The Ten-day residential training was announced in the beginning of January 2021, as it takes at least two months to select the right participants. The training was to be held from March 12 to 21, 2021. The announcement was shared on Mehergarh’s social media pages and also with previous graduates and in different groups, in order to bring together a diverse group. Even though COVID-19 situation had improved quite a bit, we still decided to be careful and select fewer participants so that it was possible to follow the COVID SOPs and keep everyone safe.

Youth Leaders from all over Pakistan were encouraged to apply by answering the questions asked in the announcement flyer, to help select the most relevant ones. The response was so overwhelming, with very strong applicants, that the selection became very difficult. After a thorough evaluation process, Mehergarh decided to accommodate 21 participants.