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ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP):Twenty-eight community-based organisations from across the country took part in a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme in Islamabad aimed at strengthening grassroots capacity to uphold the rights and dignity of adolescents, young people and vulnerable groups.
The training was organised under UNFPA Pakistan’s Learning Network (TLN) initiative, supported by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented by Group Development Pakistan (GDP).
Participants joined from Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, Chiniot, Swat, Peshawar, Buner, Quetta, Hyderabad and Skardu.
Grounded in international human rights principles such as non-discrimination, participation, accountability and informed decision-making, the Learning Network seeks to equip local actors with the skills needed to provide safe, inclusive and accessible community support in line with global protection standards.
Over the course of three days, participants engaged with thematic areas central to human rights and wellbeing, including adolescent and youth reproductive health and rights, life skills–based education, HIV and STI prevention, gender-based violence response, mental health, psychosocial support and climate resilience.
Opening the training, Dr Rubina Ali, Assistant Representative at UNFPA Pakistan, said the initiative brought together organisations “leading critical work across Pakistan, each offering unique insights shaped by their communities”.
She said the programme strengthened connections between local actors and global human rights frameworks, enabling broader impact.
Day One focused on rights-based foundations and examined intersecting vulnerabilities faced by adolescents, women, girls, transgender persons and displaced populations.
Day Two emphasised the design and implementation of community-led initiatives through modules on project planning, resource mobilisation and advocacy.
Day Three was dedicated to applied learning, during which participants developed complete community project plans, complemented by a session on narrative building and rights-based communication.
At the closing ceremony, GDP Executive Director Sameen Sheikh said the participating organisations “carry an immense responsibility” and that the training provided them with tools to better support vulnerable groups.
GDP Project Manager Faiza Mir said the programme strengthened organisational approaches to sensitive communication and youth engagement.
UNFPA and GDP will continue mentoring participating organisations through digital learning and peer exchanges to ensure sustained, rights-affirming community action.