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Future 17 is a transformative programme, where students come together as changemakers for sustainable solutions to world problems. This allows for a unique opportunity to collaborate with global partners and peers to engage in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I participated in the February cohort for Future17 from the University of Exeter. My challenge involved working on SDGs one, four, five and eight, to promote gender equality, eradicate poverty and boost economic prosperity through vocational training centres for women in Sindh, Pakistan.
Why I got involved in Future17
As a Pakistani student pursuing my degree at Exeter, Future17 fueled my passion to help uplift communities in my home country. I was instantly captivated with the programme's vision and purpose. Not only did it create a meaningful impact but aligned well with my career aspirations. One aspect that really drew me in was the project connecting me to home.
Future 17 was an enlightening experience, granting me fresh perspectives from students, mentors and project partners from diverse backgrounds. I came out having learnt new facts about Sindhi culture, sustainability and creating holistic solutions.
My project journey
My role focused on marketing and showcasing the products created at our vocational training centres. The project was centered around Thatta Sindh, a remote area. This challenged me to find accessible locations to amplify the voices of the women behind the products. Through research, I found promising avenues to display products at local festivals, fashion shows and international platforms.
I was also able to relate our project with the current political climate of Pakistan. This took into account the economic crisis, and the impact of recent flooding and political instability in the country.
I interviewed several potential clients to gain perspective on how these factors shape their decision-making process before purchasing a product. We were then able to tailor our solutions to these realities.
How Future17 developed my personal skillset
Learning in a digital environment is one of the most important areas in which Future17 builds your skills. From the online induction course to working with a group of students from various time zones, it truly prepares you for working in a globalised world. Remote work also uniquely enhanced my team-building skills. Connecting with individuals can be difficult at times, adding in the occasional drop of WiFi connection makes it indefinitely harder. Working through those frustrating times made me develop my interpersonal skills and find creative solutions to teamwork.
Being able to present my team's project at the Future17 Impact showcase also added to the global networking experience.
I was able to witness firsthand the challenges of women gaining financial independence in Pakistan, and my team's work alongside our committed project partner brought about positive change in the lives of these women. I felt like I truly played my part in contributing to a brighter future for the women struggling in Sindh.
What stood out for me with Future17’s impact was the emphasis on long-term solutions. Many developing countries such as Pakistan are familiar with volunteer tourism or surface-level changes that fail to address the deep rooted issues. By prioritising sustainable and long lasting solutions, Future17 differentiates itself.
Post-project reflections
I walked into the programme uncertain of what it held, but I came out having learnt more than I had imagined, especially the art of working online!
The interviews were my favourite part of the project, it truly made the experience feel like we were creating change. We conducted interviews from our respective countries and some from Sindh Pakistan. This practical engagement gave us a clear view of the necessary steps to suggest to our project partner to take.
Future17 is a worthwhile experience. As an international student, I often struggle to find opportunities, which allows students from all backgrounds to actively take part in creating change. Who knows you could be helping out on your passion project or making a significant impact in your home country!
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Fostering sustainable solutions: My Future17 experience
Zainabzainab Zafarzafar
Updated Nov 17, 2023Save
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Future 17 is a transformative programme, where students come together as changemakers for sustainable solutions to world problems. This allows for a unique opportunity to collaborate with global partners and peers to engage in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I participated in the February cohort for Future17 from the University of Exeter. My challenge involved working on SDGs one, four, five and eight, to promote gender equality, eradicate poverty and boost economic prosperity through vocational training centres for women in Sindh, Pakistan.
Why I got involved in Future17
As a Pakistani student pursuing my degree at Exeter, Future17 fueled my passion to help uplift communities in my home country. I was instantly captivated with the programme's vision and purpose. Not only did it create a meaningful impact but aligned well with my career aspirations. One aspect that really drew me in was the project connecting me to home.
Future 17 was an enlightening experience, granting me fresh perspectives from students, mentors and project partners from diverse backgrounds. I came out having learnt new facts about Sindhi culture, sustainability and creating holistic solutions.
My project journey
My role focused on marketing and showcasing the products created at our vocational training centres. The project was centered around Thatta Sindh, a remote area. This challenged me to find accessible locations to amplify the voices of the women behind the products. Through research, I found promising avenues to display products at local festivals, fashion shows and international platforms.
I was also able to relate our project with the current political climate of Pakistan. This took into account the economic crisis, and the impact of recent flooding and political instability in the country.
I interviewed several potential clients to gain perspective on how these factors shape their decision-making process before purchasing a product. We were then able to tailor our solutions to these realities.
How Future17 developed my personal skillset
Learning in a digital environment is one of the most important areas in which Future17 builds your skills. From the online induction course to working with a group of students from various time zones, it truly prepares you for working in a globalised world. Remote work also uniquely enhanced my team-building skills. Connecting with individuals can be difficult at times, adding in the occasional drop of WiFi connection makes it indefinitely harder. Working through those frustrating times made me develop my interpersonal skills and find creative solutions to teamwork.
Being able to present my team's project at the Future17 Impact showcase also added to the global networking experience.
Testimonials
The impact of our Future17 project
I was able to witness firsthand the challenges of women gaining financial independence in Pakistan, and my team's work alongside our committed project partner brought about positive change in the lives of these women. I felt like I truly played my part in contributing to a brighter future for the women struggling in Sindh.
What stood out for me with Future17’s impact was the emphasis on long-term solutions. Many developing countries such as Pakistan are familiar with volunteer tourism or surface-level changes that fail to address the deep rooted issues. By prioritising sustainable and long lasting solutions, Future17 differentiates itself.
Post-project reflections
I walked into the programme uncertain of what it held, but I came out having learnt more than I had imagined, especially the art of working online!
The interviews were my favourite part of the project, it truly made the experience feel like we were creating change. We conducted interviews from our respective countries and some from Sindh Pakistan. This practical engagement gave us a clear view of the necessary steps to suggest to our project partner to take.
Future17 is a worthwhile experience. As an international student, I often struggle to find opportunities, which allows students from all backgrounds to actively take part in creating change. Who knows you could be helping out on your passion project or making a significant impact in your home country!
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