Why the need for Gojal Educatioal and Cultural Association

People streaming down from up North to the plains, in particular those many young boys and girls from Gojal, (a substantial number of them are concentrated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Abbottabad and Peshawar after Karachi and Lahore), are a derelict lot without direction or purpose. Away from the simple and secure life of their home, often living under inhospitable conditions in the shady atmosphere of private hostels and other such cheap quarters they are vulnerable to all kinds of dangers and negative influences of big city life. It is not uncommon to find cases where these young people have been trapped in difficult situations they cannot get out from. Others are misled into immoral activities in pursuit of careers they had not come here for. Quite a few of them who are wasting their time having been unable to find appropriate work or education have become a cause untold worries for their parents back home. In addition to these problems there is the general feeling that most if not all of these young people are losing touch with their native culture and simple habits of living and human relationship. As a result they are becoming misfits in their own society unaware of the social, economic and political challenges our area has been facing for quite some time. Unable to adjust in the city life and having lost touch with their own social and ethical norms they have become victims of psychological problems and developed feelings of alienation which are very injurious to the development of their personality and character.

Among them those who have been able to find jobs in private commercial organizations and in various NGOs etc., are facing challenges of another kind. The main motive in these organizations is acquisition of hefty salaries and rise in status. This is highly detrimental for the growth of sound personalities with knowledge of and familiarity with the finer aspects of life that one inculcates from the study of the arts and social sciences. It appears that this part of their personality is not getting the nourishment it needs. It is also great loss to the community in the form of brain drain serving other communities rather then our own.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, a group of concerned people, including professionals and youth, from Gojal after holding several brainstorming sessions decided to establish an organization – Gojal Educational and Cultural Association -- which would provide a forum for our people, especially the youth, to get together, discuss their problems, take part in social, cultural and artistic activities and pursue other positive pastimes so that their precious time is not wasted in fruitless and often harmful pursuits. Moreover they should enrich their knowledge, culture, intellect and feel at home in their own native milieu.

Over the last year or so, the professionals, youth and students from Gojal residing in Islamabad-Rawalpindi have worked together for the formation of an organization that can meet the needs of Wakhi people in promoting their culture and benefiting from various sources for their proper education hence the formation and registration of Gojal Educational and Cultural Association (GECA).