Aghaaz - Adolescent and Youth Friendly Spaces

Aghaaz, meaning “beginning” in Urdu, is a collaborative initiative between the Kingdom of the Netherlands, UNFPA, and the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF). It aims to establish safe, inclusive spaces where adolescents and youth can access health and well-being resources, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, psychosocial and academic counseling, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Through skill-building workshops and life skills education, Aghaaz empowers young individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. The initiative prioritizes mental health support, awareness on reproductive health, gender-based violence, and climate action, addressing the barriers young people face in accessing essential services.
Aghaaz operates through central hubs in Islamabad, Quetta, and Peshawar, strategically located in collaboration with academic institutions to ensure accessibility for both enrolled and non-enrolled youth. These vibrant, well-equipped spaces provide a secure and engaging environment, staffed with dedicated managers, counselors, and support personnel to facilitate smooth operations and high-quality services.
With a focus on inclusivity, Aghaaz specifically caters to Afghan adolescents and youth, while also engaging marginalized groups. Beyond offering skills training, awareness sessions, and psychosocial support, these spaces serve as a platform for Pakistani and Afghan youth to connect, collaborate on social action projects, and participate in recreational activities, fostering social cohesion and empowerment.
The official launches of these spaces marked significant milestones, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, and youth leaders. The Islamabad launch, held on December 19, 2024, at the Pakistan Broadcasting Academy, Health Service Academy. The Quetta space launch was on November 27, 2024, at NUML Quetta and the Peshawar launch was on December 17, 2024, at the College of Home Economics at University of Peshawar.