By Scott Mcquarrie

When James Caan from BBC’s Dragons Den first approached Projects Abroad about setting up in Pakistan nobody really knew what to expect. For anyone that’s not familiar with the show, it involves entrepreneurs pitching ideas to five Dragons (successful entrepreneur’s themselves) in order to secure funding for their business. In return for their capital the Dragon’s receive a stake in the entrepreneur’s company. Therefore, it was quite strange to be sitting in a London office listening to James Caan’s pitch regarding Projects Abroad setting up in Pakistan.

Why did James Caan approach Project Abroad? Well, quite simply he was looking for a professional organisation, to facilitate young people travelling to and helping out in Pakistan. Hearing him discuss the positive impact volunteers could make in Pakistan it was obvious this type of project is particularly close to his heart, no doubt due to his own Pakistani origin.

There is also a more specific aim to setting up in Pakistan - trying to engage both Pakistani youths and the wider Pakistani community, to bridge the gap between the UK and Pakistan. An important issue was raised during our discussions - how can someone of Pakistani origin who is born in the UK but has never travelled to Pakistan fully understand their culture? Of course there is a lot passed on by parents, education and self research but this still leaves a lot unaccounted for. It stands to reason that you learn more about a place if you actually experience it firsthand. Therefore a solution to help bridge this gap is for more young people to visit Pakistan. This is where Projects Abroad comes in. Using our vast knowledge of cultural exchange and supporting volunteers in-country, we will provide a safe environment for volunteers to help and explore their heritage. Volunteers will be able to take part in Teaching, Care and Sport projects at a range of different placements based in Lahore.

The project has many challenges but we feel it is an extremely worthwhile exercise and one Projects Abroad is well suited to, due to our extensive experience.

Expect to hear a lot more from us on Pakistan over the coming months.