Nida Shams

Information

Name:

Nida Shams

Age:

27 (2009)

Nationality:

Pakistani

Profession:

Grassroots Comics Trainer & Graphic Designer

Country:

Pakistan

Province:

Sindh

City

Karachi

Describe your background, your interest in development, your affiliation with ngos etc.

I have done 4 years BFA in Graphic Design from Visual Studies Department, University of Karachi. After my graduation I worked as an intern for an NGO. Later on I started participating in various movements and became a part of several campaigns. Soon I established myself as a freelance designer in development sector and later I worked in advertising as well. I was trying to explore both the sectors and soon I decided to get back to development. I found development work more close to me as I was involved in different peace and human rights activities. I have worked for several national and international Ngo’s like I worked with MAWCD-UNDP, WWF, Indus Institute of Research and Education, Environment Protection Development Agency (EPDA) - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Abts, International Rescue Committee, United Nations Development Programme, UNFPA ,World Population Foundation, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan, Rozan, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Hawwa Women Craft Cooperatives, Strengthening and Participatory Organization, Gender Responsive Budget Initiative, Hoap Foundation, SACHET- The Society for the Advancement of Community, Health, Education and Training and Oxfam.

How did you first get in touch with World Comics and grassroots comics?

I was first time introduced with World Comics and grassroots comics in 2006 in Colombo, Sri Lanka at We Can- south Asian assembly by Oxfam where World Comics India (WCI) was conducting workshop. Sharad Sharma, founder of WCI explained me about grassroots comics idea and at the end of the year 2006 I got a chance to co facilitate 3 Day comics workshop with Sharad in Lahore and organized an exhibition ‘Indo Pak People’s Comics’ in Islamabad and Lahore, Pakistan. Now, it’s been 4 years am associated with World Comics and connected with the grassroots comics movement.

What are your experiences of grassroots comics? Do you plan to use grassroots comics in your future activities?

My experience of grassroots comics is quite interesting, it was not just about learning or teaching new tool but it has changed my path. I was willingly involved in developmental work and activities but my degree and profession was entirely different, that’s what I was assuming at that time. I was so confused that how would I contribute and relate my skill and profession with this developmental work, activism and community. I was doing desk job and only photography could help me to fulfill my aspiration of interacting with community and exploring new cultures. I felt photography is not just enough! Then grassroots comics brings me new enlightened path which is not only utilizing my skills but making me feel that am contributing something for my community.

As being a grassroots comics trainer I learnt how to sit, interact and communicate with community. I learnt how to explain art, tools and big ideas in simplest manner and let people generate brilliant stories and ideas out of it. I learnt how to appreciate peoples work and imagination, even a single element or a stroke. The best moment for me during my workshops is when I listen to their stories, it’s really heartening. I can say grassroots comics taught me tolerance and making me simple and peaceful human being.

Till now I have organized grassroots comics workshops and exhibitions in Pakistan for youth, community and activists. I have started my blog Bolti Lakeerain and contributing websites, blogs and reports. I have got an opportunity by World Comics to translate Training Manual in Urdu for local people in Pakistan. I left my job to be full time with this movement of grassroots comics and planning to organize more workshops and exhibitions in future.

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