The Sustainable Economic Empowerment of Khanabadosh Community through Skill Development

Abstract

 Nations are built through the integration of its individuals, which include the marginalized segments of society as well. Nation building is continuous process which includes the dynamic ideological factors such as common purpose, shared future and a joint idea of belongings. Pakistan is one of the developing countries and Lahore is its second largest transition cities. Gypsy communities locally known as Khanabadosh in Urdu exist in different parts of Lahore. Today in the era of post-industrialization, these people are still struggling to survive without any professional skill based or knowledge based means of sustenance. This research paper is a documentation of practical experimentation to impart a practical skill to one of the Khanabadosh families. It also includes the conversion of skill into a source of earning with the possibility of later transferring the skill. Hence it will become a sustainable process with the passage of time. This learning is not an exclusive process which includes not only men but also includes the female members of the family so that they could also play an important role in strengthening their community. Whereas there are number of other ways to fulfill such objectives, due to the researchers particular professional background the identification of sustainable skills and the capacity building of Khanabadosh for that skill has been selected as a solution.