Over 150 disable children participate in art competition
By Bushra Makhdoom
ISLAMABAD—Over 150 disable children from 20 special education institutions of the capital participated in national art competition here Thursday to showcase their hidden creative talents.
The event titled, “Meri Duniya Kay Rang” was organized by the Network of Organization Working People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP), an initiative taken by the Agha Khan Council for Pakistan.
The competition aimed at providing children with disabilities the opportunity to boost their abilities from a public platform that provides recognition of their abilities alongside the promotion of an inclusive society. Members of the civil society attended the competition followed by an exhibition to generate awareness of the potential of people with disabilities as positive and equal contributors to all aspects of society. While the participants were offered two categories to choose from Painting/Drawing and Calligraphy. The competition aimed to achieve a twofold objective: to give these children a public platform to display their talent to the society, and to provide them with the opportunity to interact, share and feel accepted.
The children displayed their ideas on various topics with the medium of pencil, crayons and watercolors. The goals of the programme were to promote the social participation of people with disabilities, provide children with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents on a public forum, generate a greater level of awareness about the potential of children and adults with disabilities as active positive contributors to society and provide networking grounds for participating organizations and schools. NOWPDP’s primary aim is to make a significant difference to the quality of life and welfare of persons with disabilities by the provision of strategic support augmenting the functioning of organizations working for such persons across Pakistan.
In the form of this art competition, NOWPDP hopes to provide an opportunity for children to enjoy themselves, while bolstering the children’s confidence in their own abilities and motivating them toward actualizing their immense potential.
http://dailymailnews.com/200904/03/news ... age10.html
PAKISTAN INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Aga Khan Planning and Building Services Pakistan’s Project selected for World Energy Globe Award
April 10, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, Pakistan, Planning and Building Services.
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The Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) – a built environment improvement initiative by Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan - has been selected as the best project in Pakistan for the World ENERGY GLOBE Award, 2008. Out of a total of 800 entries from 111 countries, BACIP has won the award for Pakistan.
This Award is reputed to be a very important environmental award in the world. It has two categories of winners - international winners in five categories and national winner (one from each country participating).
The award ceremony is expected to be held in Prague this year where political VIPs from around the world will meet at the gala event in the realm of the Czech EU presidency
Pakistan:
Applicant: Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Pakistan
Project title: Building and Construction Improvement Program
****
Pakistani project wins EU energy award
Thursday, April 16, 2009
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP), a project of Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was recognised at the Energy Globe Award ceremony in Prague on Tuesday.
Reduction of domestic energy consumption by 40 per cent, resulting in 60 per cent less emission of green house gases from homes and decreased morbidity of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), pneumonia and other health related disease in women and children by 50 per cent are some of the benefits of the BACIP realised by over 150,000 people in Pakistan.
Established in 1997 as a research and extension programme, the BACIP has proved that products efficiently using wood can reduce the deforestation rate in the Northern Areas and Chitral by over 40 per cent. Till date, the BACIP has introduced 70 energy efficient and living condition improvement products and technologies in local communities where approximately 15,000 of them have been installed in various households, contributing in environmental, social and economic sustainability leading to poverty reduction and improved health and well-being of communities.
Receiving the award, Hafiz Sherali, Aga Khan Building Services Pakistan Chairman, said the contribution of the BACIP in uplifting the living conditions of the people in Northern Areas of Pakistan has been a source of tremendous satisfaction for AKPBSP.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=172641
National Award
More information, PDF - http://www.energyglobe.com
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... obe-award/
April 10, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, Pakistan, Planning and Building Services.
trackback
The Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) – a built environment improvement initiative by Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan - has been selected as the best project in Pakistan for the World ENERGY GLOBE Award, 2008. Out of a total of 800 entries from 111 countries, BACIP has won the award for Pakistan.
This Award is reputed to be a very important environmental award in the world. It has two categories of winners - international winners in five categories and national winner (one from each country participating).
The award ceremony is expected to be held in Prague this year where political VIPs from around the world will meet at the gala event in the realm of the Czech EU presidency
Pakistan:
Applicant: Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Pakistan
Project title: Building and Construction Improvement Program
****
Pakistani project wins EU energy award
Thursday, April 16, 2009
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP), a project of Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was recognised at the Energy Globe Award ceremony in Prague on Tuesday.
Reduction of domestic energy consumption by 40 per cent, resulting in 60 per cent less emission of green house gases from homes and decreased morbidity of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), pneumonia and other health related disease in women and children by 50 per cent are some of the benefits of the BACIP realised by over 150,000 people in Pakistan.
Established in 1997 as a research and extension programme, the BACIP has proved that products efficiently using wood can reduce the deforestation rate in the Northern Areas and Chitral by over 40 per cent. Till date, the BACIP has introduced 70 energy efficient and living condition improvement products and technologies in local communities where approximately 15,000 of them have been installed in various households, contributing in environmental, social and economic sustainability leading to poverty reduction and improved health and well-being of communities.
Receiving the award, Hafiz Sherali, Aga Khan Building Services Pakistan Chairman, said the contribution of the BACIP in uplifting the living conditions of the people in Northern Areas of Pakistan has been a source of tremendous satisfaction for AKPBSP.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=172641
National Award
More information, PDF - http://www.energyglobe.com
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... obe-award/
Project to reduce greenhouse gases in the NAs begins
Islamabad: A two-day inception workshop for the ‘Promotion of Energy Efficient Cooking, Heating and Housing Technologies’ (PEECH) project concluded here today. (Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad).
The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the WWF, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the governments of NWFP and Northern Areas (NAs) and other development agencies; including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will implement the project in the Northern Areas to reduce degradation of forests and decrease emission of greenhouse gases including Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
The project will be completed in four years and benefit around thirty two thousand households. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from eleven to five tons per household annually through introduction of energy-efficient heating instruments and promotion of environment friendly building techniques. It will also improve health conditions through reduced respiratory tract infections and other illnesses caused by in-house smoke. The project will further contribute to strengthening of household economies by cutting expenditures upon fuel wood and the money used for treatment of illnesses.
Speaking to the inception workshop, Ms Mikiko Tanaka, Deputy Country Director, UNDP said that the involvement of local communities is vital for environmental sustainability in the Northern Areas. She said that the region is facing challenges of environmental degradation and depletion of precious resources for which initiatives like these are extremely important.
Mr Abdul Qadir Rafiq, Programme Specialist, UNDP/GEF said that the project will improve local living conditions and Human Development Indicators (HDIs) through enterprise development skills of the communities.
Mr Fida Hussain, Deputy Secretary, Planning and Development, Northern Areas appreciated the project and said that the government will provide every opportunity to improve the lives of the people.
Mr Al-Nashir Jamal, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) thanked the government and the donors of this project for their support.
Mr Asif Merchant, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan said that the project will build upon the previous and ongoing research and development work under the Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) of AKPBS, P.
During the workshop Dr Qayyum Noorani, Mr Faisal Farooq Khan, Dr Ejaz Ahmed, Ms Nahida Aziz and others also spoke about the project.
http://dailykhabarnama.blogspot.com/200 ... es-in.html
Islamabad: A two-day inception workshop for the ‘Promotion of Energy Efficient Cooking, Heating and Housing Technologies’ (PEECH) project concluded here today. (Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad).
The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the WWF, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the governments of NWFP and Northern Areas (NAs) and other development agencies; including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will implement the project in the Northern Areas to reduce degradation of forests and decrease emission of greenhouse gases including Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
The project will be completed in four years and benefit around thirty two thousand households. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from eleven to five tons per household annually through introduction of energy-efficient heating instruments and promotion of environment friendly building techniques. It will also improve health conditions through reduced respiratory tract infections and other illnesses caused by in-house smoke. The project will further contribute to strengthening of household economies by cutting expenditures upon fuel wood and the money used for treatment of illnesses.
Speaking to the inception workshop, Ms Mikiko Tanaka, Deputy Country Director, UNDP said that the involvement of local communities is vital for environmental sustainability in the Northern Areas. She said that the region is facing challenges of environmental degradation and depletion of precious resources for which initiatives like these are extremely important.
Mr Abdul Qadir Rafiq, Programme Specialist, UNDP/GEF said that the project will improve local living conditions and Human Development Indicators (HDIs) through enterprise development skills of the communities.
Mr Fida Hussain, Deputy Secretary, Planning and Development, Northern Areas appreciated the project and said that the government will provide every opportunity to improve the lives of the people.
Mr Al-Nashir Jamal, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) thanked the government and the donors of this project for their support.
Mr Asif Merchant, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan said that the project will build upon the previous and ongoing research and development work under the Building and Construction Improvement Program (BACIP) of AKPBS, P.
During the workshop Dr Qayyum Noorani, Mr Faisal Farooq Khan, Dr Ejaz Ahmed, Ms Nahida Aziz and others also spoke about the project.
http://dailykhabarnama.blogspot.com/200 ... es-in.html
AKPBS’ program declared winner of Dubai International Award for Best Practices
May 14, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, Pakistan, Planning and Building Services.
trackback
12 May 2009 – The Nation
KARACHI: Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), an initiative of Agha Khan Planning and Building Service Pakistan (AKPBSP), was declared as one of the 12 winners of the Dubai International Award for Best Practices (DIABP). This is the first ever social project from Pakistan to receive this prestigious award in the 14 years history of DIABP. The award is sponsored by the Dubai Municipality, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai, in partnership with UN-Habitat.
WASEP was selected from a list of nearly 500 international submissions by the Award’s Technical Advisory Committee. With an objective to supply integrated water supply infrastructure and preventing the incidence of water-related diseases, WASEP has provided potable water and installed over 9,200 latrines in 250 villages, benefiting over 200,000 people across the country.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), WASEP has reduced incidences of diarrhoea reported in local health centres by at least 25 per cent, while at the household level the reduction has been approximately 60 per cent. In his address to the audience, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman Dubai Municipality, said that the award reflects the policy and commitment of Dubai government and the United Arab Emirates towards sustainable development of the human settlements and protection of the environment on the basis of mutual international cooperation.
“The award seeks to encourage and recognise outstanding human achievements and experiences, to raise awareness on best practices that can improve lives of the marginalised people, and transfer them to other societies. This award also provides an opportunity to all government organisations, the private sector, local authorities and civil society organisations to take part and present pioneering works and projects in this field”, said Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
In Pakistan, like many countries of the developing world, inadequate quality and coverage of water and sanitation infrastructure is a major issue and is duly reflected in that fact that nearly 30 per cent of reported illnesses and 40 per cent of deaths in Pakistan are attributed to water-borne diseases.
For AKPBSP’s WASEP, the award was received by Shukur Perver, a beneficiary of the Water and Sanitation Program in Gilgit and Hafiz Sherali, AKPBSP’s chairman.
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... practices/
May 14, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Asia, Pakistan, Planning and Building Services.
trackback
12 May 2009 – The Nation
KARACHI: Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), an initiative of Agha Khan Planning and Building Service Pakistan (AKPBSP), was declared as one of the 12 winners of the Dubai International Award for Best Practices (DIABP). This is the first ever social project from Pakistan to receive this prestigious award in the 14 years history of DIABP. The award is sponsored by the Dubai Municipality, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai, in partnership with UN-Habitat.
WASEP was selected from a list of nearly 500 international submissions by the Award’s Technical Advisory Committee. With an objective to supply integrated water supply infrastructure and preventing the incidence of water-related diseases, WASEP has provided potable water and installed over 9,200 latrines in 250 villages, benefiting over 200,000 people across the country.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), WASEP has reduced incidences of diarrhoea reported in local health centres by at least 25 per cent, while at the household level the reduction has been approximately 60 per cent. In his address to the audience, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman Dubai Municipality, said that the award reflects the policy and commitment of Dubai government and the United Arab Emirates towards sustainable development of the human settlements and protection of the environment on the basis of mutual international cooperation.
“The award seeks to encourage and recognise outstanding human achievements and experiences, to raise awareness on best practices that can improve lives of the marginalised people, and transfer them to other societies. This award also provides an opportunity to all government organisations, the private sector, local authorities and civil society organisations to take part and present pioneering works and projects in this field”, said Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
In Pakistan, like many countries of the developing world, inadequate quality and coverage of water and sanitation infrastructure is a major issue and is duly reflected in that fact that nearly 30 per cent of reported illnesses and 40 per cent of deaths in Pakistan are attributed to water-borne diseases.
For AKPBSP’s WASEP, the award was received by Shukur Perver, a beneficiary of the Water and Sanitation Program in Gilgit and Hafiz Sherali, AKPBSP’s chairman.
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... practices/
20 social, welfare associations join
Monday, June 08, 2009
By News Desk
RAWALPINDI: Some 20 social and welfare organisations have announced to join the “Pukaar Alliance” working under the aegis of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation (MKRF) to help alleviate the sufferings of more than three million IDPs in the NWFP.
The announcement came in a programme arranged by the MKRF where these organisations expressed pledges to do their best to lessen the difficulties of the internally migrated Pakistanis.
It was also decided that all these organisations would keep close contact among them and exchange their experiences to improve the relief activities. These organisations include Aga Khan Foundation, Children Global Network, Fresh Water Network, Inter News Pakistan, Khwiando Kor, Muslim Hands, NARC, Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation, Oxfam, Patan, Plan Pakistan, Potohar Organisation Development Advocacy, SOP, Swabi Women Welfare, NRSP, World Population Foundation, Civil Societies Islamabad, Sangi and others.
Earlier, Nadeem Iqbal, Executive Director MKRF, highlighted the aims and objectives of the Pukaar Alliance. He said the IDPs were our brethren and their care was our basic responsibility. He said the patronage and support to such people was impossible for any single organisation so we have invited all other social welfare organisations on the Pukaar platform to join hands in relief activities.
He said that many business organisations, industrial units and personalities, while contacting the MKRF, have assured their complete financial support and for providing relief goods for the purpose.
Nadeem Iqbal said the MKRF would take benefits of the expertise of other organisations as it wanted to coordinate the sources and experiences in this regard. He proposed that a common website would be launched and a conference of representatives of donors and other social organisations would be convened to decide the line of action to support the Malakand victims.
Fayyaz Baqir, a social leader, also stressed the need for an effective network to help the two to three million IDPs. He urged the need for both short-term and long-term planning and said after the exchange of mutual information and experiences they would be able to provide better service to the IDPs.
Dr Ihsan of the Aga Khan Foundation offered his Foundation’s full cooperation in the health sector while Mubashar Akram, Adviser to the Canadian Embassy, also announced complete cooperation in the relief activities to be done at the Pukaar Alliance platform.
Syed Zia Noor of the Muslim Hands expressed concern over health and educational loss of children at the relief camps.
Mehnaz Akbar Aziz of the Children Global Network proposed to involve cooperative departments in the relief activities. Javid Akhtar of the Swabi Women Welfare pointed out the need to register the victims and arrange their record.
Sheikh Asad of Sangi, Dr Iftikhar of NARC, Ali Asghar Khan of the Omar Asghar Khan Foundation, Naila Zahi of the Civil Societies, Fauzia Minalla and representatives of some other organisations also addressed on the occasion.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=181825
Monday, June 08, 2009
By News Desk
RAWALPINDI: Some 20 social and welfare organisations have announced to join the “Pukaar Alliance” working under the aegis of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation (MKRF) to help alleviate the sufferings of more than three million IDPs in the NWFP.
The announcement came in a programme arranged by the MKRF where these organisations expressed pledges to do their best to lessen the difficulties of the internally migrated Pakistanis.
It was also decided that all these organisations would keep close contact among them and exchange their experiences to improve the relief activities. These organisations include Aga Khan Foundation, Children Global Network, Fresh Water Network, Inter News Pakistan, Khwiando Kor, Muslim Hands, NARC, Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation, Oxfam, Patan, Plan Pakistan, Potohar Organisation Development Advocacy, SOP, Swabi Women Welfare, NRSP, World Population Foundation, Civil Societies Islamabad, Sangi and others.
Earlier, Nadeem Iqbal, Executive Director MKRF, highlighted the aims and objectives of the Pukaar Alliance. He said the IDPs were our brethren and their care was our basic responsibility. He said the patronage and support to such people was impossible for any single organisation so we have invited all other social welfare organisations on the Pukaar platform to join hands in relief activities.
He said that many business organisations, industrial units and personalities, while contacting the MKRF, have assured their complete financial support and for providing relief goods for the purpose.
Nadeem Iqbal said the MKRF would take benefits of the expertise of other organisations as it wanted to coordinate the sources and experiences in this regard. He proposed that a common website would be launched and a conference of representatives of donors and other social organisations would be convened to decide the line of action to support the Malakand victims.
Fayyaz Baqir, a social leader, also stressed the need for an effective network to help the two to three million IDPs. He urged the need for both short-term and long-term planning and said after the exchange of mutual information and experiences they would be able to provide better service to the IDPs.
Dr Ihsan of the Aga Khan Foundation offered his Foundation’s full cooperation in the health sector while Mubashar Akram, Adviser to the Canadian Embassy, also announced complete cooperation in the relief activities to be done at the Pukaar Alliance platform.
Syed Zia Noor of the Muslim Hands expressed concern over health and educational loss of children at the relief camps.
Mehnaz Akbar Aziz of the Children Global Network proposed to involve cooperative departments in the relief activities. Javid Akhtar of the Swabi Women Welfare pointed out the need to register the victims and arrange their record.
Sheikh Asad of Sangi, Dr Iftikhar of NARC, Ali Asghar Khan of the Omar Asghar Khan Foundation, Naila Zahi of the Civil Societies, Fauzia Minalla and representatives of some other organisations also addressed on the occasion.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=181825
Microsoft, Aga Khan Foundation to establish technology centres
KARACHI (June 14 2009): The Microsoft and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan have inked an agreement to establish the country's first pilot Community Technology Learning Centres in the remote northern areas of Gilgit and Hunza. A statement on Saturday said that by expanding ICT access and training resources to those rural areas, those centres would offer local residents new social and economic opportunities.
It said that joined at the signing ceremony were Al-Nashir Jamal, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager of Microsoft Pakistan. The statement said the pilot project would help build a knowledge economy for Pakistan. This could help foster social and economic opportunities that change people's lives and transform communities, it added.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2009
http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=9 ... =&supDate=
*****
Microsoft, Aga Khan to launch tech centres
ISLAMABAD: Microsoft and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan inked an agreement to establish the country's first pilot Community Technology Learning Centres in the remote northern areas of Gilgit and Hunza. By expanding ICT access and training resources to these rural areas, these centres will offer local residents new social and economic opportunities. Joined on Monday's signing ceremony by CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan Al-Nashir Jamal, Country General Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed remarked, "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan on a pilot project that will build a knowledge economy for Pakistan." staff report
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 2009_pg5_9
KARACHI (June 14 2009): The Microsoft and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan have inked an agreement to establish the country's first pilot Community Technology Learning Centres in the remote northern areas of Gilgit and Hunza. A statement on Saturday said that by expanding ICT access and training resources to those rural areas, those centres would offer local residents new social and economic opportunities.
It said that joined at the signing ceremony were Al-Nashir Jamal, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager of Microsoft Pakistan. The statement said the pilot project would help build a knowledge economy for Pakistan. This could help foster social and economic opportunities that change people's lives and transform communities, it added.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2009
http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=9 ... =&supDate=
*****
Microsoft, Aga Khan to launch tech centres
ISLAMABAD: Microsoft and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan inked an agreement to establish the country's first pilot Community Technology Learning Centres in the remote northern areas of Gilgit and Hunza. By expanding ICT access and training resources to these rural areas, these centres will offer local residents new social and economic opportunities. Joined on Monday's signing ceremony by CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan Al-Nashir Jamal, Country General Manager of Microsoft Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed remarked, "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan on a pilot project that will build a knowledge economy for Pakistan." staff report
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 2009_pg5_9
Opinion leaders urged to help eradicate TB from N.As
By Our Correspondent
HUNZA, June 15: Speakers at an orientation session for community leaders called upon them to play their role in creating awareness for eradication of tuberculosis (TB) from the farflung areas of Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The session was part of a workshop organised by the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHSP) in Gulmit, under the TB Round-6 Programme. About 60 opinion leaders, elected members, religious leaders, line departments’ officials and community activists participated in the session.
The speakers showed great concern over the rapid spread of the deadly disease that claims nearly 70,000 lives in Pakistan every year. They said that WHO had declared global emergency to combat this disease and the Pakistani government was making all out efforts to eradicate this menace.
They said that about 7,197 TB cases were registered in Gilgit district during last fifteen years. The experts stressed the need to change the community perception regarding this infectious disease as it was preventable and curable.
The AKHSP officials said that the organisation had designed various programmes to sensitise the people of GilgitBaltistan.
In this regard capacity building trainings, orientation and awareness sessions were already organised for community leaders, journalists, health practitioners and other key stakeholders in five different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Health experts shared specific causes and symptoms of TB with the participants and stressed on the patients and their relatives to be serious against this disease and get proper treatment at the early stage. They said one patient could infect about 15 healthy persons with TB in a year.
They stressed the need to change the designs of the traditional houses which provided a conducive environment for the virus to grow. The participants also shared their experiences regarding the disease and forwarded recommendations to effectively overcome the disease.
http://epaper.dawn.com/ArticleText.aspx ... 09_009_001
Photos at:
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... ern-areas/
By Our Correspondent
HUNZA, June 15: Speakers at an orientation session for community leaders called upon them to play their role in creating awareness for eradication of tuberculosis (TB) from the farflung areas of Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The session was part of a workshop organised by the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHSP) in Gulmit, under the TB Round-6 Programme. About 60 opinion leaders, elected members, religious leaders, line departments’ officials and community activists participated in the session.
The speakers showed great concern over the rapid spread of the deadly disease that claims nearly 70,000 lives in Pakistan every year. They said that WHO had declared global emergency to combat this disease and the Pakistani government was making all out efforts to eradicate this menace.
They said that about 7,197 TB cases were registered in Gilgit district during last fifteen years. The experts stressed the need to change the community perception regarding this infectious disease as it was preventable and curable.
The AKHSP officials said that the organisation had designed various programmes to sensitise the people of GilgitBaltistan.
In this regard capacity building trainings, orientation and awareness sessions were already organised for community leaders, journalists, health practitioners and other key stakeholders in five different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Health experts shared specific causes and symptoms of TB with the participants and stressed on the patients and their relatives to be serious against this disease and get proper treatment at the early stage. They said one patient could infect about 15 healthy persons with TB in a year.
They stressed the need to change the designs of the traditional houses which provided a conducive environment for the virus to grow. The participants also shared their experiences regarding the disease and forwarded recommendations to effectively overcome the disease.
http://epaper.dawn.com/ArticleText.aspx ... 09_009_001
Photos at:
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... ern-areas/
40 more guards to guard Lahore Fort
Excerpt:
“We have planned a number of projects to improve the beauty of the great historical monument and Agha Khan Foundation is also providing technical assistance in various renovation-projects,” he added.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news- ... ahore-Fort
Excerpt:
“We have planned a number of projects to improve the beauty of the great historical monument and Agha Khan Foundation is also providing technical assistance in various renovation-projects,” he added.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news- ... ahore-Fort
Unveiling of HRDN & Research on Attributes of Star Performers
Yesterday I have attended an event named “Unveiling of Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) & Research on Attributes of Star Performers” arranged by HRDN Network in association with FCG Human Capital with sponsorship of Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan. The event was held at Karachi Marriot Hotel from 3:00 PM to 7.00 PM. The main addressees were HR officers/Mangers/Senior Managers from different sectors. More than 100 people had attened this event.
Photos and more at:
http://tania-anam.com/review-eventswork ... t2000.html
Yesterday I have attended an event named “Unveiling of Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) & Research on Attributes of Star Performers” arranged by HRDN Network in association with FCG Human Capital with sponsorship of Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan. The event was held at Karachi Marriot Hotel from 3:00 PM to 7.00 PM. The main addressees were HR officers/Mangers/Senior Managers from different sectors. More than 100 people had attened this event.
Photos and more at:
http://tania-anam.com/review-eventswork ... t2000.html
Excel Math Camp titled “Discovering the Joys of Math” concludes
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The concluding ceremony was held here at National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST) on the sixth and final day of the Excel Math Camp titled “Discovering the Joys of Math”. The Camp was held jointly by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), American Institute of Research (AIR), Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Children’s Global Network (CGN), and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
The six-day camp was attended by 100 students (50 boys and 50 girls).
The children selected to attend the camps were nominated by heads of FDE schools from Tarnol, Sihala, Bhara Kau, Nilore and Urban sectors of the Islamabad Capital Territory.
“Six days ago, on our first day at the camp, we were horrified at the prospect of studying math during our holidays and for the whole week! Little did we know that it would be an incredible experience that 1 wish did not have to end” said Abdul Wahab, a student of Grade 6 on behalf of his fellow participants.
Rubina, another young participant, expressed her excitement at being a part, of the camps saying “The camp had a really friendly environment, talking to the teachers was like teaming from a friend.
1 think the camp should have been at least two weeks long,”
Prof. Muhammad Rafique Tahir, Director Colleges and Trainings, FDE, was the Chief Guest on the occasion while other guests comprised Mehnaz Aziz Chief Executive. CGN-P, Component Manager Math Jan Madad and his team, Area Education Officers (AEOs), and students and teachers of FDE schools.
The ceremony witnessed colorful math related skits livened by enthusiastic performances by participating students illustrating the skills they learnt during the six-day span of camp.
The camp provided students with a unique opportunity to learn math through experiments, activities and logical reasoning while illustrating its relevance to everyday life. The students visited the Offices of Islamabad Traffic Police and also had the opportunity to meet distinguished mathematicians Dr. Khalid Noon Dr Mohammad Tahir and Salim Ullah during the course of the camp.
Prof. Rafique Tahir articulated the usefulness of the camp for the students and the unique interactive teaching and learning methodologies used to explain complex mathematical concepts, ‘This initiative is an overwhelming success”, he said.
The Ministry of Education intends lo request extension in the duration of the upcoming Science and Language summer camps”, the professor added.
Prof. Rafique Tahir, Jan Madad and Mehnaz Aziz jointly awarded certificates to participating students and facilitators of the Math Camp.
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?opt ... 9&Itemid=2
ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The concluding ceremony was held here at National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST) on the sixth and final day of the Excel Math Camp titled “Discovering the Joys of Math”. The Camp was held jointly by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), American Institute of Research (AIR), Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Children’s Global Network (CGN), and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
The six-day camp was attended by 100 students (50 boys and 50 girls).
The children selected to attend the camps were nominated by heads of FDE schools from Tarnol, Sihala, Bhara Kau, Nilore and Urban sectors of the Islamabad Capital Territory.
“Six days ago, on our first day at the camp, we were horrified at the prospect of studying math during our holidays and for the whole week! Little did we know that it would be an incredible experience that 1 wish did not have to end” said Abdul Wahab, a student of Grade 6 on behalf of his fellow participants.
Rubina, another young participant, expressed her excitement at being a part, of the camps saying “The camp had a really friendly environment, talking to the teachers was like teaming from a friend.
1 think the camp should have been at least two weeks long,”
Prof. Muhammad Rafique Tahir, Director Colleges and Trainings, FDE, was the Chief Guest on the occasion while other guests comprised Mehnaz Aziz Chief Executive. CGN-P, Component Manager Math Jan Madad and his team, Area Education Officers (AEOs), and students and teachers of FDE schools.
The ceremony witnessed colorful math related skits livened by enthusiastic performances by participating students illustrating the skills they learnt during the six-day span of camp.
The camp provided students with a unique opportunity to learn math through experiments, activities and logical reasoning while illustrating its relevance to everyday life. The students visited the Offices of Islamabad Traffic Police and also had the opportunity to meet distinguished mathematicians Dr. Khalid Noon Dr Mohammad Tahir and Salim Ullah during the course of the camp.
Prof. Rafique Tahir articulated the usefulness of the camp for the students and the unique interactive teaching and learning methodologies used to explain complex mathematical concepts, ‘This initiative is an overwhelming success”, he said.
The Ministry of Education intends lo request extension in the duration of the upcoming Science and Language summer camps”, the professor added.
Prof. Rafique Tahir, Jan Madad and Mehnaz Aziz jointly awarded certificates to participating students and facilitators of the Math Camp.
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?opt ... 9&Itemid=2
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=19175
Project launched for reducing infant, maternal mortality rates
Thursday, August 06, 2009
By By our correspondent
HYDERABAD: With an objective to bring down the infant and maternal mortality rates in Tando Allahyar, a public-private partnership project between the GAVI alliance, the Government of Pakistan and the Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan was launched at a local hotel.
The project will address the gap identified in the National Maternal and Child Health Programme (2005-2011), where lack of appropriate referral support from the health systems has been identified as one of the major implementation challenges.
“Through this project, the AKHS-P aims to empower small civil society organisations and communities in Tando Allahyar district to play an effective role in demanding and supporting quality care, preventive health and health promotion outreach services,” said Dr Rashida Ahmed, chairperson of AKHS-P in her opening remarks.
She said the project was expected to contribute to government’s efforts towards achieving the health indicators committed in the Millennium Development Goal by 2015. Chief guest Dr Abdul Sattar Korai, Director General Health Services, Sindh, said the project was aimed at reforming the healthcare system of the district by strengthening the service delivery system and enhancing behavioural change.
Project launched for reducing infant, maternal mortality rates
Thursday, August 06, 2009
By By our correspondent
HYDERABAD: With an objective to bring down the infant and maternal mortality rates in Tando Allahyar, a public-private partnership project between the GAVI alliance, the Government of Pakistan and the Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan was launched at a local hotel.
The project will address the gap identified in the National Maternal and Child Health Programme (2005-2011), where lack of appropriate referral support from the health systems has been identified as one of the major implementation challenges.
“Through this project, the AKHS-P aims to empower small civil society organisations and communities in Tando Allahyar district to play an effective role in demanding and supporting quality care, preventive health and health promotion outreach services,” said Dr Rashida Ahmed, chairperson of AKHS-P in her opening remarks.
She said the project was expected to contribute to government’s efforts towards achieving the health indicators committed in the Millennium Development Goal by 2015. Chief guest Dr Abdul Sattar Korai, Director General Health Services, Sindh, said the project was aimed at reforming the healthcare system of the district by strengthening the service delivery system and enhancing behavioural change.
[News] Approval for Establishment of Medical College in Gilgit-Baltistan has been finalized
By:Ali (Gilgit)
Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan, is collaborating with the Department of Health (Govt.) to establish a Medical College in Gilgit-Baltistan which will house 100 beds. In this regard a high level delegation of Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva, had a meeting with chief secretary, and secretary health where they were assured full support by the government, for the establishment of the said medical college. According to the sources of the Department of Health, The District Headquarters Hospitals, Aga Khan Health Services and CMH are affiliated with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, which could provide students the facilities of house job. The required documentation has been completed in this regard and it is expected that the actions required would be taken on fast track. These initiatives have been praised and appreciated by the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan.
http://gbpost.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/ ... finalized/
By:Ali (Gilgit)
Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan, is collaborating with the Department of Health (Govt.) to establish a Medical College in Gilgit-Baltistan which will house 100 beds. In this regard a high level delegation of Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva, had a meeting with chief secretary, and secretary health where they were assured full support by the government, for the establishment of the said medical college. According to the sources of the Department of Health, The District Headquarters Hospitals, Aga Khan Health Services and CMH are affiliated with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, which could provide students the facilities of house job. The required documentation has been completed in this regard and it is expected that the actions required would be taken on fast track. These initiatives have been praised and appreciated by the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan.
http://gbpost.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/ ... finalized/
Agreement reached between AKF,P, MoH for Midwives’ training
By Muhammad Asif Qureshi
Islamabad—The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF, P) has reached an agreement with the National Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Programme (MNCH), Ministry of Health to provide training and financial support to Community Midwives (CMWs) in district Chitral.
A ‘Letter of Understanding’ (LoU) signing ceremony was held today at the Federal Ministry of Health, Islamabad. Dr Zahid Larik, National Programme Manager, MNCH and Dr Qayyum Noorani, Programme Manager Health, AKF (P) signed the LoU in the presence of Dr. Azam Saleem, Joint Secretary, Planning and Development, Ministry of Health.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Azam Saleem said that CMWs can play an important role in decreasing maternal and infant mortality rate at the grassroots level. He said that innovative approaches are needed to enhance community participation in immunization campaigns, running across the country. He appreciated the efforts of AKDN agencies for establishing effective models of community and public partnerships in remote regions to improve health conditions.
Dr Qayyum Noorani said that through this Public-Private Partnership initiative, the AKF (P), in collaboration with the District MNCH programme and Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P), will train thirty CMWs under the USAID funded Chitral Child Survival Programme, to provide quality healthcare to the women of Chitral residing in remote villages during pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum period.
http://dailymailnews.com/0909/09/CityPa ... Pages9.php
By Muhammad Asif Qureshi
Islamabad—The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF, P) has reached an agreement with the National Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Programme (MNCH), Ministry of Health to provide training and financial support to Community Midwives (CMWs) in district Chitral.
A ‘Letter of Understanding’ (LoU) signing ceremony was held today at the Federal Ministry of Health, Islamabad. Dr Zahid Larik, National Programme Manager, MNCH and Dr Qayyum Noorani, Programme Manager Health, AKF (P) signed the LoU in the presence of Dr. Azam Saleem, Joint Secretary, Planning and Development, Ministry of Health.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Azam Saleem said that CMWs can play an important role in decreasing maternal and infant mortality rate at the grassroots level. He said that innovative approaches are needed to enhance community participation in immunization campaigns, running across the country. He appreciated the efforts of AKDN agencies for establishing effective models of community and public partnerships in remote regions to improve health conditions.
Dr Qayyum Noorani said that through this Public-Private Partnership initiative, the AKF (P), in collaboration with the District MNCH programme and Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P), will train thirty CMWs under the USAID funded Chitral Child Survival Programme, to provide quality healthcare to the women of Chitral residing in remote villages during pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum period.
http://dailymailnews.com/0909/09/CityPa ... Pages9.php
Reception for outgoing and incoming AKF CEOs
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ishrat Hyatt
Islamabad
To bid farewell to Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al-Nashir Jamal and his spouse Tazeem and to welcome his successor Dr. Karim Alibhai, AKF (Pakistan) Chairman Badaruddin Vellani hosted a reception-dinner at the Serena Hotel. The Jamals are a popular and well-liked couple and the fact that so many senior diplomats and members of civil society responded to the invitation was testimony to their popularity.
Welcoming his guests, the host said Nashir had been the CEO for the past five years and during this period the foundation had faced many challenges, which have been admirably handled by Nashir, who brought together a team of professionals to implement the work of the foundation. During this period, the AKF raised and expended over US $100 million from over 20 donors on a wide range of projects. “Nashir has been instrumental in leading our team to think out of the box to develop strategies for multi-input area development and I would like to thank him for his hard work and efforts and wish him and his wife all the best for the future,” he said, “with the hope that they take fond memories of Pakistan and their time with AKF.”
Of the new CEO, he said, Dr. Karim holds a PhD in Waste Water Management and has been a faculty member at the Imperial College, London. He has over 25 years experience in 22 countries in development work and his expertise extends from water and sanitation to public and private infrastructure initiatives; primary health care; environmental engineering; renewable energy; village level planning and sustainable livelihoods programming. Until recently he was CHF’s director for Asia.
Aga Khan Council for Pakistan President Iqbal Walji began his speech by saying he was pleased to be present on the occasion as it was a means to reacquaint friendships. Adding that His Highness the Aga Khan enunciated the objectives of his Golden Jubilee as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims with three objectives, he said his first aspiration was to see poverty replaced by an environment which offered hope; his second to see governments producing ‘enabling environments’ where ‘society can function and grow,’ and the third to see solid institutional building because ‘societies need institutional capacity.’
In today’s time of increasing global complexity, the search for mutual understanding among nations, faiths, and cultures remains essential to assuring peace and stability. The misappropriation of faith for political and ideological purposes has led to a growing polarization among nations, and can only be countered by wisdom, tolerance and compassion. In this geopolitical milieu, his highness’ vision and humanitarian work offer a path towards a better brighter future, as his institution building continues to transform the lives of communities in the developing world. His work, however, should not be seen as philanthropic or humanistic. His highness sees his role and responsibility as Imam to not only interpret the faith, but also improve the quality and security of worldly life for the community.
To this end, the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) embraces three major themes — economic development, social development and culture — and operates in 29 countries in both hemispheres.
The Golden Jubilee period has identified two additional priority sectors: ultra-poverty, and the care of the elderly, and approaches to dealing with these issues are being developed. All activities of the AKDN will be informed by the Islamic ethic of care and compassion towards the poor and underprivileged, and will attempt to build bridges across social, political, economic and religious divides, and catalyse new development initiatives to realise the social conscience of Islam, and improve the quality of life of future generations.
“In the end, I would like to say that my pleasure at being here is redoubled by the presence of so many honored guests,” he said. “Thank you for taking the time and being with us at this event, where we will say, not goodbye, but a ‘la prochaine’ to al-Nashir, and welcome to Karim.”
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=220103
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ishrat Hyatt
Islamabad
To bid farewell to Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al-Nashir Jamal and his spouse Tazeem and to welcome his successor Dr. Karim Alibhai, AKF (Pakistan) Chairman Badaruddin Vellani hosted a reception-dinner at the Serena Hotel. The Jamals are a popular and well-liked couple and the fact that so many senior diplomats and members of civil society responded to the invitation was testimony to their popularity.
Welcoming his guests, the host said Nashir had been the CEO for the past five years and during this period the foundation had faced many challenges, which have been admirably handled by Nashir, who brought together a team of professionals to implement the work of the foundation. During this period, the AKF raised and expended over US $100 million from over 20 donors on a wide range of projects. “Nashir has been instrumental in leading our team to think out of the box to develop strategies for multi-input area development and I would like to thank him for his hard work and efforts and wish him and his wife all the best for the future,” he said, “with the hope that they take fond memories of Pakistan and their time with AKF.”
Of the new CEO, he said, Dr. Karim holds a PhD in Waste Water Management and has been a faculty member at the Imperial College, London. He has over 25 years experience in 22 countries in development work and his expertise extends from water and sanitation to public and private infrastructure initiatives; primary health care; environmental engineering; renewable energy; village level planning and sustainable livelihoods programming. Until recently he was CHF’s director for Asia.
Aga Khan Council for Pakistan President Iqbal Walji began his speech by saying he was pleased to be present on the occasion as it was a means to reacquaint friendships. Adding that His Highness the Aga Khan enunciated the objectives of his Golden Jubilee as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims with three objectives, he said his first aspiration was to see poverty replaced by an environment which offered hope; his second to see governments producing ‘enabling environments’ where ‘society can function and grow,’ and the third to see solid institutional building because ‘societies need institutional capacity.’
In today’s time of increasing global complexity, the search for mutual understanding among nations, faiths, and cultures remains essential to assuring peace and stability. The misappropriation of faith for political and ideological purposes has led to a growing polarization among nations, and can only be countered by wisdom, tolerance and compassion. In this geopolitical milieu, his highness’ vision and humanitarian work offer a path towards a better brighter future, as his institution building continues to transform the lives of communities in the developing world. His work, however, should not be seen as philanthropic or humanistic. His highness sees his role and responsibility as Imam to not only interpret the faith, but also improve the quality and security of worldly life for the community.
To this end, the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) embraces three major themes — economic development, social development and culture — and operates in 29 countries in both hemispheres.
The Golden Jubilee period has identified two additional priority sectors: ultra-poverty, and the care of the elderly, and approaches to dealing with these issues are being developed. All activities of the AKDN will be informed by the Islamic ethic of care and compassion towards the poor and underprivileged, and will attempt to build bridges across social, political, economic and religious divides, and catalyse new development initiatives to realise the social conscience of Islam, and improve the quality of life of future generations.
“In the end, I would like to say that my pleasure at being here is redoubled by the presence of so many honored guests,” he said. “Thank you for taking the time and being with us at this event, where we will say, not goodbye, but a ‘la prochaine’ to al-Nashir, and welcome to Karim.”
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=220103
Corporate sector spends Rs1.87b on social activities
Monday, February 01, 2010
Jamila Achakzai
Islamabad
The public listed companies spent Rs1.87 billion on social activities in the country last year, highlighting the corporate sector’s huge contributions to the social sector development.
According to Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) Programme Officer Mansoor Sarwar, the amount is in addition to the tax paid by the companies to the government and has come mostly from oil and gas companies. “These companies, by working in the far-flung and extremely deprived areas, are a key source for providing health facilities, clean water and educational opportunities to the people,” Sarwar told a news briefing here on Sunday. He said more than 500 listed companies were spending billions of rupees on philanthropic activities and social development in the country.
Established in August 2001, the PCP is a non-governmental organisation leading philanthropy promotion in the country.
It mobilises resources from the private sector, especially the corporate sector, for development initiatives, besides supplementing the government’s poverty reduction agenda.
Funding for the PCP operations and programmes comes from the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan along with individual and corporate philanthropists. Its previous and current donors also include the European Union, USAID and the Rockefeller Foundation.
At the briefing, the PCP programme officer said there was a need for more organisations to come forward and lend a hand to corporate companies enabling them to work more effectively on philanthropy projects in order to achieve desirable results. “The underprivileged and deprived communities of our country need to be supported to access their rights,” he said.
According to Sarwar, the PCP has been providing the corporate sector with such facilitation for the past seven years. He said in light of its experience, the PCP had formulated a policy for joint collaboration between the public and private sector to promote education. “This policy has been adopted and successfully implemented in the country by the government of Pakistan, which is a singular achievement of the PCP,” he said.
Also present on the occasion was Nadir Afridi, a representative from Petronas, a Malaysia based oil and gas company, who said his organisation expends millions of rupees every year in the areas of health, education and social development. “Twelve functional schools, sponsored by Petronas, are providing free education to the children of District Ghotki in Sindh,” he said.
He said a basic health centre (BHU) was also functioning in the district, which was an exclusive source providing health facilities to a large community of the district. He said the Petronas Carigali Pakistan Limited (PCPL), as part of its social development obligation under the Petroleum Concession Agreement (PCA), had embarked upon a long-term Education Sector Programme in collaboration with the PCP, which was implementing a ‘Public Private Partnerships-Facilitating Philanthropy for Education’ Project in Pakistan.
According to Afridi, the project aims at creating linkages between the state run primary, elementary and secondary education outlets (in Taluka Khangarh in District Ghotki), the PCPL and the PCP. He said the Petronas’ social investment was supplementing the government’s district education programme by providing additional resources including physical infrastructure, learning/school materials and additional teachers and monitor to improve the quality of education.
On the occasion, Tariq Sohail from Fauji Fertilisers said during times of emergency, his company had played a positive role. He said that the FFC spent Rs42 million in 2008 in the area of community development activities. He said apart from the amount incurred on health, education and agricultural development, a large portion of Rs42 million was used for the rehabilitation of the people displaced from restive Swat and Waziristan areas. He said the FFC with the PCP’s support could improve the standard of their work in social development substantially.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=221921
Monday, February 01, 2010
Jamila Achakzai
Islamabad
The public listed companies spent Rs1.87 billion on social activities in the country last year, highlighting the corporate sector’s huge contributions to the social sector development.
According to Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) Programme Officer Mansoor Sarwar, the amount is in addition to the tax paid by the companies to the government and has come mostly from oil and gas companies. “These companies, by working in the far-flung and extremely deprived areas, are a key source for providing health facilities, clean water and educational opportunities to the people,” Sarwar told a news briefing here on Sunday. He said more than 500 listed companies were spending billions of rupees on philanthropic activities and social development in the country.
Established in August 2001, the PCP is a non-governmental organisation leading philanthropy promotion in the country.
It mobilises resources from the private sector, especially the corporate sector, for development initiatives, besides supplementing the government’s poverty reduction agenda.
Funding for the PCP operations and programmes comes from the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan along with individual and corporate philanthropists. Its previous and current donors also include the European Union, USAID and the Rockefeller Foundation.
At the briefing, the PCP programme officer said there was a need for more organisations to come forward and lend a hand to corporate companies enabling them to work more effectively on philanthropy projects in order to achieve desirable results. “The underprivileged and deprived communities of our country need to be supported to access their rights,” he said.
According to Sarwar, the PCP has been providing the corporate sector with such facilitation for the past seven years. He said in light of its experience, the PCP had formulated a policy for joint collaboration between the public and private sector to promote education. “This policy has been adopted and successfully implemented in the country by the government of Pakistan, which is a singular achievement of the PCP,” he said.
Also present on the occasion was Nadir Afridi, a representative from Petronas, a Malaysia based oil and gas company, who said his organisation expends millions of rupees every year in the areas of health, education and social development. “Twelve functional schools, sponsored by Petronas, are providing free education to the children of District Ghotki in Sindh,” he said.
He said a basic health centre (BHU) was also functioning in the district, which was an exclusive source providing health facilities to a large community of the district. He said the Petronas Carigali Pakistan Limited (PCPL), as part of its social development obligation under the Petroleum Concession Agreement (PCA), had embarked upon a long-term Education Sector Programme in collaboration with the PCP, which was implementing a ‘Public Private Partnerships-Facilitating Philanthropy for Education’ Project in Pakistan.
According to Afridi, the project aims at creating linkages between the state run primary, elementary and secondary education outlets (in Taluka Khangarh in District Ghotki), the PCPL and the PCP. He said the Petronas’ social investment was supplementing the government’s district education programme by providing additional resources including physical infrastructure, learning/school materials and additional teachers and monitor to improve the quality of education.
On the occasion, Tariq Sohail from Fauji Fertilisers said during times of emergency, his company had played a positive role. He said that the FFC spent Rs42 million in 2008 in the area of community development activities. He said apart from the amount incurred on health, education and agricultural development, a large portion of Rs42 million was used for the rehabilitation of the people displaced from restive Swat and Waziristan areas. He said the FFC with the PCP’s support could improve the standard of their work in social development substantially.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=221921
Microsoft, AFK sign memo
Karachi—Microsoft Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) have reached an understanding to explore the potential and challenges of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development with prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country.
An announcement here on Wednesday said that under the agreement, the AKF(P), through financial assistance from Microsoft Pakistan, will organize a dialogue in Islamabad next month with prominent CSOs/NGOs who have been using ICTs to address challenges of income and other poverty, health, education, environment, cultural heritage and participation in the country. It said that Kamal Ahmed, General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, commented that the initiative will help highlight and develop ICTs awareness amongst individuals and institutions from all across the country.
The CSOs/NGOs will become a more formidable player in the spread of knowledge and education which are the crucial tools of progress in today’s age. The one-day event will highlight areas where ICTs can benefit resource-constrained local CSOs/NGOs and identify opportunities to use these technologies as community-facing solutions that yield tangible outcomes for their beneficiaries.
Dr Karim Ali bhai, Chief Executive Officer, AKF (P) said that “the event will facilitate CSOs/NGOs to forge strong linkages and promote usage of technology for finding creative solutions to local challenges.” —APP
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=16086
Karachi—Microsoft Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) have reached an understanding to explore the potential and challenges of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development with prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country.
An announcement here on Wednesday said that under the agreement, the AKF(P), through financial assistance from Microsoft Pakistan, will organize a dialogue in Islamabad next month with prominent CSOs/NGOs who have been using ICTs to address challenges of income and other poverty, health, education, environment, cultural heritage and participation in the country. It said that Kamal Ahmed, General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, commented that the initiative will help highlight and develop ICTs awareness amongst individuals and institutions from all across the country.
The CSOs/NGOs will become a more formidable player in the spread of knowledge and education which are the crucial tools of progress in today’s age. The one-day event will highlight areas where ICTs can benefit resource-constrained local CSOs/NGOs and identify opportunities to use these technologies as community-facing solutions that yield tangible outcomes for their beneficiaries.
Dr Karim Ali bhai, Chief Executive Officer, AKF (P) said that “the event will facilitate CSOs/NGOs to forge strong linkages and promote usage of technology for finding creative solutions to local challenges.” —APP
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=16086
Art competition in Pakistan raises awareness of environmental issues
Posted by admin on February 22, 2010 · Leave a Comment
In Islam, protection of the physical environment is one of humankind’s responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. As part of its “Ethic of Sustainable Environment,” the Aga Khan Development Network’s Ethical Framework notes that “care of the environment, in its comprehensive meaning, is a duty of trusteeship which humankind owes by virtue of its vicegerency over creation.”
As issues of climate change, pollution and energy consumption dominate world headlines, members of the Jamat, together with other citizens of the world, are increasingly aware of their own impact and responsibility over the environment. While younger generations in particular may witness the full force of these issues, they are also able to contribute towards solutions.
In December 2007, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan launched an art competition with the objective of encouraging youth to participate in a fun activity, while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of the natural environment and methods of preserving it. The Friends of the Environment competition brought together young participants from cities and villages across the country to explore these issues through drawing and painting.
Supported by the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, the contest was organised in three age groups comprising 9 to 20-year olds and drew some 40 000 participants at more than 1 000 screening locations. Artwork themes covered a variety of topics including contaminated water, noise pollution and the impact of earthquakes in Pakistan.
Based on the quality of their work, around 4 000 participants were selected to take part in local competitions where they were given an art kit and had 90 minutes to produce a new piece. A jury evaluated their work on criteria that included originality, skill, ability to inspire, and thematic relevance.
Three-hundred twelve local winners advanced to regional competitions held at ten locations across Pakistan, where they were asked to create works of art representing one of eight themes. A jury of artists of national repute then selected 30 winners. These larger events were also marked by presentations and small exhibitions on the environment, as well as the distribution of certificates.
The Friends of the Environment competition culminated at Lahore in June 2008 with an impressive final ceremony that celebrated all the contributions and recognised the top 30. Winning pieces were placed on display for the public and artists from the oldest age category inspired attendees by performing live paintings.
Addressing an audience of 700, Chairman Hafiz Sherali of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan said “the paintings that are on display not only reflect the artistic abilities of our youth but also light a candle of hope, that we may live in a healthy environment.” The audience was also treated to a stunning musical performance by Shehzad Roy, President of Zindagi Trust, while major national media networks provided coverage of the festivities.
Friends of the Environment shed light on a number of talented artists and engaged many youth in issues affecting the environment. Some may seek to contribute to environmental initiatives, including projects already underway in Pakistan, such as the rehabilitation of the Altit and Baltit forts in the Northern Areas or the promotion of indoor air purification technologies for populations in rural areas.
With a generation of artists and youth better informed about the challenges of the environment, Pakistan may look to the future with greater hope.
http://www.heritage.com.pk/articles/art ... al-issues/
Posted by admin on February 22, 2010 · Leave a Comment
In Islam, protection of the physical environment is one of humankind’s responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. As part of its “Ethic of Sustainable Environment,” the Aga Khan Development Network’s Ethical Framework notes that “care of the environment, in its comprehensive meaning, is a duty of trusteeship which humankind owes by virtue of its vicegerency over creation.”
As issues of climate change, pollution and energy consumption dominate world headlines, members of the Jamat, together with other citizens of the world, are increasingly aware of their own impact and responsibility over the environment. While younger generations in particular may witness the full force of these issues, they are also able to contribute towards solutions.
In December 2007, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan launched an art competition with the objective of encouraging youth to participate in a fun activity, while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of the natural environment and methods of preserving it. The Friends of the Environment competition brought together young participants from cities and villages across the country to explore these issues through drawing and painting.
Supported by the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, the contest was organised in three age groups comprising 9 to 20-year olds and drew some 40 000 participants at more than 1 000 screening locations. Artwork themes covered a variety of topics including contaminated water, noise pollution and the impact of earthquakes in Pakistan.
Based on the quality of their work, around 4 000 participants were selected to take part in local competitions where they were given an art kit and had 90 minutes to produce a new piece. A jury evaluated their work on criteria that included originality, skill, ability to inspire, and thematic relevance.
Three-hundred twelve local winners advanced to regional competitions held at ten locations across Pakistan, where they were asked to create works of art representing one of eight themes. A jury of artists of national repute then selected 30 winners. These larger events were also marked by presentations and small exhibitions on the environment, as well as the distribution of certificates.
The Friends of the Environment competition culminated at Lahore in June 2008 with an impressive final ceremony that celebrated all the contributions and recognised the top 30. Winning pieces were placed on display for the public and artists from the oldest age category inspired attendees by performing live paintings.
Addressing an audience of 700, Chairman Hafiz Sherali of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan said “the paintings that are on display not only reflect the artistic abilities of our youth but also light a candle of hope, that we may live in a healthy environment.” The audience was also treated to a stunning musical performance by Shehzad Roy, President of Zindagi Trust, while major national media networks provided coverage of the festivities.
Friends of the Environment shed light on a number of talented artists and engaged many youth in issues affecting the environment. Some may seek to contribute to environmental initiatives, including projects already underway in Pakistan, such as the rehabilitation of the Altit and Baltit forts in the Northern Areas or the promotion of indoor air purification technologies for populations in rural areas.
With a generation of artists and youth better informed about the challenges of the environment, Pakistan may look to the future with greater hope.
http://www.heritage.com.pk/articles/art ... al-issues/
Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS) and smoke-free stoves
http://www.ips.org/mdg3/pakistan-smoke- ... age-women/
PAKISTAN: Smoke-free Stoves A Godsend for Village Women
Posted by admin on February 25, 2010
By Zofeen Ebrahim
THATTA, Pakistan, Feb 25 (IPS) Forty-something and unlettered, Sona
Siddiqi never imagined she would become the most sought-after woman in her village of Ramzan Katiar.
Here in the Union Council Gharo of Thatta district in Sindh province, some
125 kilometres from the southern port city of Karachi, Siddiqi is happily
making a living by building earthenware stoves for the villagers.
No ordinary stoves, these are godsend for rural women. The low-cost
elongated stoves with two cells help save precious fuel wood in an area
already stripped of trees. They are also a boon to women such as Rozan
Nazar, who no longer have to walk five km, at times more, every day to
collect firewood.
Octogenarian Fatema Hasan recalled that there once was a jungle around her village. "We didn’t have to walk that far. But today these
women have to walk such distances because we cut down trees and did not plant any to replace them," said Hasan.
On the average, a woman would be spending 15 hours a week collecting wood. "It used to take me between two and three hours just to collect wood which is good for a day, sometimes two," said Nazar. "You
can’t imagine how much of a relief this is. My life has eased so
much."
The other women nod in agreement. They spend the extra time they get doing embroidery, chatting with each other. "I love that! We never had time to do that earlier!" Nazar exclaimed.
Siddiqi is enjoying being in the limelight for her stoves: "I didn’t know I could be good at anything."
She first learnt about the energy-efficient, smokeless stoves through a
team from the non-government Indus Development Forum (IDF) that came to their village to do a demonstration. "I volunteered to construct one after they demolished their sample," narrated Siddiqi.
This was nine months ago. She has so far constructed 16 stoves, and for
every stove she receives 50 Pakistani rupees (58 U.S. cents) from the
forum.
It takes her half a day to build a stove, including digging up the soil,
mixing it with other materials and then installing the stove. "It
takes three days for it to be completely dry," she said.
Each stove uses about 15 kilogrammes of soil mixed with rice husk, wheat
straw and donkey excreta. "It has to be donkey dung, not buffalo,
because the latter burns and is not strong enough to sustain heat,"
said Javed Shah, the man who invented the smokeless stove.
"It’s not rocket science, really," said Shah, a technical
adviser with the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS), a
non-government organisation that works for the improved living conditions
of communities.
Apart from soil, making the smokeless stoves also involves using the
wooden template that is provided by the IDF, two empty tin canisters, a
small plastic tub, an empty plastic litre-size soda bottle and a clay pipe
that acts as a chimney.
"Training people, especially women, was part of the project,"
said Hameed Sabzoi, IDF director.
The project was sponsored by the small grants programme of the Global
Environment Facility of the United Nations Development . Under the
one-year project from December 2008 to 2009, IDF had pledged to install
1,000 stoves in 15 villages in Gharo. The union council has a population
of about 18,000 to 20,000 and comprises 35 villages with 50 or more
households each.
The organisation at first wanted to charge 50 rupees for the installation
of each stove, but soon realised that the poor villagers could not pay
even the small amount. "We then decided to provide the stoves for
free," said IDF’s Sabzoi.
Shah first came up with the idea of energy-efficient metal stoves for the
northern areas of Pakistan in 1985. "Conditions like asthma and eye
infections among women and children were phenomenal in that area," he
said. "We realised it was due to smoke and soot."
Biomass fuel - wood, crop residues and animal dung - is used in
four-fifths of households in Pakistan and is a major source of indoor air
pollution when burnt for cooking, for providing heat and lighting up
homes, according to Sabzoi.
In 1987, while working in the villages of Sindh’s coastal area, Shah
realised that women were facing similar health problems there. "But
the weather did not permit the use of metal stoves. It would get very hot
in these villages in summer," he said.
So, Shah came up with stoves that used local soil.
"We succeeded in installing some 890 stoves (in the 15 villages in
Gharo)," said Sabzoi.
Noor Khatoon, a 40 year-old mother of four, said she preferred the new
stove: "It takes less time for the food to get cooked than in the
traditional one."
Her cousin Dhaniani will get a smoke-free stove after the family finishes
reconstructing their home, which was flooded during heavy rains last year.
When she tried cooking on Khatoon’s stove, she found that it took
almost half the usual time and used very little wood.
The food was tastier too, specially the roti, Khatoon added.
"That’s because the heat is evenly distributed all around the
pan, unlike in the traditional one," she explained.
Some residents have added further innovations in their stoves. A copper
coil connected to the side of the combustion chamber and connected to a
barrel of water warms the water so it can be used for bathing especially
during winter, said Sabzoi.
Roma Juma, 37, was using the energy-efficient stove long before the IDF
team came to her village in Mohammad Hashim Katchi Mundro. She has warm water available all the time. The seamstress now takes orders and builds stoves for her neighbours.
"I did it for free in the beginning, but when more and more women
started coming with similar requests, I decided to charge them," said
Juma. She charges 100 rupees (1.17 dollars) for her labour and has so far
built about 150 stoves.
Her relatives in Karachi have asked her to build them some too. "They
say their gas and electricity bills have skyrocketed, and they want me to
go there and install the stoves for them," she chuckled.
An evaluation by the Aga Khan services in 2005, called the smoke-free
stoves a "runaway bestseller" that has helped reduce wood use by
40 to 45 percent.
Masood Mahesar, a development worker and former provincial manager at
AKPBS-Pakistan, said more than 10,000 stoves have been installed in
Sindh’s Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Matiari districts. "A few
thousand have also been replicated by the communities themselves," he
told IPS.
But this is a drop in the ocean in a region of 50,000 villages. Thousands
remain unaware of the stove and either cut trees or pay 250 rupees (nearly
3 dollars) for 40 kilos of expensive fuel wood.
Filed Under: From IPSNews
http://www.ips.org/mdg3/pakistan-smoke- ... age-women/
PAKISTAN: Smoke-free Stoves A Godsend for Village Women
Posted by admin on February 25, 2010
By Zofeen Ebrahim
THATTA, Pakistan, Feb 25 (IPS) Forty-something and unlettered, Sona
Siddiqi never imagined she would become the most sought-after woman in her village of Ramzan Katiar.
Here in the Union Council Gharo of Thatta district in Sindh province, some
125 kilometres from the southern port city of Karachi, Siddiqi is happily
making a living by building earthenware stoves for the villagers.
No ordinary stoves, these are godsend for rural women. The low-cost
elongated stoves with two cells help save precious fuel wood in an area
already stripped of trees. They are also a boon to women such as Rozan
Nazar, who no longer have to walk five km, at times more, every day to
collect firewood.
Octogenarian Fatema Hasan recalled that there once was a jungle around her village. "We didn’t have to walk that far. But today these
women have to walk such distances because we cut down trees and did not plant any to replace them," said Hasan.
On the average, a woman would be spending 15 hours a week collecting wood. "It used to take me between two and three hours just to collect wood which is good for a day, sometimes two," said Nazar. "You
can’t imagine how much of a relief this is. My life has eased so
much."
The other women nod in agreement. They spend the extra time they get doing embroidery, chatting with each other. "I love that! We never had time to do that earlier!" Nazar exclaimed.
Siddiqi is enjoying being in the limelight for her stoves: "I didn’t know I could be good at anything."
She first learnt about the energy-efficient, smokeless stoves through a
team from the non-government Indus Development Forum (IDF) that came to their village to do a demonstration. "I volunteered to construct one after they demolished their sample," narrated Siddiqi.
This was nine months ago. She has so far constructed 16 stoves, and for
every stove she receives 50 Pakistani rupees (58 U.S. cents) from the
forum.
It takes her half a day to build a stove, including digging up the soil,
mixing it with other materials and then installing the stove. "It
takes three days for it to be completely dry," she said.
Each stove uses about 15 kilogrammes of soil mixed with rice husk, wheat
straw and donkey excreta. "It has to be donkey dung, not buffalo,
because the latter burns and is not strong enough to sustain heat,"
said Javed Shah, the man who invented the smokeless stove.
"It’s not rocket science, really," said Shah, a technical
adviser with the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS), a
non-government organisation that works for the improved living conditions
of communities.
Apart from soil, making the smokeless stoves also involves using the
wooden template that is provided by the IDF, two empty tin canisters, a
small plastic tub, an empty plastic litre-size soda bottle and a clay pipe
that acts as a chimney.
"Training people, especially women, was part of the project,"
said Hameed Sabzoi, IDF director.
The project was sponsored by the small grants programme of the Global
Environment Facility of the United Nations Development . Under the
one-year project from December 2008 to 2009, IDF had pledged to install
1,000 stoves in 15 villages in Gharo. The union council has a population
of about 18,000 to 20,000 and comprises 35 villages with 50 or more
households each.
The organisation at first wanted to charge 50 rupees for the installation
of each stove, but soon realised that the poor villagers could not pay
even the small amount. "We then decided to provide the stoves for
free," said IDF’s Sabzoi.
Shah first came up with the idea of energy-efficient metal stoves for the
northern areas of Pakistan in 1985. "Conditions like asthma and eye
infections among women and children were phenomenal in that area," he
said. "We realised it was due to smoke and soot."
Biomass fuel - wood, crop residues and animal dung - is used in
four-fifths of households in Pakistan and is a major source of indoor air
pollution when burnt for cooking, for providing heat and lighting up
homes, according to Sabzoi.
In 1987, while working in the villages of Sindh’s coastal area, Shah
realised that women were facing similar health problems there. "But
the weather did not permit the use of metal stoves. It would get very hot
in these villages in summer," he said.
So, Shah came up with stoves that used local soil.
"We succeeded in installing some 890 stoves (in the 15 villages in
Gharo)," said Sabzoi.
Noor Khatoon, a 40 year-old mother of four, said she preferred the new
stove: "It takes less time for the food to get cooked than in the
traditional one."
Her cousin Dhaniani will get a smoke-free stove after the family finishes
reconstructing their home, which was flooded during heavy rains last year.
When she tried cooking on Khatoon’s stove, she found that it took
almost half the usual time and used very little wood.
The food was tastier too, specially the roti, Khatoon added.
"That’s because the heat is evenly distributed all around the
pan, unlike in the traditional one," she explained.
Some residents have added further innovations in their stoves. A copper
coil connected to the side of the combustion chamber and connected to a
barrel of water warms the water so it can be used for bathing especially
during winter, said Sabzoi.
Roma Juma, 37, was using the energy-efficient stove long before the IDF
team came to her village in Mohammad Hashim Katchi Mundro. She has warm water available all the time. The seamstress now takes orders and builds stoves for her neighbours.
"I did it for free in the beginning, but when more and more women
started coming with similar requests, I decided to charge them," said
Juma. She charges 100 rupees (1.17 dollars) for her labour and has so far
built about 150 stoves.
Her relatives in Karachi have asked her to build them some too. "They
say their gas and electricity bills have skyrocketed, and they want me to
go there and install the stoves for them," she chuckled.
An evaluation by the Aga Khan services in 2005, called the smoke-free
stoves a "runaway bestseller" that has helped reduce wood use by
40 to 45 percent.
Masood Mahesar, a development worker and former provincial manager at
AKPBS-Pakistan, said more than 10,000 stoves have been installed in
Sindh’s Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Matiari districts. "A few
thousand have also been replicated by the communities themselves," he
told IPS.
But this is a drop in the ocean in a region of 50,000 villages. Thousands
remain unaware of the stove and either cut trees or pay 250 rupees (nearly
3 dollars) for 40 kilos of expensive fuel wood.
Filed Under: From IPSNews
http://www.groundreport.com/Business/Ag ... ov/2918650
Aga Khan Rural Support program promoting Local Govt System
by G. H. Farooqui February 26, 2010
One day workshop on local Government Assessment Tools for representatives of Local Govt. LSO and CSOs held at Chitral.
CHITRAL: A day long workshop on local government assessment tools for representatives of local government, local support organizations (LSO) and Community support organizations (CSOs) held here in Chitral organized by Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) Chitral. Hussain Ahmad of AKRSP was facilitator on the occasion. During the workshop the participants were briefed regarding good governance and its implementation. He said that after devolution of power local government system introduced for solving problems of public and their development on gross root level. He said that the system is very good but it still needs more improvement and enhancement capacity building of local government representatives. He said that good governance is ladder of a welfare state. He said main objectives of these series of workshop by AKRSP to aware general public and enhances capacity building of related persons for boosting and succession this news system for relief of common people. He said after completing of these trainings a pressure group would be mentally prepare who will support for good governance and democracy in the country. because only a democratic state can develop and promote its public.
He said for good governance it is necessary to be dealt with equity and equality, transparency, and to launch coordinated efforts for boosting this system for benefit of poor segments of the society. He said that good governance must should have characteristics of participatory, transparency, accountability, equality and justice, efficient and effective self-accountability for eradicating corruptions and short falling from the society. Shah Abul Mansoor Area Manager AKRSP Booni briefed role of civil society in good governance and implementation of decisions regarding benefiting of public passed by policy makers. He said that we never achieve our hundred percent goals until we aware the masses about basic information and rule regulations as well as to their capacity building about its basic.
Fazli Malik manager institutional development of AKRSP in his concluding remarks said that our goal is an integrated approach and coordinated efforts to achieve our goal for implementing of good governance and to support democracy, which is the main foundation stone of development. He highly appreciated services of Sartaj Ahmad Khan former Tehsil Nazim for promoting public private partnership at first time in Chitral and promoting mutual harmony among different segments of the societies. Who also supported and facilitated different LSOs and promoted this concept for gross root development and solving of people problems by working extra ordinary (day and nibht). He said that although local government system having some deficiency and short falling but even than it was good system than in past but it need more improvement for an ideal and excellence system. It will be more success if existing gapes were eradicating but it will be possible when our society especially civil society are well aware and trained about its basic tools. A large number of male and female participants from government and non-government organizations and civil societies participated in the workshop.
G.H. Farooqi PO Box No. 50 GPO Chitral Pakistan phone No. 03025989602, 0943-302295, 414418
Email: [email protected]
Aga Khan Rural Support program promoting Local Govt System
by G. H. Farooqui February 26, 2010
One day workshop on local Government Assessment Tools for representatives of Local Govt. LSO and CSOs held at Chitral.
CHITRAL: A day long workshop on local government assessment tools for representatives of local government, local support organizations (LSO) and Community support organizations (CSOs) held here in Chitral organized by Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) Chitral. Hussain Ahmad of AKRSP was facilitator on the occasion. During the workshop the participants were briefed regarding good governance and its implementation. He said that after devolution of power local government system introduced for solving problems of public and their development on gross root level. He said that the system is very good but it still needs more improvement and enhancement capacity building of local government representatives. He said that good governance is ladder of a welfare state. He said main objectives of these series of workshop by AKRSP to aware general public and enhances capacity building of related persons for boosting and succession this news system for relief of common people. He said after completing of these trainings a pressure group would be mentally prepare who will support for good governance and democracy in the country. because only a democratic state can develop and promote its public.
He said for good governance it is necessary to be dealt with equity and equality, transparency, and to launch coordinated efforts for boosting this system for benefit of poor segments of the society. He said that good governance must should have characteristics of participatory, transparency, accountability, equality and justice, efficient and effective self-accountability for eradicating corruptions and short falling from the society. Shah Abul Mansoor Area Manager AKRSP Booni briefed role of civil society in good governance and implementation of decisions regarding benefiting of public passed by policy makers. He said that we never achieve our hundred percent goals until we aware the masses about basic information and rule regulations as well as to their capacity building about its basic.
Fazli Malik manager institutional development of AKRSP in his concluding remarks said that our goal is an integrated approach and coordinated efforts to achieve our goal for implementing of good governance and to support democracy, which is the main foundation stone of development. He highly appreciated services of Sartaj Ahmad Khan former Tehsil Nazim for promoting public private partnership at first time in Chitral and promoting mutual harmony among different segments of the societies. Who also supported and facilitated different LSOs and promoted this concept for gross root development and solving of people problems by working extra ordinary (day and nibht). He said that although local government system having some deficiency and short falling but even than it was good system than in past but it need more improvement for an ideal and excellence system. It will be more success if existing gapes were eradicating but it will be possible when our society especially civil society are well aware and trained about its basic tools. A large number of male and female participants from government and non-government organizations and civil societies participated in the workshop.
G.H. Farooqi PO Box No. 50 GPO Chitral Pakistan phone No. 03025989602, 0943-302295, 414418
Email: [email protected]
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=226676
Training leads to considerable drop in stillbirths
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
By our correspondent
Karachi
One in 10 newborns in Pakistan is either stillborn or dies within seven days of birth. However, newborn stillbirths in Pakistan and five other developing countries dropped by almost a third when the rural health workers received newborn care training, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine with research contributed by Aga Khan University’s Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates there are more than three million stillbirths worldwide each year, with almost 70 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including Pakistan, where the majority of births are handled by unskilled attendants.
“Through the training we tried to bring important skills for newborn care to communities,” said Dr Imtiaz Jehan, Associate Professor CHS, who headed the research in Pakistan. “These may be simple interventions, but they can help build capacity and make a huge impact.”
The study was conducted in Thatta District and involved over 650 birth attendants in 16 union councils covering doctors, lady health visitors, nurses, midwives and traditional birth attendants from over 85 private and government health facilities, working in health care facilities as well as at homes.
Each attendant was provided the essential newborn care training as well as scales to accurately measure birth weight, hand-held pumps and masks to fill babies’ lungs with air, and clean-delivery kits to prevent infection.
The greatest decrease in stillbirth rates was among deliveries attended by nurses, midwives, and traditional attendants, all of whom, the researchers believe, would likely not have received such training. Dr Jehan said, “It is clear that there are low-cost, effective solutions available, which are essential for countries like ours, where physicians are not always readily available.”
Training leads to considerable drop in stillbirths
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
By our correspondent
Karachi
One in 10 newborns in Pakistan is either stillborn or dies within seven days of birth. However, newborn stillbirths in Pakistan and five other developing countries dropped by almost a third when the rural health workers received newborn care training, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine with research contributed by Aga Khan University’s Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates there are more than three million stillbirths worldwide each year, with almost 70 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including Pakistan, where the majority of births are handled by unskilled attendants.
“Through the training we tried to bring important skills for newborn care to communities,” said Dr Imtiaz Jehan, Associate Professor CHS, who headed the research in Pakistan. “These may be simple interventions, but they can help build capacity and make a huge impact.”
The study was conducted in Thatta District and involved over 650 birth attendants in 16 union councils covering doctors, lady health visitors, nurses, midwives and traditional birth attendants from over 85 private and government health facilities, working in health care facilities as well as at homes.
Each attendant was provided the essential newborn care training as well as scales to accurately measure birth weight, hand-held pumps and masks to fill babies’ lungs with air, and clean-delivery kits to prevent infection.
The greatest decrease in stillbirth rates was among deliveries attended by nurses, midwives, and traditional attendants, all of whom, the researchers believe, would likely not have received such training. Dr Jehan said, “It is clear that there are low-cost, effective solutions available, which are essential for countries like ours, where physicians are not always readily available.”
NGO Connection Day celebrated
Submitted 1 day 18 hrs ago
KARACHI (PR) - The Microsoft Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan co-hosted the country’s first NGO Connection Day (NCD) at a ceremony in Islamabad.
The event encompassed an interactive dialogue on the ‘Role of ICTs for Development: Opportunities and Challenges’ where experts from academic institutions, private companies and non-profit organizations shared their perspectives on how Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) can benefit individuals and organizations to effectively address local issues and challenges.
Dr Karim Alibhai, CEO of the Agha Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF- P) said “The Foundation has been working to close the ‘Digital Divide’ by creating opportunities for computer and ICTs literacy among underserved communities in Pakistan.”
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news- ... celebrated
Submitted 1 day 18 hrs ago
KARACHI (PR) - The Microsoft Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan co-hosted the country’s first NGO Connection Day (NCD) at a ceremony in Islamabad.
The event encompassed an interactive dialogue on the ‘Role of ICTs for Development: Opportunities and Challenges’ where experts from academic institutions, private companies and non-profit organizations shared their perspectives on how Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) can benefit individuals and organizations to effectively address local issues and challenges.
Dr Karim Alibhai, CEO of the Agha Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF- P) said “The Foundation has been working to close the ‘Digital Divide’ by creating opportunities for computer and ICTs literacy among underserved communities in Pakistan.”
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news- ... celebrated
Microsoft brings smile to minors
April 6th, 2010
The 21st Century has come with a lot of promises for growth and development. Scientists and Intellectuals come up with solutions every day to solve the complex mysteries of the galaxy. It remains surprising that poverty still remains a crucial concern and developing countries bear the brunt of it.
Abandoned children are an everyday sight for pedestrians and drivers; these children spend their days washing windshields, begging and sleeping on the dangerous sidewalks of Pakistan’s metropolis.
While for most of these millions of abandoned children; shelter, guidance and safety remains a fantasy, some have been lucky enough to be adopted by the Gehwara. Gehwara is a shelter that houses 30 children under the age of 6 years and is being run by the department of social works Government of Punjab
Realizing the importance of such institutions, Microsoft Pakistan organized an ‘Employee Volunteer Day’ in which Microsoft’s employees gave their time and talent to bring a smile on children’s faces. “Microsoft’s Employee Volunteer day is designed to inculcate the idea that giving back to society should not just be limited to monetary benefits and that the most valuable gifts are the talent and time one gives. It is our small but positive contributions that make a world worth living for.” Said Kamal Ahmed, Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan.
Microsoft Pakistan, as part of its global volunteer initiative, gives employees a day off with pay to adopt a socially responsible cause and contribute to the development of society. The novel idea was executed for the first time when a group of employees from Microsoft Pakistan decided to spend their time, and talent with the children of Gehwara. The employees spent a whole day with children who were jubilant from the toys, clothing and shoes gifted to them from Microsoft employees from all over the Pakistan.
The School Administration, Mr. Aslam Metla appreciated the initiative by Microsoft “I must appreciate the step taken by the Microsoft employees and Microsoft itself. Programs like these underscore the importance of volunteer action to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. We hope this will also encourage other organizations to come forward and work with the communities where they operate.”
The day long event included a meet and greet amongst the children, Microsoft’s staff and the school administration. The scene was exciting when one witness what can happen when the passion of people meets the power of technology. The children were jubilant when they received toys, clothing and shoes sent to them from Microsoft employees from all over the Pakistan. Microsoft Pakistan employees also scrubbed, painted and decorated the children’s rooms; in addition water filters and other kitchen essentials were also donated by Microsoft Pakistan team.
Microsoft Pakistan has multiple citizenship and corporate social responsibility initiatives running across the country which includes computer training centers for underserved communities in northern areas in collaboration with Agha Khan Foundation. Microsoft is also a key partner in setting up computer labs in the government schools of Punjab, a project spearheaded by Chief Minister. 4286 labs are already functional, more than 400 teachers have been trained and 3 million Students will benefit.
http://blogs.technet.com/zafaru/archive ... gle+Reader
April 6th, 2010
The 21st Century has come with a lot of promises for growth and development. Scientists and Intellectuals come up with solutions every day to solve the complex mysteries of the galaxy. It remains surprising that poverty still remains a crucial concern and developing countries bear the brunt of it.
Abandoned children are an everyday sight for pedestrians and drivers; these children spend their days washing windshields, begging and sleeping on the dangerous sidewalks of Pakistan’s metropolis.
While for most of these millions of abandoned children; shelter, guidance and safety remains a fantasy, some have been lucky enough to be adopted by the Gehwara. Gehwara is a shelter that houses 30 children under the age of 6 years and is being run by the department of social works Government of Punjab
Realizing the importance of such institutions, Microsoft Pakistan organized an ‘Employee Volunteer Day’ in which Microsoft’s employees gave their time and talent to bring a smile on children’s faces. “Microsoft’s Employee Volunteer day is designed to inculcate the idea that giving back to society should not just be limited to monetary benefits and that the most valuable gifts are the talent and time one gives. It is our small but positive contributions that make a world worth living for.” Said Kamal Ahmed, Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan.
Microsoft Pakistan, as part of its global volunteer initiative, gives employees a day off with pay to adopt a socially responsible cause and contribute to the development of society. The novel idea was executed for the first time when a group of employees from Microsoft Pakistan decided to spend their time, and talent with the children of Gehwara. The employees spent a whole day with children who were jubilant from the toys, clothing and shoes gifted to them from Microsoft employees from all over the Pakistan.
The School Administration, Mr. Aslam Metla appreciated the initiative by Microsoft “I must appreciate the step taken by the Microsoft employees and Microsoft itself. Programs like these underscore the importance of volunteer action to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. We hope this will also encourage other organizations to come forward and work with the communities where they operate.”
The day long event included a meet and greet amongst the children, Microsoft’s staff and the school administration. The scene was exciting when one witness what can happen when the passion of people meets the power of technology. The children were jubilant when they received toys, clothing and shoes sent to them from Microsoft employees from all over the Pakistan. Microsoft Pakistan employees also scrubbed, painted and decorated the children’s rooms; in addition water filters and other kitchen essentials were also donated by Microsoft Pakistan team.
Microsoft Pakistan has multiple citizenship and corporate social responsibility initiatives running across the country which includes computer training centers for underserved communities in northern areas in collaboration with Agha Khan Foundation. Microsoft is also a key partner in setting up computer labs in the government schools of Punjab, a project spearheaded by Chief Minister. 4286 labs are already functional, more than 400 teachers have been trained and 3 million Students will benefit.
http://blogs.technet.com/zafaru/archive ... gle+Reader
One Billion Dollar "Green University" in Sind, Pakistan by Aga Khan Foundation
http://thefinancialdaily.com/NewsDetail/113452.aspx
$1bn green varsity in Sindh by 2014
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Staff Reporter
KARACHI: The Sindh government has allotted a plot of land to Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to establish Pakistan's first-ever Green University with the cost of $1 billion.
The Vice Chairman, Sindh Board of Investment (SBOI) and Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh, Zubair Motiwala said that this is going to be the largest ever single FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) by any investor in Sindh and if the project gets commissioned in 2014, it would be the remarkable success to the SBOI in its endeavour to bring investment to the country.
The green university would be spread on a land of over 800 acres at Link Road, Gadap Town near Karachi where the provincial government has planned to set up Education City.
The constructed area of the proposed university would be approximately 200,000 metres, the biggest constructed area in any university in Pakistan, he said adding that the land allotted to the project has already been developed and the investors have already spent $40 million on lease of land, feasibility, construction of some laboratories, green-rooms and other amenities.
The advisor further said that entire area of the proposed university would be smoke and pollution free and no vehicles would be allowed to enter inside and instead of that battery operated cars and trolleys would be used for the transport and logistics.
He said that if everything goes well, the fits batch from the university would pass out in 2020.
He said that global environment and several restrictions by the USA, EU, and other Western countries' education institutions and their governments have made extremely difficult for the Pakistani students to study abroad and considering the situation foreign universities are willing to establish their campuses in the proposed Education City in Sindh, he said adding that foreign students would also be able to study in such universities including green university by AKF bringing the precious foreign exchange to the country.
http://thefinancialdaily.com/NewsDetail/113452.aspx
$1bn green varsity in Sindh by 2014
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Staff Reporter
KARACHI: The Sindh government has allotted a plot of land to Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to establish Pakistan's first-ever Green University with the cost of $1 billion.
The Vice Chairman, Sindh Board of Investment (SBOI) and Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh, Zubair Motiwala said that this is going to be the largest ever single FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) by any investor in Sindh and if the project gets commissioned in 2014, it would be the remarkable success to the SBOI in its endeavour to bring investment to the country.
The green university would be spread on a land of over 800 acres at Link Road, Gadap Town near Karachi where the provincial government has planned to set up Education City.
The constructed area of the proposed university would be approximately 200,000 metres, the biggest constructed area in any university in Pakistan, he said adding that the land allotted to the project has already been developed and the investors have already spent $40 million on lease of land, feasibility, construction of some laboratories, green-rooms and other amenities.
The advisor further said that entire area of the proposed university would be smoke and pollution free and no vehicles would be allowed to enter inside and instead of that battery operated cars and trolleys would be used for the transport and logistics.
He said that if everything goes well, the fits batch from the university would pass out in 2020.
He said that global environment and several restrictions by the USA, EU, and other Western countries' education institutions and their governments have made extremely difficult for the Pakistani students to study abroad and considering the situation foreign universities are willing to establish their campuses in the proposed Education City in Sindh, he said adding that foreign students would also be able to study in such universities including green university by AKF bringing the precious foreign exchange to the country.
Germany provides Rs 4.2 million humanitarian aid to aggrieved persons of Hunza landslide disaster
Islamabad: An agreement has been signed between the German Embassy Islamabad, represented by Ambassador Dr. Michael Koch, and the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKF - P), represented by CEO Dr. Karim Alibhai, regarding humanitarian aid to the aggrieved households of the landslide and lake disaster around Attaabad, in the Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Federal Republic of Germany is providing 4.2 million Pakistani rupees for tents, blankets and hygiene kits as a relief to the internally displaced persons in the affected area, especially to women and children. The measures will be implemented by FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, an affiliate of the AKDN.
A massive landslide disaster in Attaabad, Hunza, on 4 January 2010 left 19 people dead, besides internally displacing over 170 households from four villages. The other major impact of this landslide was the complete blockage of the Hunza River, which has lead to the formation of a huge lake . As a consequence, a growing number of houses have been flooded and thousands of people had to be evacuated from downstream areas as a precautionary measure. The lake has submerged and damaged substantial parts of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), thus cutting off road access and communication links with the upper Hunza Valley and China.
http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=164571
Islamabad: An agreement has been signed between the German Embassy Islamabad, represented by Ambassador Dr. Michael Koch, and the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKF - P), represented by CEO Dr. Karim Alibhai, regarding humanitarian aid to the aggrieved households of the landslide and lake disaster around Attaabad, in the Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Federal Republic of Germany is providing 4.2 million Pakistani rupees for tents, blankets and hygiene kits as a relief to the internally displaced persons in the affected area, especially to women and children. The measures will be implemented by FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, an affiliate of the AKDN.
A massive landslide disaster in Attaabad, Hunza, on 4 January 2010 left 19 people dead, besides internally displacing over 170 households from four villages. The other major impact of this landslide was the complete blockage of the Hunza River, which has lead to the formation of a huge lake . As a consequence, a growing number of houses have been flooded and thousands of people had to be evacuated from downstream areas as a precautionary measure. The lake has submerged and damaged substantial parts of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), thus cutting off road access and communication links with the upper Hunza Valley and China.
http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=164571
AKPBS Programmes Cited in UN Good Practices Publication
The Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) and Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP) -- both programmes of the Aga Khan Planning & Building Service in Pakistan -- have been cited as Good Practice Cases in the 2010 United Nations Development Group's (UNDG) Millenium Development Goals (MDG) Good Practices publication.
This publication, produced by the UNDG, includes nearly 200 good practice cases covering 75 countries and nearly 40 regional and global programmes. The cases are organised by thematic areas:
Chapter 1 is on poverty, employment and hunger (MDG 1),
Chapter 2 on education and gender equality (MDG 2 and 3),
Chapter 3 on child mortality, maternal health and combating disease (MDG 4, 5 & 6), and
Chapter 4 on environmental sustainability (MDG 7)
Both BACIP and WASEP are featured in Chapter 4, on pages 33 and 75 respectively, of the UNDG MDG Good Practices (2010) publication. For more information on this publication, please see the UNDG MDG Good Practices Page.
For more information about the Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) and Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), please see the AKPBS Pakistan page.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1001/AKPBS- ... ublication
The Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) and Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP) -- both programmes of the Aga Khan Planning & Building Service in Pakistan -- have been cited as Good Practice Cases in the 2010 United Nations Development Group's (UNDG) Millenium Development Goals (MDG) Good Practices publication.
This publication, produced by the UNDG, includes nearly 200 good practice cases covering 75 countries and nearly 40 regional and global programmes. The cases are organised by thematic areas:
Chapter 1 is on poverty, employment and hunger (MDG 1),
Chapter 2 on education and gender equality (MDG 2 and 3),
Chapter 3 on child mortality, maternal health and combating disease (MDG 4, 5 & 6), and
Chapter 4 on environmental sustainability (MDG 7)
Both BACIP and WASEP are featured in Chapter 4, on pages 33 and 75 respectively, of the UNDG MDG Good Practices (2010) publication. For more information on this publication, please see the UNDG MDG Good Practices Page.
For more information about the Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) and Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), please see the AKPBS Pakistan page.
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1001/AKPBS- ... ublication
Agreement signed for clean drinking water
ISLAMABAD: Germany will provide the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKFP) with a grant of € 3.12 million to improve the drinking water supply and sanitation conditions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan areas. This money will be provided for the implementation of the second phase of the Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP), a program that is run by the AKFP planning and building service.
Dr Anna-Christine Janke, director of the development bank KfW in Islamabad and Dr Karim Alibhai, Chief Executive Officer AKFP signed the agreement for the second phase of the project in Islamabad. Dr Karim Alibahi said that with the completion of the first stage of the second phase, estimated within the next six months, around 45, 000 people from 50 villages in GB will have access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. According to details, this project will benefit approximately 245, 000 people in 307 villages of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. The construction of a potable water supply, on-site sanitation infrastructure, grey-water drainage infrastructure, community mobilisation, health and hygiene education will be provided though the completion of this project.
The first phase of the project has been successfully implemented in Chitral and GB a decade ago. The Aga Khan Foundation hopes to use these funds to help in the rehabilitation of the water supply and sanitation facilities in the flood affected areas. “I hope that more contributions will be made to Pakistan to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected families,” Janke said.
“Germany and AKFP are longstanding partners and we will continue to cooperate with each other in order to find creative solutions to the numerous development challenges faced by Pakistan,” Dr. Karim Alibahi said. Press release
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2010.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/38467/agree ... ing-water/
ISLAMABAD: Germany will provide the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKFP) with a grant of € 3.12 million to improve the drinking water supply and sanitation conditions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan areas. This money will be provided for the implementation of the second phase of the Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP), a program that is run by the AKFP planning and building service.
Dr Anna-Christine Janke, director of the development bank KfW in Islamabad and Dr Karim Alibhai, Chief Executive Officer AKFP signed the agreement for the second phase of the project in Islamabad. Dr Karim Alibahi said that with the completion of the first stage of the second phase, estimated within the next six months, around 45, 000 people from 50 villages in GB will have access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. According to details, this project will benefit approximately 245, 000 people in 307 villages of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. The construction of a potable water supply, on-site sanitation infrastructure, grey-water drainage infrastructure, community mobilisation, health and hygiene education will be provided though the completion of this project.
The first phase of the project has been successfully implemented in Chitral and GB a decade ago. The Aga Khan Foundation hopes to use these funds to help in the rehabilitation of the water supply and sanitation facilities in the flood affected areas. “I hope that more contributions will be made to Pakistan to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected families,” Janke said.
“Germany and AKFP are longstanding partners and we will continue to cooperate with each other in order to find creative solutions to the numerous development challenges faced by Pakistan,” Dr. Karim Alibahi said. Press release
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2010.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/38467/agree ... ing-water/
Agakhan Foundation a channel for EU aid distribution
EU to more than double Pakistan flood aid
Oct 1, 2010, 11:47 GMT
Excerpt:
In total, EU aid to Pakistan should top 400 million euros this year, she said.
The aid, to be distributed by non-governmental organizations such as the Aga Khan foundation and the Red Crescent, is intended to provide the millions of Pakistanis driven from their homes by flooding with shelter, clean water, and medical supplies, especially in the south.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/ ... -flood-aid
EU to more than double Pakistan flood aid
Oct 1, 2010, 11:47 GMT
Excerpt:
In total, EU aid to Pakistan should top 400 million euros this year, she said.
The aid, to be distributed by non-governmental organizations such as the Aga Khan foundation and the Red Crescent, is intended to provide the millions of Pakistanis driven from their homes by flooding with shelter, clean water, and medical supplies, especially in the south.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/ ... -flood-aid
Women trained for unusual work
Islamabad: In most households in Pakistan, girls are considered a liability — unable to contribute financially to their families — and regarded as a "burden" on male family members.
This is in part because employment for women is still not the norm.
In the country, only a small number of women are employed and today constitute only around six per cent of Pakistan's labour force, according to official figures.
An unusual programme started by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, a part of the international Aga Khan Development Network, has endeavoured to turn this reality around.
The organisation has trained around 70 women, some from remote rural areas, to work in non-traditional areas which include drafting, surveying, carpentry, landscape design and documentation. As a result, women now earn an income and have also gained confidence and self-esteem.
According to groups working for the rights of women, such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the empowerment of women is vital to ending violence suffered by a large number in the country.
Conservation
"We first thought of using the skills of local women when we were engaged in conservation work in Gilgit [located in the extreme north of Pakistan]," said Safiullah Baig, a Senior Manager at AKCSP and the head of the Norwegian-funded Women Social Enterprise project.
"It was expensive to bring in experts, so we thought about using local girls and young women who had completed their schooling or intermediate-level education and desperately needed money, for surveying, documentation and other work," he told Gulf News.
The initiative, in an area where there were few opportunities for women was a big success. Young women have been trained as carpenters, masons, plumbers, documentation, surveying and other skills required for conservation work in their areas.
The initiative has been expanded to other areas, including Multan in the southern Punjab. The women bring in, on average, a monthly income of some Rs7,000 (Dh300).
Some of their income is invested for them and Baig believes the confidence they gain, and their ability to bring in money, will also play a part in keeping their families smaller in the future as "they will have more say in matters".
Tahereh Sheerazie, a Los Angeles-based landscape designer, who worked with five girls to develop a garden at the Abruzzi School in Shigar in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory, said "calling upon their creative faculties, prodding them to come out of their shells was the successful outcome of my two-month exercise teaching garden design."
"I really liked the fact that my wife is working on this project," said Mohammad Iqbal, the husband of Nusrat Bibi, one of the girls engaged with the garden design project.
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/pakistan ... k-1.732768
Islamabad: In most households in Pakistan, girls are considered a liability — unable to contribute financially to their families — and regarded as a "burden" on male family members.
This is in part because employment for women is still not the norm.
In the country, only a small number of women are employed and today constitute only around six per cent of Pakistan's labour force, according to official figures.
An unusual programme started by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, a part of the international Aga Khan Development Network, has endeavoured to turn this reality around.
The organisation has trained around 70 women, some from remote rural areas, to work in non-traditional areas which include drafting, surveying, carpentry, landscape design and documentation. As a result, women now earn an income and have also gained confidence and self-esteem.
According to groups working for the rights of women, such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the empowerment of women is vital to ending violence suffered by a large number in the country.
Conservation
"We first thought of using the skills of local women when we were engaged in conservation work in Gilgit [located in the extreme north of Pakistan]," said Safiullah Baig, a Senior Manager at AKCSP and the head of the Norwegian-funded Women Social Enterprise project.
"It was expensive to bring in experts, so we thought about using local girls and young women who had completed their schooling or intermediate-level education and desperately needed money, for surveying, documentation and other work," he told Gulf News.
The initiative, in an area where there were few opportunities for women was a big success. Young women have been trained as carpenters, masons, plumbers, documentation, surveying and other skills required for conservation work in their areas.
The initiative has been expanded to other areas, including Multan in the southern Punjab. The women bring in, on average, a monthly income of some Rs7,000 (Dh300).
Some of their income is invested for them and Baig believes the confidence they gain, and their ability to bring in money, will also play a part in keeping their families smaller in the future as "they will have more say in matters".
Tahereh Sheerazie, a Los Angeles-based landscape designer, who worked with five girls to develop a garden at the Abruzzi School in Shigar in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory, said "calling upon their creative faculties, prodding them to come out of their shells was the successful outcome of my two-month exercise teaching garden design."
"I really liked the fact that my wife is working on this project," said Mohammad Iqbal, the husband of Nusrat Bibi, one of the girls engaged with the garden design project.
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/pakistan ... k-1.732768
Tar village: a beacon of light with 80pc literacy
From the Newspaper
Yesterday
By Iqbal Khwaja
Tar village: a beacon of light with 80pc literacy
The village has produced two Ph.D scholars, 10 engineers, 15 doctors, 60 male and female teachers and over two dozen nurses and lady health visitors. - File Photo (APP)
THATTA: Amid poor nationwide rate of literacy and declining standard of education in the province, Tar Khuwaja, a small village of 500 souls, 63 kilometres from here, has sprung up like an oasis with more than 80 per cent literacy rate.
The village has produced two Ph.D scholars, 10 engineers, 15 doctors, 60 male and female teachers and over two dozen nurses and lady health visitors.
A Ph.D scholar Dr. Ghulam Ali Allana went on to become vice-chancellor of the Sindh University and Allama Iqbal Open University. The other, Dr. Mansoor Ali, a position holder in chemical engineering from the Mehran University has achieved his doctorate from London and lives in Canada nowadays.
A number of youth who received education from a community-based primary school established in the village in 1926 under the auspices of the Agha Khan Foundation have gone to the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and a number of other European countries to purse advanced studies.
Ms Mehrunnisa Khuwaja is one of such students doing masters in engineering from a Canadian university after receiving a degree in architectural engineering.
The village population almost exclusively comprises Ismaili community, which is highly organised and dependant on agriculture for a living. The average literacy rate is slightly above 80 per cent.
Every village family owns large tracts of fertile land around the village and almost all female members equally take part in work on farms despite having been educated and employed in different government departments.
The village got electricity in 1982. Although old straw thatched huts have given way to cemented houses but their interior deign looks like a replica of traditional village houses with barns, big piles of paddy plastered over with mud and agricultural implements.
Natha Khan Khuwaja, a prominent advocate, Ghulam Mustafa Hashmani, a social activist and Mashooq Ali and Mansoor Ali, noted academicians, told Dawn that the village`s achievements in education had inspired adjoining villages to follow their model and they were now sending their children to primary school in Tar village.
A poor son of a hari made it to the post of revenue mukhtiarkar in the district after getting education in the village’s primary education, they said.
Natha Khan Khuwaja, an octogenarian, is a leading spirit behind progress in the village`s prosperity and literacy. In 1958 he requested Aga Kan Some-III to establish a separate Agha Khan Council for the village. The request was approved and he was made the first head of the village council and remained in the office from 1958 to 1972.
He said that he established the Prince Cooperative Credit Society to alleviate poverty from the village and it played a key role in bringing progress to poor families.
Tar is a Sindhi word for a berth on a river bank where a boat can take passengers on board to get them across. The village has taken its name from a now dried up tributary of the Indus which passed through the village in olden times.
The village has lush green fields where farm workers and land owners are always seen busy ploughing, weeding and cultivating. Almost all seasonal crops, including paddy, wheat, sugarcane, cereals, tomatoes, vegetables, sunflower and cotton are cultivated in the village farms.
http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/24/tar-vill ... eracy.html
From the Newspaper
Yesterday
By Iqbal Khwaja
Tar village: a beacon of light with 80pc literacy
The village has produced two Ph.D scholars, 10 engineers, 15 doctors, 60 male and female teachers and over two dozen nurses and lady health visitors. - File Photo (APP)
THATTA: Amid poor nationwide rate of literacy and declining standard of education in the province, Tar Khuwaja, a small village of 500 souls, 63 kilometres from here, has sprung up like an oasis with more than 80 per cent literacy rate.
The village has produced two Ph.D scholars, 10 engineers, 15 doctors, 60 male and female teachers and over two dozen nurses and lady health visitors.
A Ph.D scholar Dr. Ghulam Ali Allana went on to become vice-chancellor of the Sindh University and Allama Iqbal Open University. The other, Dr. Mansoor Ali, a position holder in chemical engineering from the Mehran University has achieved his doctorate from London and lives in Canada nowadays.
A number of youth who received education from a community-based primary school established in the village in 1926 under the auspices of the Agha Khan Foundation have gone to the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and a number of other European countries to purse advanced studies.
Ms Mehrunnisa Khuwaja is one of such students doing masters in engineering from a Canadian university after receiving a degree in architectural engineering.
The village population almost exclusively comprises Ismaili community, which is highly organised and dependant on agriculture for a living. The average literacy rate is slightly above 80 per cent.
Every village family owns large tracts of fertile land around the village and almost all female members equally take part in work on farms despite having been educated and employed in different government departments.
The village got electricity in 1982. Although old straw thatched huts have given way to cemented houses but their interior deign looks like a replica of traditional village houses with barns, big piles of paddy plastered over with mud and agricultural implements.
Natha Khan Khuwaja, a prominent advocate, Ghulam Mustafa Hashmani, a social activist and Mashooq Ali and Mansoor Ali, noted academicians, told Dawn that the village`s achievements in education had inspired adjoining villages to follow their model and they were now sending their children to primary school in Tar village.
A poor son of a hari made it to the post of revenue mukhtiarkar in the district after getting education in the village’s primary education, they said.
Natha Khan Khuwaja, an octogenarian, is a leading spirit behind progress in the village`s prosperity and literacy. In 1958 he requested Aga Kan Some-III to establish a separate Agha Khan Council for the village. The request was approved and he was made the first head of the village council and remained in the office from 1958 to 1972.
He said that he established the Prince Cooperative Credit Society to alleviate poverty from the village and it played a key role in bringing progress to poor families.
Tar is a Sindhi word for a berth on a river bank where a boat can take passengers on board to get them across. The village has taken its name from a now dried up tributary of the Indus which passed through the village in olden times.
The village has lush green fields where farm workers and land owners are always seen busy ploughing, weeding and cultivating. Almost all seasonal crops, including paddy, wheat, sugarcane, cereals, tomatoes, vegetables, sunflower and cotton are cultivated in the village farms.
http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/24/tar-vill ... eracy.html
The Civil Society Resource Centre (CSRC), a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF-P) in collaboration with Microsoft Pakistan organized an event ‘NGO Connection Day’
Program Report
The Civil Society Resource Centre (CSRC), a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF-P) in collaboration with Microsoft Pakistan organized an event ‘NGO Connection Day’ on Friday 24th December 2010 from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, at the Marriot Hotel, Karachi.
The theme for the ‘NGO Connection Day’ was Role of ITCs for Development: Opportunities and Challenges
The Civil Society Resource Centre (CSRC), a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF-P), has 20 years of experience of working with Civil Society Organizations in Pakistan &abroad. It has, since its inception in 1991, emerged as a national-level support organization for civil society in Pakistan.
Working primarily on the theme of ‘fostering capable people and capable systems’,it also serves as a vehicle for the Aga Khan Foundation’s Civil Society program, helping civil society organizations to address structural problems such as capacity gaps, lack of expertise in organizational and financial management, human resources, as well as relevant issues such as governance, program management, and, monitoring and evaluation in the development sectors.
http://awarenesspakistan.blogspot.com/2 ... -csrc.html
Program Report
The Civil Society Resource Centre (CSRC), a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF-P) in collaboration with Microsoft Pakistan organized an event ‘NGO Connection Day’ on Friday 24th December 2010 from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, at the Marriot Hotel, Karachi.
The theme for the ‘NGO Connection Day’ was Role of ITCs for Development: Opportunities and Challenges
The Civil Society Resource Centre (CSRC), a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF-P), has 20 years of experience of working with Civil Society Organizations in Pakistan &abroad. It has, since its inception in 1991, emerged as a national-level support organization for civil society in Pakistan.
Working primarily on the theme of ‘fostering capable people and capable systems’,it also serves as a vehicle for the Aga Khan Foundation’s Civil Society program, helping civil society organizations to address structural problems such as capacity gaps, lack of expertise in organizational and financial management, human resources, as well as relevant issues such as governance, program management, and, monitoring and evaluation in the development sectors.
http://awarenesspakistan.blogspot.com/2 ... -csrc.html