All About Next Qadam
Why Mentorship?
Over 60% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, yet millions of young people—especially those from low-income, religious minority, and marginalized ethnic communities—face limited access to guidance, networks, and opportunities.
Mentorship can be a game-changer. Research shows that mentorship:
- Enhances emotional well-being and resilience.
- Improves academic performance and career clarity.
- Strengthens civic engagement and reduces social isolation.
- Provides mentors with renewed purpose and meaningful intergenerational exchange.
By bringing together untapped wisdom from senior professionals and the aspirations of young people, mentorship becomes a powerful tool to shape future leaders and a more inclusive society.
What is NEXT QADAM?
NextQadam is Pakistan’s first peer-to-peer mentorship platform dedicated to marginalized youth.
- Who we serve: Young people aged 14–35 from underserved communities.
- How it works: A structured 3-month mentorship cycle with 4–6 hours of engagement per month, supported by goal-setting, feedback, and progress tracking.
- Where it happens: A simple, mobile-friendly online platform to ensure accessibility and scalability.
Who are Mentors?
Our mentors are experienced professionals from diverse sectors — including education, technology, finance, development, media, civil service, and entrepreneurship. They include both retired leaders eager to give back and active professionals invested in shaping the next generation.
Eligibility Criteria:
Professional Experience:
Early Career: 5 years
Mid-Level: 6–12 years
Senior: 13+ years
Background: Professionals from any sector passionate about mentorship and youth development.
Who are Mentee?
Our mentees are young people aged 14–30 from marginalized and underserved communities across Pakistan. They are bright, motivated, and eager to learn — but often face structural barriers to accessing guidance, networks, and opportunities.
Categories:
14–22 years: Students (school, college, or university)
22–35 years: Early professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs