Freedom - A Journey of Empowerment

WE HAVE OUR OWN LIFE…… it took me and the world a long time and much attempt to get where it is now, and we organized ourselves on the best level we could. It would not be the ideal one, but we stroke along. Yet we miss something and those missing things are the stories about our lives which lacks the achievements, freedom or love.

“When you really want something to happen, the whole world conspires to help you achieve it.” ― Paulo Cohelo

Born and living in the region surrounded by high mountains and near to nature have taught me a life lesson. Seeing the sky a little nearer makes me think and also thank the creatures of God to make me learn how to love. The journey from the mountains to the city and to Germany was not easy, though it had many surprises and crooked paths, yet everything was a treasure for me. I was not sure where I am going to end up when I started my journey but with the turns and twists I discovered the vision within.

Being a Science student and travelling towards Serving Humanity and big dreams of serving the community as a citizen journalist, thinking of making a difference and impacting lives through collective progression had been just an idea before it turned into reality and I got selected for the Cross Cultural Internship funded by IFA(Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ) which gave the opportunity now to work with European Youth 4 Media, in Münster, Germany.

On the way to Germany I was amazed with the question and perception of people who asked if a girl from Pakistan can travel alone somewhere in the world. One of the travellers asked me “Are you free to do anything when you are travelling or going somewhere across the globe from Pakistan?”.

“I am Zar Nigor Tojik from Gojal Hunza of Gilgit, Nothern Areas of Pakistan and I live in Karachi, Pakistan working with a youth led organization called Chanan Development Association (CDA)”, then I smiled and asked what do you mean by “anything” by the way? He said “I mean, don´t you use hijab (the head scarf female put on especially in Islamic countries)?“ I smiled again and said it´s a personal choice. If a girl wears hijab, it doesn't mean she has no freedom in her life.

I remember one thing my mother told me when I was leaving for the first event of my life in Lahore Pakistan on August, 2010 “The misuse and access use of freedom is the abuse of freedom”.

Freedom is a thing  I prized most in the world. Of course, this has led me to make decisions which I like for myself and I can feel the difference now.

After meeting Youth 4 Media team I am eager to enhance my leadership, communication, and other management skills. I hope the thirst for doing something great and making a difference will still continue.

It is a journey of learning and exploration within. I wish this short but full of adventures and treasures internship ends with unforgettable experience for me.

Thank You IFA!

Zar Nigar

 

 

 

 

Suggestions