YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SOCIAL POLICY FRAMEWORK IN PAKISTAN: ASSESSING THE PRIME MINISTER'S YOUTH PROGRAM

Abstract

This study aimed at finding the perception of graduates of the University of Sargodha concerning the role of PMYP in youth empowerment and sustainable development. In line with Empowerment Theory (Rappaport, 1987; Zimmerman, 2000) and the Critical Social Theory of Youth Empowerment (Jennings et al., 2006), a qualitative, descriptive, and interpretive design was selected. Qualitative interviews with 27 graduates who took part in one or more PMYP component were selected using an interview guide and data was collected and analyzed by using thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clarke (2006). Three broad themes developed: participants' multi-dimensional understanding of empowerment and PMYP, the impact of PMYP on skills, confidence and employment, largely indirect, and a consistent list of recommendations from the participants. It concludes that while PMYP has successfully contributed to empowerment in education and access to digital technology, it has not been transformative due to structural gaps in employment linkage, outreach and awareness of sustainable development goals. It recommends that enhancing monitoring and evaluation by conducting program effectiveness review periodically cn enhance outcomes for youth empowerment.