In a recent conversation with the Aspire Institute, Kamal ul Din, an Aspire Leaders Program alum from Pakistan and founder of EmpoweraROHI (a youth-led initiative dedicated to climate action and community empowerment in vulnerable areas) shares his inspiring journey. From overcoming childhood hardships to leading large-scale environmental and social impact projects, Kamal’s work exemplifies the “ripple effect” of change. Whether transforming plastic waste into useful gadgets or spearheading tree-planting drives, his efforts continue to inspire and mobilize communities.
From Passion to Purpose: The Founding of EmpoweraROHI and Its Growing Impact
For Kamal ul Din, the Aspire Leaders Program was more than just a leadership initiative—it was a catalyst for change. “Aspire stood out as a unique platform that not only nurtured leadership but also connected young changemakers globally,” he shared. “What inspired me most was Aspire’s commitment to fostering social impact through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. I saw it as a chance to gain valuable insights, refine my skills, and align my passion for community empowerment with structured, transformative actions.”
Aspire gave Kamal the confidence and tools to turn his vision into reality, becoming the stepping stone that led to the founding of EmpoweraROHI. Through the program’s intensive discussions, workshops, and mentorship, he strengthened his critical thinking and communication skills.
One of the initiative’s standout projects involved engaging 50 children in a rural village to transform over 300 plastic bottles into useful gadgets. “This project not only addressed waste management but also inspired children to think creatively about sustainabiliti,” Kamal explained. By encouraging young minds to see waste as a resource, he planted the seeds of environmental consciousness in his community.
Beyond creative recycling, Kamal has also led direct reforestation efforts. Through EmpoweraROHI, he organized a large-scale tree-planting drive in the deserted areas of Ghotki, enlisting the help of schoolchildren and women from underprivileged communities. They planted over 100 trees, impacting more than 2000 villagers across 20 villages. This initiative did more than just combat deforestation—it fostered a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the local environment.
Challenges Faced and Ways Forward
For Kamal, these efforts represent Aspire’s “ripple effect” in action. “These projects show how one empowered individual can inspire a community to take collective action,” he said. The leadership skills he honed through Aspire equipped him with the ability to turn ideas into impactful initiatives, creating a legacy of positive change.
However, implementing change was not without its obstacles. One of the biggest challenges he faced when trying to implement EmpoweraROHI was overcoming skepticism from community members in Pakistan who saw climate action and gender equality as secondary to their immediate struggles. “Many viewed these ideas as distant concerns, making it difficult to gain their trust and participation,” Kamal admitted. Aspire, however, equipped him with the skills to navigate these challenges through empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.
He actively listened to his community’s concerns and tailored his initiatives to align with their priorities. “For instance, I incorporated practical benefits like planting trees for shade and organizing women’s health awareness sessions alongside climate action initiatives,” he shared.
Resource constraints posed another hurdle, but Aspire’s emphasis on creative problem-solving enabled Kamal to collaborate with local NGOs and secure funding for impactful projects. Instead of being setbacks, these challenges became opportunities for growth. “Aspire helped me see obstacles as lessons in resilience,” he reflected. “It solidified my commitment to driving meaningful change, no matter the circumstances.”
Kamal’s Journey as a Social Impact Leader
Growing up in the underserved region of Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan, Kamal witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of social inequality, resource scarcity, and environmental neglect. His early education was particularly challenging—he worked as a child laborer on agricultural land to support his schooling. In his community, the concept of climate change was virtually unheard of, and environmental discussions were nearly nonexistent. These experiences shaped his deep understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities and strengthened his resolve to drive change.
While pursuing his BBA at Sukkur IBA University, Kamal actively sought opportunities to expand his leadership potential and create a lasting impact. This drive led him to the Aspire Leaders Program, where he gained the tools, mentorship, and global connections to turn his vision into action. Today, through EmpoweraROHI, he is not only addressing climate challenges but also empowering young changemakers to lead the change they wish to see.
For Kamal ul Din, leadership is about action—and EmpoweraROHI is the embodiment of that philosophy. His vision is not just about environmental conservation but also about fostering a culture of sustainability and social responsibility among the next generation.
