The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) organized its Third Enrichment Workshop on Community Development and Leadership for Refugee and Host Students on August 27, 2025, at the Training Hall, BUITEMS. The workshop brought together both refugee and host students to exchange ideas, develop skills, and explore strategies for community-led initiatives.
The program opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, moderated by Mr. Muhammad Kazim, Liaison Officer at ICRMS, followed by welcome remarks from Ms. Hifsa Ghafoor, Project Manager ICRMS, who emphasized the importance of empowering youth to contribute toward a sustainable and self-reliant future. The technical session was then delivered by Dr. Khadija Jaffar, Chairperson (Education), BUITEMS, who guided the participants throughout the workshop. She explained that community development is a collective process where people identify needs and strengths, plan together, and take action to improve social, economic, and cultural well-being. She introduced strategies such as balancing needs-based and asset-based approaches, adopting participatory planning and inclusive practices, and strengthening capacity building and partnerships with stakeholders. Dr. Khadija also highlighted the importance of situational leadership, where leaders adapt their style—directing, coaching, supporting, or delegating—according to community readiness. In addition, she emphasized scaling and sustainability strategies, including replication of successful models, policy advocacy, institutional linkages, use of technology, and local ownership to ensure long-term impact.
Group Activities
The interactive group work allowed students to put these ideas into practice, resulting in innovative proposals:
- Establishing an Office with Two Shifts
Proposed an office operating in morning and evening shifts to maximize opportunities for skilled professionals and doctors, ensuring better employment and wider community service coverage. - Vocational Training Center
Suggested creating a skill development center to provide technical and vocational training, enabling youth to become self-reliant and employable. - Technology Hub
Recommended establishing a digital innovation hub where students could learn IT skills, coding, and entrepreneurship, helping them access global job markets and digital business opportunities. - Youth Centers Offering Free Education
Focused on education accessibility by creating youth centers that provide free academic support and learning opportunities, particularly for underserved communities. - Safe Drinking Water & Land Development
Proposed initiatives to ensure access to clean drinking water and promote sustainable land use and development to benefit local communities. - Counselling and Advocacy Center
Highlighted the importance of a center providing counselling services, awareness sessions, and advocacy to support rural communities in addressing social and psychological challenges.
A total of 37 students participated, including 22 males and 15 females, with 23 from the host community and 14 Afghan POR cardholders. The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Noreen Sahar, Education Associate (UNHCR), who praised the participants for their active involvement and acknowledged ICRMS’s role in fostering youth leadership and community development. As a gesture of appreciation, a shield was presented to Dr. Khadija Jaffar by Ms. Hifsa Ghafoor in recognition of her valuable contribution. Certificates of participation were awarded to all students, acknowledging their creativity, teamwork, and commitment throughout the workshop. This recognition not only encouraged the students but also motivated them to apply their learning in real community settings. The event ended with a group photograph, symbolizing the spirit of unity, collaboration, and empowerment, and leaving participants inspired to carry forward the lessons of leadership and community development.
Reported by Muhammad Asif
Reporting Associate
