awards
In today’s world, there are innumerable social services and groups that are attempting to bring about changes to benefit people or the society as a whole. They work tirelessly to better lives and bring issues that need attention. Similarly, big organisations are also taking part in a thought provoking manner and we are glad that such efforts are being made.
Engro Foundation recently announced the recipients of I Am The Change (IATC) Impact Awards for 2019. In addition to the senior management, various private, public, and development sector leaders were also in attendance.
A flagship initiative of Engro Foundation, IATC aimed to celebrate and support organisations making a sustainable impact in Pakistan by relentlessly pursuing a better tomorrow. The Award is presented in two categories - Social Development (for Not-for-profit Organisations) and Social Enterprise (for Social Enterprises). The recipients in each category were awarded PKR 2 million after a rigorous selection by an independent jury.
The IATC Impact Award in the category of Social Development was presented to Karwan-e-Hayat, a Karachi-based non-profit working to address the rising problem of mental health in Pakistan and combating the stigma associated with mental disorders. The IATC Impact Award in the category of Social Enterprise was presented to AzCorp Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., a social enterprise striving to change how youngsters view the idea of a ‘hero’. They are also working towards promoting tolerance, diversity and justice for all by engaging school-going children across Pakistan.
Previous winners of the IATC Awards include organisations such as the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Physically Disabled, TRIAC Pvt. Ltd, Digital Rights Foundation, Daachi Foundation, Orangi Pilot Project; Child Life Foundation; The Dream Foundation; The Garage School; Patients Welfare Association; Karachi Vocational & Training Centre; Child Aid Association; Khwendo Kor; Akhuwat, IDSP Community Learning Centers among others.
Speaking at the occasion, Ghias Khan - President & CEO, Engro Corporation said, “As a Pakistani organisation, we strongly believe in investing in social development by supporting organisations that are solving pressing issues of our time. Our business strategies are also aligned with our vision of creating a sustainable future for the country, by contributing to social investments through our foundation in the areas of agriculture, livelihood enhancement, water advocacy and women empowerment.”
Addressing the audience, Favad Soomro, Head of Engro Foundation, said, “I Am The Change Impact Awards are held to highlight the up-and-coming trailblazers of change in Pakistan. This evening is about celebrating their tremendous work on the ground and empowering these change-makers to create sustainable models that can be scaled up so wider social impact can be created.”
The recipients of the IATC Impact Award were selected based on the scope of their social work; level of impact, number of beneficiaries and the ability to replicate the programme, amongst other key considerations. The IATC Impact Award supports the recipients in terms of capacity and organisational development along with the financial grant.
— Mubashir Ahmed