Pakistan, Gulam Ayesha Relief, Sultan Khattak, Tesla, Kuch Acha, and many others. These partners particularly helped in the Ramadan drives as well.
In 2022, the floods caused great destruction in Sindh, Baluchistan, and South Punjab. Ideas Foundation raised funds and donations for displaced people. In winter, this organization arranged the “Cut the Cold” initiative to provide blankets to impoverished people.
Ramadan Toy Drive Program
Several initiatives are being taken into action by the Ideas Foundation. A noteworthy one is the Ramadan Drive which is held every year under the supervision of Ideas’ student volunteers.
Iftar Dastarkhawaan
The Ideas Foundation has served about 3000+ “rozadars” (those who fast) throughout Ramadan with daily expenses crossing Rs. 450,000 in March 2024. The Ramadan Volunteer Program commits around 300 hours of community service. This program includes raising funds and donations for “Iftar Dastarkhawaan” and the “Ration Drive.” This also provides the volunteers with the opportunity to be exposed to ground-level community service.
Toy Drive
The Ideas Toy Drive is also worth mentioning. It includes distributing goodie bags among kids in hospitals and orphanages. Donors can donate stuffed toys or pre-loved (thrifted) toys in good condition, coloring books, pencils, learning games, stationary items, juices, biscuits, chips, etc.
In 2023, the Ideas Foundation distributed 500 goodie bags in 3 hospitals and 2 orphanages. This year, this scale was raised to 1000 bags for kids admitted to hospitals with serious conditions. The sole purpose is to give them a reason to smile and perhaps lessen their pain by showing emotional support.
Smile For a While (#SFAW)
The most significant initiative taken by Ideas Foundation is “Smile for a While.”
The focal backdrop of this organization is the SOS Village in H-12, Islamabad. This institution is specialized for orphans and widows. SFAW is celebrated at the end of every year and provides the children with several opportunities to engage in a variety of recreational activities such as painting, writing, coloring, singing, and several indoor and outdoor games. The event includes a barbeque dinner, qawali night performances, a poetry slam, a bonfire, and an award ceremony.
This event is designed to promote joy, personal development, and the well-being of children. These activities not only provide moments of happiness and bring smiles to the children but also help boost their self-confidence. It is a well-structured program and is promoted effectively by the volunteers and students. Volunteers start preparing for this event months before it rolls around, and several partners are also invited. Well-known names of Pakistan attend this event as guests such as the Gumaan Band, Anwar Maqsood, Arsalan Abbas, and GM Shah. This initiative aims to create lasting positive memories for the children and inspire hope.
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Eman Fatima is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Government College University Lahore. She has a keen interest in understanding the complexities of global politics and the dynamics that shape international interactions.