Quetta, May 23, 2025 – The Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Health Education Cell (HEC), Provincial Health Directorate, Government of Balochistan, with technical support from UNICEF, to establish the VOICE Club (Volunteers for Optimism, Inspiring Change, and Empowerment) on campus.
The signing ceremony took place at BUITEMS and was attended by senior university officials and distinguished guests from the health sector. The MoU was formally signed by the Prof. Dr. Arbab Mirwais Kasi Pro Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS and Mr. Khalil Ahmed, Chief Health Education Officer, Health Education Cell, Provincial Health Directorate. Mohammad Ahsan Achakzai Registrar (Acting), Dr. Syed Kamran Sami, Director ORIC, Syed Dara Shikoh Amir, Director Communications, and Mr. Arbab Samiullah Additional Director, Procurement and Ms. Sania Haq Khoso, Lecturer, Dept. of Management Sciences were present in the ceremony.
From the Health Education Cell and UNICEF, the following dignitaries were present:
• Mr. Zia Ur Rehman, SBC Officer, Section Head, UNICEF
• Ms. Zoya Khan, Community Engagement Officer, Health Education Cell
Purpose of the MoU: Establishing the VOICE Club at BUITEMS
The MoU aims to enhance student involvement in public health, preventive education, and climate change awareness through the creation of the VOICE Club at BUITEMS. This youth-led initiative is designed to utilize the university’s infrastructure and human resources for impactful health awareness campaigns, research activities, and social behavior change interventions.
The VOICE Club will serve as a platform to:
• Promote preventive health practices and climate resilience
• Engage students in community-centered education and awareness
• Facilitate research and data collection in collaboration with faculty
• Offer capacity-building, training sessions, and edutainment activities
BUITEMS' Commitments Under the MoU
BUITEMS will:
• Facilitate access to campus facilities for awareness activities and research
• Mobilize students and faculty in organizing health campaigns
• Support ongoing orientation and capacity-building sessions
• Integrate the VOICE Club into its student and academic engagement structure
Health Education Cell and UNICEF’s Role
HEC and UNICEF will:
• Provide technical support and monthly stipends for club members
• Offer training on social and behavior change communication (SBCC)
• Monitor club progress and support integration into institutional frameworks
• Award one-year internship certificates to VOICE Club members upon completion
Empowering BUITEMS Students through VOICE Club
The VOICE Club will be led by a faculty moderator and comprise six students from various disciplines, ensuring gender balance and representation. These students will:
• Conduct monthly awareness sessions
• Engage in research and data collection
• Organize activities on international health and climate days
• Recruit and manage a pool of 200+ student volunteers
Incentives include a PKR 10,000 monthly stipend, experience certificates, and potential pathways to careers in the development sector.
Sustainability and Way Forward
The VOICE Club will initially be piloted for the calendar year 2025, with periodic performance evaluations. Based on the outcomes and mutual agreement between BUITEMS and HEC, the initiative may be extended beyond 2025 to ensure sustainability and broader impact.
A Collaborative Step Towards Healthier, Resilient Communities
This partnership between BUITEMS, the Health Education Cell, and UNICEF reflects a strong commitment to empowering students as active contributors to public health and climate resilience. Through VOICE Club, BUITEMS reaffirms its role as a leading academic institution advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).