HANDS NEWS BULLETIN October-December 2016

Intel Science Fair

In continuation of Intel Pakistan’s Special Initiative Activities, selected students, along with their teachers from Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Kashmore and Karachi participated in a 3 days Provincial Intel Science Education Fair 2017 at Karachi. District Jacobabad and Sukkur schools qualified for National Science Fair event which was held at COMSATs, Lahore from November 23 to 26, 2016.

The projects were designed in subject categories; in Biology/Health Sciences. The Intel officials appreciated this initiative of SBEP and encouraged CMP team’s efforts. The participating students and teachers shared that it was a great opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills at such a forum and compete with the students from prestigious private educational institutions.

They also appreciated students and teachers for their hard work and confidence. During this competition National Level Intel Science Fair, a student of Government Girls High School Sukkur Ms. Saba Rafique Class 10 secured Special Category Certificate from Shoukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in individual category on the project titled “Treatment of fungus through butter and Soda”.

Nutrition Screening of Children Age 5-10 Years

CMP Team Sukkur have screened 7767 students in 90 CMP targeted schools age 5-10 years with support of head teacher and teachers. The main purpose of screening is to address the issues related to malnutrition especially among children affected in CMP targeted areas, to assess and analyze reasons for the prevalence of malnutrition and to improve child nutrition in selected communities and government schools.

Universal Children Day

Children’s Day – A day dedicated to children is observed on 20th November as an event across the world to celebrate childhood and promote awareness about children’s welfare. Endorsed by global organizations and governments, this celebration aims to promote the wellbeing of children, to uplift their social rights, to create attentiveness on the commitment on the development of children and ensure a better future.

HANDS Sindh Community Mobilization Program (SCMP) Kashmore, Larkana Jacobabad, celebrated this day on 22nd November 2016 in schools in depiction of students’ talent and to encourage their ideas and thoughts.

The program started with the recitation of Holy Quran. A tableau was performed by two students to welcome the guests and participants. A competition was held amongst the students and later speeches were made by the guests emphasizing this day celebration.

MISALI Education

Establishing ALC centers for session 2016-2017
During the month of October 2016, 78 ALC centers were established in 13 districts of the Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab for the tenure of six months starting from October 2016 to February 2017. 791 men and 870 women were enrolled in these Adult literacy Centers (ALC). ALC manual “Teachers Guide” consisting on 27 codes covers to enhance capacity of learners, improving in reading, writing, discussions on social issues, storytelling, managing and calculating daily routine expenses and utility bills, letter drafting and reading, decision making and management skills of ideal family, neighbors and society development.

Provision of material to the ALCs
Complete teaching and learning material has been provided to the ALCs. Materials consist of white board, teachers guide, essential stationary supportive to develop teaching material, learners exercise copies to be used for class exercise and homework assignments and chattai/mat for sitting of learners.

Increased enrolment in ECE classes
65 ECE classes are ongoing in 13 districts of the Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces, and enrolment has increased from 1300 to 1680 students

Repair and renovations of ECE classes is ongoing and community based organizations are in process of submitting proposals of repair and renovation and construction. As per estimation 55 ECE classes will be renovated through approved amount of PKR- 6,15,000 and 28 ECE classes will be constructed with total cost of PKR-1,45,000.

Quarterly News of DPDRR project

HANDS- Pakistan under Medico International and BMZ Funding Project “Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilient Rehabilitation Project” is implementing in four districts of northern Sindh with the main objective to increase ability of Government institutions, civil society organizations and the population of 414 villages of the districts Ghotki, Jacobabad, Kashmore @ Kandhkot and Shikarpur to withstand natural disasters and 300 households of 06 villages in district Jacobabad have access to basic social and productive infrastructure and stabilized their livelihood.

In disaster risk reduction HANDS organized 03 quarterly coordination meetings at district level one in each district and organized 12 events of exchange program visits of DRR committees in districts Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kandhkot and Ghotki. Totally 239 participants from DRR committees participated in these events and shared their ideas with each other. Community has also constructed 93 Protective Community Infrastructure schemes in 87 villages of these districts.

In rehabilitation of social and productive infrastructure, one protective community infrastructure scheme has been constructed in one of the village. In livelihood, tool kits and seeds for kitchen gardening have been distributed amongst 150 beneficiaries of six villages of district Jacobabad. Training was also imparted on kitchen gardening.

Rapid-Pro Survey regarding WASH at Korangi Town, Karachi

Rapid-Pro survey regarding WASH situation was planned for two months, November to December, 2016 in collaboration with UNICEF in Korangi Town, Karachi. The survey was of new type itself as it involved technology. The entire survey was evaluated and was based on the mobile SMS. Thus the beneficiaries were required to SMS their feedback via their mobile phone on the allotted number that is “8623”. The citizens were mobilized by using different strategies like sessions in schools, community centres and mobile float movement along with proper advertisement through pole banners, Sign boards and handbills all around the Korangi town. The desired target of 10000 was successfully achieved to 12000 beneficiaries, which is indeed a great achievement of HANDS.

Rapid-Pro Survey regarding WASH at Korangi Town, Karachi

“Community Mobilization for Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Services and Hygiene Behaviours in Jacobabad City”

The project in collaboration with Water Aid, UNICEF and USAID was successfully completed in the month of October 2016. It was an 18 months project, ensuring mobilization in the urban context of Jacobabad regarding WASH in the community of 8 Union councils and 26 schools of the city. International exposure visit to Durban, South Africa under this project was carried out with partners and government officials. This visit aimed to explore the Water and Sanitation system in the international context. Further, the national exposure to Islamabad was also planned for the citizens of Jacobabad to visit Integrated Resource Revenue Centre (IRRC), to make them aware of well-set example of revenue generation out of waste. Last, but not least the lesson learnt workshop was organized in collaboration with UN-Habitat being the fourth partner involved in this project to conclude the project highlighting the major lessons learnt from the project.

National exposure visit of Urban WASH project Jacobabad team at Islamabad

Discussion: How to Manage Emergencies and Disasters

Discussion on “How to manage emergencies and disasters” was organized by HANDS in collaboration with Action Aid, Pakistan on 29th December 2016 at Hyderabad. The discussion was arranged in the follow up of Hotel fire incident at Karachi in which reportedly twelve persons were killed and over 100 others were injured on Dec 5, 2016.

Major fire incidents have taken place in the past like in a garment factory at Baldia, Karachi. Similarly fire incidents / accidents regularly take place in the province due to bursting of gas cylinders at home and in vehicles, electricity wires

Discussion: How to Manage Emergencies and Disasters at Hyderabad

falls in rains and windy season, oil tankers and heavy traffic is observed on roads without any schedule, CNG pumps are located in residential areas and low quality of food and drinks causes deaths of many.

Representatives of different Civil Society Organizations were present in the discussion, demanded to form a committee having representation from CSOs to find gaps and take up with the appropriate government agencies, instead of blaming each other. It is the time to learn how to manage the situations in emergencies and disasters so that human lives can be saved.

Disaster Management Exhibition 2016

HANDS Disaster management program participated in Disaster Management exhibition 2016 organized by University of Peshawar in collaboration with UNDP on 7th to 8th December 2016 at Peshawar.

The Disaster Risk Management Program (DRMP) Stall showcased HANDS profiles, publications and presented Disaster Risk (DRM) models to the visitors and stake holders. Large number of people visited the HANDS stall and showed keen interest. They were briefed on HANDS interventions in disaster hit areas and received appreciation.

HANDS stall at Disaster Management Exhibition 2016

HANDS Disaster Management Exhibition 2016

HANDS established its stall at Peshawar in Disaster Management Exibilition 2016 organized by Peshawar Univeristy. All models of HANDS Disaster Management Program were displyed and all visistors were brified. It was also explained that currenetly HANDS Disaster Management program is working in different Disaster affected Areas of Pakistan and at International level as well.

HANDS GAD Program at ARY TV Channel

Ms Rahila Rahim SGM HANDS was invited as the chief guest along with GAD team in ARY morning show “Salam Zindagi”. HANDS team talked on Gender issues and also briefed about HANDS Gender and Development program, she also shared about HANDS shelter home for GBV survivors.

HANDS senior staff ARY morning show

Provincial Women Lawyers Conference

HANDS Team Participated in Provincial Women Lawyers Conference at Karachi on 11th to 12 Nov 2016. Ms. Rahila Rahim General Manager HANDS took an active role and shared her 22 years’ experience on the struggle of women rights.

Provincial Women Lawyers Conference at Karachi

Opening Ceremony of Shelter Home

HANDS Gender and Development program is running Shelter Home for gender base violence survivors from last year, Formal inauguration ceremony was organized on 2nd Dec.  MS. Erum Khalid Special Assistant to CM ,WDD,  director and other hub partners participated in the event.

Opening ceremony of HANDS shelter home at Karachi

Training on “Project Proposal Writing & Budgeting”

Two Days Training on Project Proposal Writing and Budgeting was held on December 21 – 22, 2016 at Quetta in collaboration with Youth Organization and Azad Foundation. 22 participants of different organizations attended the training. This was first training on proposal writing in Quetta. The objectives of the training were ,Definition of Project, Case for Support, Profile of the NGOs, Project Description, and Strategy of the Project, The Process of Proposal Writing, Fundraising, and Communication with Donor, Work Plan, and Budget. 

Inaugural session of proposal writing & budgeting training

Young Generation Leadership Training

Two Days of Young Generation Leadership Training was held at Karachi

On 28th & 29th Dec 2016. It was conducted by Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed. The number of learners were 20. The key objective of this training was to develop leadership skills in youth, practice leadership skills, parenting, schooling and friendship, measure relations with parent, school mates and friends.

Brain storming session during young generation leadership training

Training of Trainers (ToT) on Leadership

Three Days Training of Trainers (TOT) for DEMs and Managers of HANDS staff was conducted at Murree from on 08th to 10th Dec 2016. The training included brainstorming, group activity, group presentation on 09 Mind Sets basic concepts related to leadership skills. During the training topics covered to improve knowledge on mindsets of leadership development, assess leadership mindsets, Strategize leadership mindsets and development plan.

Training of Trainers on Leadership at Murree

Webinar on “A Global Hub for sanitation discussion advocacy and action”

Ms. Tanya Khan (WSSCC) conducted a webinar on 08TH October 2016. The topic for the session was “A Global Hub for sanitation discussion advocacy and action Disaster Emergency Preparedness Sharing from START Network”. 

HANDS head office staff alongwith CE HANDS attending Webinar on “A Global Hub for sanitation discussion advocacy and action”

National Disaster Awareness Day

HANDS Disaster Management Program celebrated Disaster Awareness Day on 8th October 2016 in collaboration with Provisional Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh at Karachi. Guests participated from HANDS, PDMA Sindh, UN OCHA, Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) and other Organizations. Objective was to remember disaster victims and pay tribute to them.

This day was also observed in 10 HANDS Disaster Risk Management Centers Hyderabad, Thatta, Matiari, Umerkot, Badin, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Ghotki and Jacobabad to create awareness about Disasters.

National Disaster Awareness Day

NHN Meeting at Islamabad

The meeting was called by National Humanitarian Network (HNH) on National Conference on Striving for Effective and Accountable Humanitarian Governance. Future strategies also came under discussion.

NHN Meeting participants at Islamabad

Training of CBOs at District Thatta, Layyah & Shangla

HANDS Social Mobilization Program conducted Training for Community Based Organizations at community level with the objective to develop skills of community members on Leadership, Development, operate Community Organization and record keeping. 

Under HANDS Multi-Year Humanitarian Program (MYHP) following members were trained

Minimum Initial Services Package (MISP) Training

Mr. Sikandar Rahu, Manager Social Mobilization and Disaster Management Programs supported Muslim Aid in conduction of Minimum Initial Services Package (MISP) training during crises sessions at District Nasirabad Balochistan. Basic objective of this training was to provide initial support of reproductive Heath to females and prevention from HIV. All Lady Health Supervisors of Health Department attended. District Health Officer District Nasirabad and District Jafferabad also participated in this training.

Leadership Training at Kathmandu Nepal

Leadership training was conducted at Kathmandu Nepal for HANDS staff. During the training the main activities included brainstorming, group activity, and group presentation on 09 Mind Set basic concepts related to leadership skills. Objective of the training was to improve knowledge on mindsets of leadership development, assess leadership mindsets, Strategize leadership mindsets and development plan.

 

HANDS staff during leadership training at Kathmandu Nepal

Public Private Partnership

HANDS with Govt. of Sindh signed Public Private Partnership (PPP) project on March 2015. 38 HCFs of Gadap and Bin Qasim Town was administratively handed over to HANDS on November 2016 including 02 Sindh Government Hospitals, 02 Rural Health Centers, 07 Basic Health Units, 13 Mother Child Health centers and 14 Govt. Dispensaries. After taking over HANDS has completed provision of medicines, furniture, linen and equipment in 34 facilities. Renovation work is now completed in SGH Murad Memon Goth. Laboratory, X-ray facilities are started in 02 facilities. Operation theatres are established 02 facilities. Ambulance service is made functional in SGH Murad Memon Goth, SGH Ibrahim Hydri, RHC Rehri, RHC Old Thano and MCH Kathorh.

A view of Sindh Government Hospital Murad Memon Goth

 

HANDS NEWS BULLETIN January-March, 2016

 

Quality Food Cooking Demonstration in Communities of Tharparkar

Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) activities continued in district Tharparkar, Sindh with innovation, like cooking demonstration in community to pursue food diversity and behavior change regarding food quality. Major Improvement in health was observed in ongoing CMAM beneficiaries. Health awareness session was also conducted. Three mobile medical camps have also been started with weekly follow up.

 

HANDS staff conducting practical session on quality food cooking

Kirans and Teachers received smart phone for their advocacy in community against Child Marriage and for Girls Empowerment in Malir District, Karachi.

HANDS successfully conducted Annual Learning Forum of Kirans Year II under Awareness to Action Project on 25th January 2016 at Saleh Muhammad Goth, Malir Karachi, supported by Rutgers Pakistan. Mr. Qadeer Baig Country Representative of Rutgers Pakistan and Dr. Anjum Fatma (Senior General Manager Health Program, HANDS) lead the program.120 Kirans and 10 school teachers received their incentives (Smart phone).This incentive was the token of appreciation to all Kirans and teachers because they spread the message successfully against child marriage and girls empowerment.

                                 A Kiran receiving tablet from SGM Health HANDS

Two Days Capacity Building on Community Mobilization and Advocacy around the Issues of Child Marriages and Happy Family

Two Days Capacity Building on “Community Mobilization and Advocacy around the Issues of Child Marriages and Happy Family” has been conducted on 3rd-4th Feb.2016 at Bin Qasim Town Karachi, under Awareness to Action Project.40 Kirans leaders were trained. Capacity of Kirans also developed on community mobilization and advocacy on issue of child marriage and benefit of happy family. Dr. Jabbar Khattak Editor of Awami Awaz, Mr. Qadeer Baig CR of Rutgers Pakistan and Dr. Anjum Fatima (Senior General Manager Health Program, HANDS) were the main guests.

                   A view of interactive session during capacity training of Kirans

International Women Day

HANDS with the collaboration of civil society organizations, organized International Women Day on 11th March. Program Moderators were Ms. Rahila Rahim and Ms. Sabiha Shah. On the occasion Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed CE HANDS spoke on Sustainable Development Goals and Women Rights  in Pakistan, Barrister Shahida Jamil spoke on Access to Justice for Women, Ms. Mehnaz Rehman introduced the History of Women Struggle in Pakistan, Retd. Justice Majida Rizvi  shared views on Role of Sindh Human Rights Commission for the Protection and promotion of Women Rights, other speakers including Nusrat Sahar Abbasi MPA, Kishwar Zahra (MNA) also shared their views on this occasion.

Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilient Rehabilitation Project

HANDS- Pakistan under Medico International and BMZ Funding Project “Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilient Rehabilitation Project” is being implemented in four districts of northern Sindh. Main objective of this project is to increase ability of Government institutions, civil society organizations and the population of 414 villages of the district Ghotki, Jacobabad, Kashmore ( Kandhkot) and Shikarpur to withstand natural disasters. In this quarter HANDS conducted four coordination meetings at district level one in each district, and organized 10 events of exchange program visit of DRR committees in district Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kandhkot and Ghotki, totally 207 participants from 207 DRR committees participated in these events. Under DPDRR trainings were also conducted on kitchen gardening for 150 beneficiaries and then distributed tool kits and seeds to these beneficiaries in six villages of district Jacobabad.

A view of training on kitchen gardening

Community Capacity Building Trainings under Multi Year Humanitarian Program (MYHP) Project at District Muzaffargarh & Jhang

In the Community Capacity Building Package (CCBP) Trainings at District Muzaffargarh & Jhang, total four trainings were conducted for two days each, in which all the Community Based Organization were told to participate. Main topics covered were introduction of project in which all interventions of the project were covered like Wash, Livelihood & Infrastructure, CBO Record in which basic information of the village, how to write a resolution, Membership record, Stock record, visit record, special activity record savings record and financial record. Total participants were 100 from each District in which 50 male and 50 female were trained.

Trainings and Workshops

l In this quarter 8 Training on “Community Capacity Building Package” were conducted for CBOs presidents. 100 male and 100 females were trained in the organization management, leadership skills and record keeping by the Social Mobilization Program at district Muzaffargarh and Jhang.
l 4 Trainings of community resource persons were conducted for construction of flood resistant shelter Punjab early recovery phase. Total 100 Community Focal Persons were trained for all the techniques required to build the shelter which can safely bear the flood and heavy rains. These trainings were conducted through construction of shelters practically and each step was clarified as narrated in the Training Manual designed for construction at district Muzaffargarh and Jhang.
l 4 Trainings of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation (PATS) were conducted for females Community Resource Persons (CRP’s) in District Jhang and Muzaffargarh. Each training was conducted for 3 days and 25 CRP’s participated in the training. Total 100 CRP’s were trained in 4 training cycles. Training Manual “Azm-e-Alishan” was followed for conduction of the training.
l 4 Trainings of Kitchen Gardening and Permaculture were conducted for female CRP’s at District Jhang and Muzaffargarh with 25 participants trained in each training cycle. This training was conducted by Livelihood Enhancement Program as per manual of Kitchen Gardening designed by the program.
l During the reporting period earthquake Early Recovery Orientation workshop was conducted at Islamabad for the HANDS staff. 27 staff was trained on conduction of activities of Early Recovery and selection of beneficiaries in earthquake affected areas of Chitral and Shangla. Beneficiary selection criteria were clarified to all staff members and related concerns and challenges were also discussed regarding the project activities to be conducted for Early Recovery phase.

A view of two days training on CCBP at Muzaffargarh

Progress against Planned Targets

l Three districts were selected for Earthquake response in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. These included Chitral, Shangla and Bajour Agency with a target to reach 5,000 beneficiaries. Bajour Agency target of 1000 beneficiaries was later on equally shifted to Chitral and Shangla districts because of NOC issue.
l Following table shows the overall target and achievement for EQ Response at Chitral and Shangla.

3,917 Beneficiaries received support in EQ Response through distribution of Shelter

Kits.  Winterization Kits were received by 4,018 families. Hygiene Kits were distributed in 4,018 families.  139 Emergency Latrine Kits were provided to affected families. 400 Water Filters were distributed to the beneficiaries.
20 Drinking Water Supply Schemes for rehabilitation of water supply systems were  completed in this quarter. Local CBO’s were engaged for the completion of task.  Funds were transferred to the CBO’s as per BOQ against Terms of Partnership duly  signed by both HANDS and CBOs. Procurement and work was processed by the CBO’s,  while HANDS carried out the monitoring of the task and its implementation.

Integrated early recovery building on initial humanitarian assistance for vulnerable affected population

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa two districts (Shangla & Chitral) were selected for Recovery phase of EQ Response. 1000 beneficiaries have been assessed by teams for recovery needs.
2,000 beneficiaries have received Conditional Cash Grant support for construction of Flood resistant shelters under Multi Sector Early Recovery in Muzaffargarh and Jhang, Punjab. Following graph shows the different stages of shelters being constructed:

No. of shelter constructed in different stages

Distributed Kitchen Gardening Seed And Tools

HANDS Livelihood enhancement program has conducted four two days training at Muzaffargarh and Jhang (two trainings in each districts) for Female CRPs under MYHP project and also distributed kitchen gardening seed and tools to 800  women beneficiaries  of flood affected areas to address  food security and Livelihood need.

A beneficiary receiving kitchen gardening seeds and tools from

SGM Livelihood Program of HANDS

Exchange Visit of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Committees at District Shikarpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad & Ghotki under DPDRR Project.

The purpose of DRR Committees exchange visit was to let DRR committee members know about the achievements and experience sharing of other committee members and discuss about future planning as how to respond to the future emergencies. Preparedness was also discussed. It was a very fruitful activity because in some Districts DRR Committees have taken initiatives on Education by contacting other Organizations. In Shikarpur one DRR committees have taken School building of 7 rooms from a NGO and that is really good achievement of CBO / DRR Committee. These exchange visits have been conducted in District Shikarpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Ghotki Community Based Organization (CBO) Formation at District Chitral & Shangla under MYHP Project. Multi-year Humanitarian Program (MYHP) recovery Project has started in District Chitral and Shangla in which 500 shelters support in each District will be given to those families who have yet not constructed their home. HANDS have formed Community Based Organizations (CBOs) at District Chitral & Shangla. Total CBO formation target of Chitral & Shangla is 40 in each District, (20 Male & 20 female) which are formed by implementing the strategy of HANDS Social Mobilization & Disaster Management Programs.

HANDS staff briefing about HANDS to DRR committee

Two Days Community Capacity Building Package Training Report

Two Days Training on “Capacity Building Package” under WaterAid project for project staff was held at ICD, HANDS Karachi Urban office from 30th to 31st January, 2016. The training was facilitated by Miss Shehnaz Shahid (DPM, WaterAid) and Mr. Maqbool Rahu (SDEM, HANDS) in their introductory session they briefed that water and sewerage boards are responsible for sewerage and water in the Karachi city. For various reasons the implementation of their responsibilities have declined. At Karachi somewhere water is being wasted and elsewhere people are not getting this facility. There are many causes of these issues for example lack of harmony in the organization, rapidly growing population and increasing urban population. On the other side urban slums are fulfilling their need of water through non standard/unhygienic places. Due to these circumstances HANDS formatted a 4 years project with collaboration of WaterAid.  Basic aim of the Project is to make available hygienic water within reach for all.

MARVI Presentation at International Conference on Family Planning at Nusa Dua Indonesia

International Conference on Family Planning was held from 25-28 January 2016 at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Dr. Sarwat Mirza, Chief Research & Development, Ms. Rubina Jaffri, Senior General Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research and Dr. Adnan Ahmed, Research Consultant of MARVI Project participated  in this conference. Overall 02 research papers and 02 poster papers were presented on HANDS MARVI Model.

HANDS staff presented research paper on HANDS Marvi model at Nusa Dua Indonesia during International Conference on Family Planning

Three Days Training on Health Action School (HAS)

Three Days Training on “Health Action School “under Misali project for project staff was held at Jacobabad/Jaffarabad from 24th to 26th  March, 2016. The facilitator brainstormed on basic concepts related to Health Promotion and Role of School in Health promotion in School and Child to Child approach. Practice the use of Active Methods for Health Promotion through Schools. Develop Action Plan for Child to Child Health promotion activities in School.

Benazir Housing Cell (BHC)

HANDS, in collaboration with Benazir Housing Cell (BHC) of Sindh is providing ‘housing for the poor ‘.The project aims to benefit 505 families at two district, 300 at Mirpurkhas and 205 at Umerkot respectively. The selection of beneficiaries by the BHC is undertaken through member of National and Sindh assemblies and party office bearers of the district. During this quarter, 458 shelters have been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries in both the districts. The target of 300 houses was completed in Mirpurkhas and 158 houses at Umerkot. Colony of houses in both the districts is in progress. Each unit comprises of two rooms, veranda and a toilet and constructed at a cost of 255000/=

Three days training on “Monitoring Evaluation & Planning (MEP)” at Sukkur

Three Days Training on MEP was held at Sukkur under CMP project for project staff Sukkur from 18th to 20th January-2016.  The Training facilitators and visitors Madam Shama Sheikh the Advisor Sindh Community Mobilization Program IRD and Mr. Hammed Bullo welcomed the participants and gave orientation on the training objectives. Hammed Bullo the Advisor SCMP oriented on the Sindh Basic Education programs, its components and provided knowledge about SMCs (Structure, role & responsibilities). Madam Shama Sheikh informed the participants that in this training effort are to provide the basic idea and concept about the project and to create better and clear understanding about the scope of work in project and the functioning of project.

6 Days Training of Marvi Workers on Marvi Integrated Services Modules

Six Days Training on “Marvi Workers on Marvi Integrated Service Modules “under Misali  project for project staff was held at Jamshoro from 1st to 6th  February, 2016. The training was facilitated by Mr. Bharat Kumar DFM. Training of Marvi Workers for Marvi Workers on Marvi Integrated Services Modules is distinctly different from traditional educational and practical processes.  It focuses on the specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to carry out a procedure or activity. How the participant performs (i.e., a combination of knowledge, attitudes, and most important, skills) is emphasized rather than just what information the participant has acquired.  Competency in the new skill or activity is assessed objectively by evaluating overall performance.

6 Days Training of Marvi Workers on Marvi Integrated Services Modules

Webinar on “Performance Appraisal”

Ms. Huma Siddiqui General Manager HR&ID at HANDS conducted a webinar on 14th March, 2016 on “Performance Appraisal”.  The main objective of this webinar was to disseminate knowledge on performance appraisal .Performance appraisals is to measure and improve the performance of employees and increase their future potential and value to the company. Other objectives include providing feedback, improving communication, understanding training needs, clarifying roles and responsibilities and determining how to allocate rewards.

Webinar on Performance Appraisal

Webinar on Ms. Excel “Some Advance Techniques”

Dr. Irfan Ahmed General Manager (RM) HANDS conducted a webinar on 29th January, 2016 on “MS Excel “Some Advance Techniques”. The aim of this Webinar was to disseminate advance techniques in use of MS Excel and add to the knowledge of the participants for enhanced performance.

A view of participants of Webinar on Ms. Excel Some Advance Techniques

Webinar on “Performance Management”

Dr. Aslam Khan Chief HID Executive at HANDS is conducted a webinar on 27th February, 2016 on “Performance Management”. The objective was to enhance the capacity and competence of individuals so that they exceed organizational expectation and work in a way that effectively and efficiently attains business strategic objectives. Performance Management shall not only provide for business development but also self-development through organizational support and guidance of managers and leaders

Webinar on Performance Management

Training of Trainer (ToT) for Adult Literacy Workers in HANDS MISALI Project

Literacy opens the doors to better livelihoods, improves health and expands the opportunities. The aim of HANDS Adult Literacy Program is to increase literacy rate in respective communities and to enable them to deal with their daily issues in a disciplined manner. In this context HANDS also realized to provide optimal opportunities to illiterate adults especially women.

The objective of Literacy Program are:
To increase literacy rate (especially women in rural areas)
To create learning environment in families
To aware the families about the Importance of Literacy.

ToT for Adult Literacy Workers in HANDS MISALI Project

During this quarter, HANDS Education and Literacy Program organized 06-days ToT for all District focal persons and teachers of HANDS MISALI villages, datedfrom 5th to 10th January 2016. During the trainings 10 focal persons and 78 ALC teachers/workers were trained on Adult Literacy Module. After completion of training Mr. Qalander Behrani (GM -Education Program HANDS), Ms. Shabina Ashfaque (Manager Education Program HANDS), Mr. Guhram Ali Khoso (Focal Person HANDS-MISALI Program) and Mr. Lal Din Balal (Trainer) awarded certificates to all participants and appreciated for their active participation during training.

The Community Mobilization Program (CMP)

HANDS is implementing “The Community Mobilization Program (CMP) in four Provincial Districts of Sukkur, Larkana, Kashmore and Jacobabad and three Karachi City Towns of Lyari, Orangi and Gadap. Itis a five year program that commenced in August 2013and to be continued till July 2018.
The program tracks and supports the construction, merging,

consolidation and upgrading schedule of Sindh Basic Education Program(SBEP) and also works with neighboring schools which fall within designated areas around new schools being built under SBEP and are in accordance with the specific criteria set by USAID for CMP activities.

A broader aim of CMP is to sustain community mobilization and school based management through the engagement of the private sector. CMP will leverage partnerships between communities and the private sector through Education Management Organizations to achieve sustainable schools management.

During the quarter of January to March 2016, the following mega activities were conducted in all 5 HANDS interventions Districts of Sindh, Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, Kashmore and Jacobabad.

1. Session on Education Management Organization and Public Pvt: Partnership for stakeholders of District Education Department:
With the support of IRD and HANDS CMP teams, the sessions were arranged for all the district level stakeholders of Education departmenton 3rd, 16th, 23, 26thand 29thFebruary 2016at District Sukkur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana and Karachi. The purpose of sessions was to engage all stakeholders for EMOs to buildthe consensus and seek their advices and support.

The sessions were attended by District Education Officers (DEOs), Deputy DEOs (Primary and Secondary schools), Town Education Officers (TEOs), concerned Head Teachers of Construction Schools, CMP team and other stakeholders related with education department.

2. School Cleaning Days.
HANDS CMP project teams organized “School Cleaning Day” activities with the support of teachers, students, SMCs and sub committees members in different schools of 5 Districts of Sindh. The Purpose of this activity was to engage all the community members and students in school wide clean-up event,where majority of students'(boys and girls) took an active part to promote health and hygiene activities among all the community members.

School cleaning day being celebrated by students

Students and community members were asked to participate and reflect in activity by creating heightened awareness of community based environmental issues and how everyone should be good stewards of the earth. During the events plants were also provided to students and community members and a large number of plants were planted in the schools.

3. International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

HANDS Education team also celebrated this globally recognized Women’s Day in different schools dated on 26th March 2016,with the support of HANDS CMP project teams. A large number of students, teachers,community members and district level officials participated in the events and enjoyed different activities.

Several performances including drama, poetry, speech competition, flower making competition, and tablows were presented by students and teachers. This worldly celebrated Women’s Day provided women audience a conclusive opportunity, to feel important and add positivity into their minds and soul.

 

HANDS NEWS BULLETIN April-June, 2015

                                                             

Benazir Housing Cell  Home for the Homeless:
HANDS in collaboration with BHC (Benazir Housing cell) Government of Sindh has been involved in the noble cause of providing “Home for the Homeless” .The project aims to benefit 505 families in two districts, 300 houses in Mirpurkhasand 205 Houses in Umerkot; each unit comprises of two rooms, veranda and a toilet. The selection of beneficiaries was made by the BHC. 319 shelters were completed so far and handed over to the beneficiaries during the reporting period, 249 houses were completed in Mirpurkhasand 70 houses in Umerkot.

DFID Punjab
HANDS with the support of DFID UK take initiative and start Flood Emergency Response Project in 04 highly affected districts of Punjab Province including District Jhang, Mandibahudin, Muzaffargarh and Multan in the Month of December

2014.Initially in critical emergency situation HANDS provided support through roofing kits to 1,948 beneficiaries in Chiniot, Multan and Muzafargarh to construct temporary shelters. Later this project extended to cover more areas and beneficiaries. In extended support to flood emergency response 10,000 flood affected families selected and a relief package of roofing kits included 14 Bamboos, 01 Girders, PE sheet, Solar light and Winterization kits will be distributed.

Moreover HANDS also focuses on important infrastructure within the flood affected communities of selected districts e.g. sanitation system, pathways, renovation of school and hospital buildings, broken bridges and culverts etc. that were affected badly in flood. For this purpose a CCG (Conditional Cash Grant) provided to district level CBO/NGO’s through partnership. Along with CCG, HANDS also focuses on waste water management by kitchen gardening via renovation of hand pumps under project head of community based WASH initiatives.

The relief activities had been continuing for 06 month was completed successfully in June, 2015. Roofing kit provided to 10,000 flood affected families after rigorous assessment. 70 CCG and 200 WASH initiative schemes were identified and completed in four districts of Punjab. Schemes BoQ’s and drawings were designed by engineers of HANDS. 70 partner organizations (CBO/NGO’s) are identified through proper screening and they worked for mentioned schemes.HANDS teams performed impressive job and achieved all targets on time. It is a sign of HANDS commitments to support vulnerable communities by focusing HANDS vision “Healthy prosperous and equitable society”

  School WASH Gadap Town Karachi
In collaboration with waterAid, HANDS has successfully achieved the target of 2,735 users; including 1,250girls, 1,358boys, 43 male staff and 84female staff got access to improved hygienic sanitation through repair and rehabilitation of Water Supply Facilities, Hand Washing Facilities and Latrines in 15 schools. Technical team of the project conducted assessment and selected schools for rehabilitation purpose. Assessment and reactivation of SMC’s was completed in 79 schools in this quarter. Repair & rehabilitation process was completed with the support of SMC’s reactivation by Social Mobilization team. Project teams ensured the participation of 75 SMC members in the process through project orientation and objective.196 HAS sessions were conducted in 55 schools to spread the messages related to health and hygiene to the students and the teachers.

Community mobilization for  improved WASH and hygiene Behaviors
HANDS as an implementation partner works with USAID funded MSP. It will provide access to improved water supply to roughly 275,000 people in 8 UCs of Jacobabad. Improved infrastructure and services related to WASH will act as an incentive for people to actualize their right for safe drinking water and improved sanitation. UNICEF is proposing to support the infrastructure improvements of MSP using an urban variant on its Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation (PATS).

Urban social services programs need a strong component of social mobilization and Public, Private and Peoples’ Partnership (PPPP); so that the improved services and facilities are user friendly and well-maintained after construction. This can be achieved by mobilizing community groups and by setting up community-led partnerships, involving local governments and service providers. Women’s needs willalso be mainstreamed, especially in decision making processes.
The proposed project will encourage citizens in Jacobabad, especially poor and women: to remain involved in implementation of MSP, have capacity to hold service providers accountable, and are receiving maximum benefits from the improved infrastructure. Improved health, an anticipated outcome of the overall program, will be achieved through improving hygiene behaviors that are supported by improved access to WASH infrastructure

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  Community WASH

HANDS and WaterAid have been working together for the betterment of WASH facilities in the communities of Gadap Town. This project has successfully made 5,080 people reach to safe drinking water in urban slums of Gadap Town through improved, equitable, safe and sustainable water supply source through completion of 2 Water Supply Schemes.

Capacity building trainings were also conducted to improve the capacity of the community regarding WASH facilities in the community.

WASH team has also tried to provoke media on this sensitive issue of WASH through the media sensitization event and the media exposure visits in the communities. Moreover, hygiene quiz competitions were alsoorganized to ensure the awareness amongst the community regarding health and hygiene messages.

                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                               HANDS AnnuaDinner

An annual dinner, organized by HANDS at Pearl Continental hotel in honor of Philanthropists while ceremony Prof A Gaffar Billoo, addressed the participants that HANDS has been transforming lives for over three decades. He said the organization has been empowering people at the grassroots levels by strengthening their sense of self-help, self-reliance and sense of ownership, without any kind of discrimination in terms of gender, ethnicity or religion.

Dr Sheikh Tanveer Ahmed, said that HANDS has served as a leading authority in promoting economic growth, human rights and social progress in Pakistani society. “HANDS delivers assistance across the country, including education, health and access to safe water, shelter, food security and the elimination of gender disparity at the community level.” Wherein all wake of life took part and lauded the Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS) for its 35 years as a leading non-profit organization in Pakistan.

Orientation of Staff and Training on Participatory Reflection Analysis (PRA) Tools

A two days training of newly recruited staff was organized on 2nd and 3rd May 2015 at Blue Diamond Hotel, District Mansehra. Staff was oriented about project purpose, objectives and major activities in detail. Furthermore, MARVI model was explained. The job description, roles and responsibilities of each position of staff were also shared. Presentation regarding effective communication skills including role play was shared with participants. Moreover, they were taught about importance of community dialogue and its methodology to carry out in the field. Each field staff practiced and demonstrated this activity in the nearby village.

                                   

 Consultative Meeting with Provincial Health Department and PDMA at Peshawar
Consultative meeting for Provincial Health and PDMA officials was organized on 21st May 2015 at Peshawar. More than 15 officials from both departments attended the meeting. Project presentation was given and discussed in details with all participants. Points of officials were also taken and discussed in details and after comprehensive discussion with larger consensus concurrence about MARVI Nutrition Integrated Model was given. Concurrence letter was issued by Director General Health Services, KP to all concerned departments.

 Development of IEC and  Community Outreach Materials
The information education and communication material developed by the Unicef with the National Program (LHW) for FP&PHC adopted in HANDS MARVI workers for nutrition program intervention in many districts in Sindh was presented to Provincial Health Department and concerned department officials for review. With continuous coordination, the joint team finalized the material and incorporated some changes considering the local context. Then it was presented to HANIF team and after discussion finalized and got endorsed for the process of designing and printing and leaflets for key messages were also developed to disseminate in communities for awareness rising.

Training of MARVI Workers
A Six days training of MARVI Workers held at Tehsil Balakot. 20 selected MARVI Workers attended the training. Dr. Anjum Fatima- General Manager – Health Program and Dr. Muhammad Sarwat Mirza – Chief Research and Development Executive HANDS were the trainers while Ms. Gulnar- District Nutrition Trainer – LHW Program Mansehra took session on Pregnant and Lactating women nutrition.

Mian Zia U Rehman – Member of Provincial Assembly Mansehra attended inaugural session of training. He requested all participants to work with sincerity in their villages as nutrition status of women, adolescent girls and under 5 years children could be improved. Further he thanked Futures Group and HANDS for implementing innovative model in remotest villages of district Mansehra. In last he assured for full support on behalf of district and provincial health departments.

Dr. Wajiha Ghias – Innovative Fund Manager, HANIF visited training on day two. She observed training sessions conducted by Dr. Anjum Fatima and Ms. Gulnar. Number of Government officials including Dr. Sardar Bashir Ahmed -DHO Mansehra, Mr. Shahid Ahmed- DCO LHW Program, Mr. Shahid Mehmood- Assistant Commissioner- Balakot and local leadership visited the training and spoke with participants.

 Baseline Survey Training and conduction

Baseline survey training was held at district office Mansehra. Ms. Rubina Jaffri- General Manager HANDS Monitoring, Evaluation and Research program conducted the training of project staff. Project objectives, progress and impact measuring indicators were explained. The technical terminologies were also discussed and explained to the trainee surveyors such as anemia, antenatal period and care, Postnatal, Neonatal, Iron supplement and De-worming etc. In order to understand and execute the activities aptly, job description of surveyors, supervisors and district teams were discussed in detail. The survey methodology including the selection criteria and selection methods for the respondents was discussed in detail. The survey techniques such as introduction of the surveyors to the respondents and consent from the respondents were also explained as a mandatory step in the process before the interview.
Baseline Survey Training and conduction

Concurrence and endorsement letters issued by Provincial and District Health and other departments for project implementation

Provincial and district health and other departments demonstrated their involvement at every step of project. They issued concurrence letter for project implementation   Non LHW areas of district Mansehra, endorsement letter for IEC material to be used for community mobilization and awareness, and DHO Mansehra issued endorsement letter for intervention area and facilitation of referred cases at nearby health facilities. PDMA issued NOC for project implementation and Deputy Commissioner Mansehra provided security clearance letter for project implementation.

Exposure and Training Visit to Swat

As part of Annual Retreat of HANDS, an exposure and training visit was carried out to the lush green and picturesque Swat valley in Northern Pakistan from 1-7 June 2015. The group comprised of 24 staff of HANDS from districts and HO, led by GM RM Dr Irfan Ahmed. Starting from Islamabad, the group stayed in Kalam. Behrain, MallamJabba and Saidu Sharif. The participants went around on hiking trips as well as on  4-wheeler explorations, appreciating the breathtaking natural beauty of the region as well as participating in an interactive hands-on training on ‘Research Methodology’ that was facilitated by GM MER Ms Rubina Jaffri. Training sessions were followed lively discussions. The participants also appreciated the historical sites of Swat as well as the impressive museum in Saidu Sharif. Weare grateful to the senior management as well as HR for arranging this very enjoyable exposure and training visit to Swat.

GM MER & GM RM conducting training on Exposure Visit at Swat

 A Two days Capacity Building on Leadership, Decision Making and Community Mobilization

120 adolescent girls (aged 16-19 years) selected and capacitated to become RH leaders. Their capacity enhanced and  strengthen their leadership, mobilization and advocacy skills to speak out about early marriages and their consequences. These RH leaders will carry out incentive based community mobilization and advocacy initiatives. A work plan containing strategies and methodologies has been developed for Kirans on last day of the conference. During the training all Kirans shared that have given message to 12,000  females  of intervention areas of  Bin Qasim Town and Gadap.

                                                        

Trainings Workshop on Proposal Writing and Budgeting

A training workshop on Proposal Writing and Budgeting were organized at HANDS ICD Hyderabad on 3-4 April 2015. Dr Aslam Khan CHR HANDS and Dr Irfan Ahmed Khan SGM Resource Mobilization HANDS facilitated the workshop. A total of 32 mid-level managers from 11 different organizations participated in the trainings. Interactive discussion was carried out on proposal development, proposal writing process, fundraising, communication with donor, and budgeting process. Group exercises were made to develop a live proposal for submission by the participating organizations at the end of the training workshop. This workshop is part of the process by HANDS ICD to build the capacities of other organizations for community development.

                                                     

A Six Days Training of Trainers on MARVI Worker Module

The Provision of Reproductive Health Services through Social Marketing’, PSI along with HANDS is working  to improve access, equity, quality, and  cost effective of family planning products and services so that the poor and the vulnerable  community. This can improve the health of their families. PSI and HANDS are working to leverage their vast networks of community-level workers in order to reach women, men, and their families with tailored messages and products at the community level. Under Reproductive Health Service Project (RHSP) A Six Days Training of Trainers on MARVI Worker Module on May 12- 18, 2015.This training is the part of RHSM project and topics of training includes, family planning and their methods, reproductive system and fertilization, first aid, social marketing, EPI, nutrition growth monitoring. This training is to measure capacity and knowledge as well as increase knowledge about project objectives. It provided very good opportunity to LHV’s to become trained with capacity, knowledge and skills as required. Total 27 LHVs and DPMs have participated in this training from Ghotki, Dadu and Sanghar. These LHVs further trained 500 MARVI workers.

HANDS participated in Nutrition Festival in Tharparkar

This festival held on 8th, 9th and 10th April 2015 at Mithi District Tharparkar. Different Communities, CSOs, NGOs, Donors, Media, Corporate sector, Academia, Chief Secretary, and Health Department representatives participated in the event .The purposes of this event were to instill positive behavior and mindset in the local communities, highlight the current situation prevailing along with suggested solutions through health and nutrition stalls, mobilize stakeholders and donors, creating awareness through the event, bringing to light issues like food security and community development. A variety of activities have included to celebrate this event and to give message to all. These activities included health and nutrition stalls, specialist camps (Paeds, Gynae, General Physician, and General Surgeon),lab tests, medicines and giveaways, awareness Sessions (Halls 01, 02, 03), puppet show, kids play area, food, handicraft and Thar Cultural Night.

HANDS – Key Activities were included dissemination of broachers,dissemination of FM Radio messages received from health department, photography and movie setup, medicine and supplies for their ongoing beneficiaries and new screening and enrolment during festival, vehicle support for beneficiaries and HANDS also responsible for the availability of community and Mother Support Group.

SHE Leads Conference Awareness to Action Project

This was program to acknowledge that Kirans have worked under Awareness to Action (A2A Project) and after completion

of two sets of trainings; they have worked for creating awareness in their community about negative consequences of early marriages. During this process 90 Kirans reached out to 9,000 young females of Karachi (rural) with messages on SRHR of girls and consequences of early marriages/teen age pregnancies to bring positive change in the community. On achieving these targets, this program has arranged to give incentives and appreciations to those Kirans, who have been engaged in community advocacy regarding safe motherhood, early child marriages, early pregnancies, sharing of their learning and experiences about the task they have completed in Karachi district.

As the title of this program “SHE Leads” reflect that program was led by the young girl (Kiran) Rasheeda with full of confidence. She carried out the program according to schedule, Dr Anjum Fatima from HANDS welcomed to all participants, incentives (tablet PCs ) distributed among the beneficiaries. Mr. Qadeer Baig CR Rutgers WPF took a great part in the event with his valuable speech regarding the A2A project. Two role-plays based on a real case study performed by the Kirans of G.G.S.S Wali Muhammad Goth and Tayyaba Fellowship School, which were main reflection of whole struggle done by Kirans (Motivation by Kirans to stop early marriage and effects of early marriages). The way Kiran Rasheeda was moderating the event was very great. Personal experiences shared by Kirans Aisha, Sabrunisa, Rashida and Shirin. Teachers also shared their working experiences in community. All participants appreciated their presentation. Rasheeda and other Kiranswho were performing, exhibited their leadership skills with excellent performance, they captured whole crowd by their inspiring words and activities. A admirable speech given by Dr. YasmeenQazi about the thought behind the project, her life struggle. Ms. Bina Shah, Journalist/Author of 4 novels,2 collections of short stories on social issues also addressed to young Kirans, she was very happy to saw the talents of young Pakistani girls. Dutch Ambassador Mr. Marcel de Vink was very impressed from performance of Kiran. According to him, “I AM PROUD OF YOU”.

Training of Health Care Providers (HCPs) for Training whole of facility on Youth Friendly Space (YFS)

HANDS Karachi Rural ASK Project organized A Two Days Training on whole of facility on YFS, value clarification and commodities. We have trained 10 HCPs. These HCPs were from 02 selected Youth Friendly Health Centers. This training is facilitated by Dr. Munazza Haris (Technical Advisor- Health Program Rutgers WPF).

Annual School Day Celebrations

Sindh Community Mobilization Program (SCMP) teams organized Annual School Days Celebrations in all 229 schools. This activity was commenced in the month of April and May. A great number of participants from each village attended the events. Prizes were distributed among those students who secured position in annual examinations. SCMP team Jacobabad organized 58 annual school days in focused schools, SCMP Kashmore team organized Annual School Days celebrations in 52 focused schools.

SCMP Karachi team facilitated Annual School Days celebration in 23 targeted schools in Gadap and Lyari Towns Karachi. Teams closely coordinated with schools and looked over exam results to plan and celebrate the events. The first three students in grades one to ten received trophies.
SCMP Sukkur team celebrated annual school days celebration in 50 targeted schools. SMC subcommittee members’school staff organized events as per plan through these activity students who secured positions first second and third got prizes community members and parents education officials among the guests of the events. SCMP Larkana team SMC and subcommittee members organized school day celebrations in their 44 targeted schools

Approximately 24,869 parent’s participants including 39,619 students, teachers, SMC members, and community members, 1250 ELD officials and USAID/SCMP officials participated in these celebrations. The events generated a large number of prospective community candidates for SCMP’s upcoming community and school based activities, including SMPs and SIPs and encouraged more parents to send their children to school.

World Environment Day Celebrations

Sindh Community Mobilization Program (SCMP) District teams celebrated “World Environment Day” on 05th June 2015, in targeted Government Schools. The day was celebrated to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet earth and through this event community involve celebrating World Environment Day. More than 1,175 children, 450 teachers, 750 parents and other locals participated in this event. Focal persons of Education Department Supervisors, DEOs, TEOs, IRD representatives and USAID officials were Chief Guest of these events.

SCMP District Jacobabad celebrated “World Environment Day” on 05th June 2015, in Government Boys Primary School Budhani. Mr. Riaz Hussain Shah Supervisor/ focal person of Education Department was the Chief Guest of this event. Stage Plays showing the importance of protectionof environment presented by the students. The participants and guests shared their remarks and suggested tips for protection of environment.

SCMP Karachi team facilitated to celebrate World Environment Day at GGSS Wali Muhammad Haji Yaqoob, LyariTown Karachi. 568 participants including 500 students and 68 parents, teachers, SMC members, community
members, and USAID/SCMP officials participated in the event. Event consist of so many fruit full activities including plantation, students competitions etc. It was first mega event inLyari Town. During the event students took part in speech, arts, model making competitions. Almost 60 students took part in stage competition activities. A jury was seated for decision of first, second and thirdpositions. The trophies distributed among the position holders (students).

On Friday June 5, 2015, SCMP District Larkana celebrated World Environment Day at GGPS Jakhra, where two other CMP focused schools also participated in the event. Basically this day was created to inspire people around the villages to become active about environment and learn more about the ways, they can help to ensure sustainable environment.

SCMP Kashmore team organized World Environment Day on 5th of June 2015 at GBHS Rasaldar, where students and teachers of 3 schools including GBHS Rasaldar, GBPS Rasaldar and GGPS Rasaldar. A large number of participants attended the event including 22 women. On the occasion, speakers delivered speeches on betterment of environment, while students presented short plays in favor of environment. On the day, 10 sampling trees were also planted to mark the environment day.

HANDS Impact Assessment

HANDS conducted an impact assessment survey to measure the sustainable development goals in 22 districts of Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan provinces. For this purpose, training for the master trainers was conducted on 8-9 May, 2015. For the sampling of total 450 household respondents of 78 villages were interviewed in the month of May and June for the assessment of health, education, livelihood, WASH and infrastructure.

Key Findings
l EPI coverage among 0-5 year children was 50.1%.
l TT vaccination among currently married women was 36%.
l Total 36% were currently using family planning methods.
l 92% women availed 2 or more antenatal visits
l Similarly 57% visited health facility for postpartum purpose.
l 79.2% villages have the facility of latrine
l Hand pump was available in 86% households
l 69.5% respondents had the disasters resilience shelter.
l 73.4% household’s having their own livestock
l Among ECE children, 21.5% of were beginners, 52.5% could read letters and 23.2% children were familiar with Sindhi/Urdu words.

HANDS LEP Program News Updates

District Jacobabad was severely affected by 2010, 2012 & 2013 floods; a number of 3781 villages comprising 70% of the total district remained underwater. More than 938,659 or 95% of the pre-flood population was affected and 85% of the district swamped through blockade of 1365Kms of roads for approximately six weeks limiting the land communication to aerial only. Injuries approached to as high as 1,235 with fatality tolling up to 137 people, nearly 9,300 livestock’s lost along with the destruction of 142,221 to 156442 houses in the calamity that left the heavily affected agricultural land behind it.

HANDS along with support of MI & BMZ intervened in this severely affected area with objective to revive the infrastructure and livelihoods comprising of food, shelters, WASH, health, schools and winterization items as the winter season was on it full peak.

So far, MI & BMZ supported 600 goats to 300 flood struck beneficiaries and 600 poultry to 60 most vulnerable families of UC Qadirpur Jacobabad, aiming to improve livelihoods and nutrition status of the affected areas and these distributions were backed by a number of trainings in each sector. And this combined endeavor is still on its way to provide relief to the affected area under this project.

HANDS Gender Equity Program (GEP)

HANDS is running the  project “Promoting Improved Livelihood for Informal Sector Workers” with the collaboration under Gender Equity Program (GEP) of  Aurat Foundation (AF) After that project team has  selected 120 HBW from Korangi Crossing &  Ibrahim Hyderi and 8 master trainers have been selected from 120 in both areas and project team conducted meeting with WDD and SEMDA for social security schemes for Home Based Workers.Three TOT for master trainer conducted .  The master trainers learned different types of skills, like color combination contrast cutting and others things during the TOT and After the TOT they conducted trainings for selected 120 HBW and sale of their production done by different mechanism like through display centers,Exhibitions etc.

                                                      

HANDS NEWS BULLETIN January-March,2015

National Community Convention is a venture for the marginalized that will be

followed-up every year in light of ‘Vision 2025 Watch Reports’.
Says Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed Chief Executive HANDS

HANDS organized National Community Convention on March 26 at the Sports Complex, Kashmir Road, wherein,5000 CBOs from all across the country, more than 50 distinguished parliamentarians, media personalities, leading philanthropists, development partners, professional and community-based professionals and staff from 31 branches of HANDS Pakistan took part. While addressing convention Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed said this event is  the only venture with this aim and vowed that follow-up meetings would be held every year in the form of community conventions and ‘Vision 2025 Watch Reports’. The first watch report will be published after the conclusion of the first year process in September 2016. In the end following resolution was passed by Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed with concurrence of participants

Karachi Declaration for 2025 Pakistan

2015 demands from Federal and Provincial Governments to incorporate following rights into vision 2025 documents:
1. Right to basic needs – Access to essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, water and sanitation.
2. The right to Security – Protection of life, property, dignity, and also protection of disabled, vulnerable and marginalized people or groups.
3. The right of access to information -Right to have access to information to make informed decisions and safeguard against dishonest or misleading advertising and labeling.
4. The right to elect the representatives of local democratic institutions – freedom to engage in electoral democratic process and involve in decision making of development projects
5. The right to be heard – To have Citizen Interests represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services.
6. The right to justice- the right to easy access of justice and to receive fair settlement of just claims including compensation for losses.
7. The right to a healthy environment -To live and work in an environment that is non-threatening to the well-being of present and future generations.

Trainings Workshop on Proposal Writing and Budgeting

Two training workshops on Proposal Writing and Budgeting were conducted for other organizations in Multan and Thatta during the quarter by HANDS trainers Dr Aslam Khan CHR and Dr Irfan Ahmed Khan SGM Resource Mobilization. A total of 52 mid-level managers from 19 different organizations participated in the trainings. Interactive discussion was carried out on proposal development, proposal writing process, fundraising, communication with donor, and budgeting process. Group works were done to develop a live proposal for submission by the participating organizations at the end of the training workshop. This is part of the process by HANDS ICD to build the capacities of other organizations for community development.

ToT on Community Based Disaster Risk Management CBDRM

Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Training of Trainers was conducted by HANDS Social Mobilization & Disaster Management Program in four Districts of Nothern Sindh i.e Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmoreand Ghotki. Under HANDS-MI DPDRR (Disaster Prevention Disaster Resilient Rehabilitation) project funded by German Government.The main objective of this training was to strengthen the local Civil Society Organizations / Non Governmental Organizations working at District level.These local Organizations were selected through the screening process by HANDS Social Mobilization & Disaster Management Program

Three Days training on Urban Disaster & Contingency Planning

HANDS Disaster Management Program organized three days Training for Rural Community Development Council RCDC Gwadar staff on Urban Disaster Management & Contingency Planning at HANDS Institute of Community Development Gulshan Karachi. The main objective of the training was to strengthening the Capacity of RCDC team on the subject so they can face any disaster/ emergency situation and also as an organization so that it is able to develop Organization’s contingency plan.

Citizen Report Card (CRC):
Sustainable Water and Sanitation Services in selected KatchiAbadis of Karachi (MER)

HANDS successfully conducted a research on Citizen Report Card (CRC) to assess the situation of WASH in Selected katchiabadis of Karachi in the month of January & February 2015. A Citizen Report Card (CRC) is defined as an assessment of public services from the point of view of users. The Water Aid and HSBC provided financial assistance in carrying out this research study in 32 Urban Slums of six districts of Karachi. The data was collected through 800 household interviews and 12 FGDs. Water samples were also collected from 12 sites of the area to measure the quality of water.

Key Findings of Study:

13% of total 800 Respondents were using apparently unsafe drinking water obtained from Water tankers, Boring, Hand Pump and neighbors.
l Nearly 67% (536) Respondents were not using any kind of water filter or treatments for safe water for drinking purpose.
l Data indicated 8.5% HH members who practice open defecation due to non- availability of latrine facility at home.
l 62% Respondent throw household trash on streets/roads, fields/open plots and Sea / drains.
l Solid waste was disposed through open dumping (81%) followed by burning (12%), Land Filling (3%), collection by Municipal worker (2%). A very small quantity (1%) was disposed through Scientific method.
l 45% respondents stated that following most common and wide spread diseases such as; Kidney, Skin, Malaria, Dengue, Sore throat, Eye infection, diarrhea, Stomach pain, Constipation, Hepatitis were caused by using unsafe drinking water.

12 days training of RBCS teachers at Karachi Rural

The Rural Based Community School Education program is an initiative of HANDS with the collaboration of Sind Education Foundation. HANDS signed an agreement with Sindh Education foundation to established 25 schools in the rural areas of Karachi. The aim of project is to increase access to quality educational facilities in far flung area of Karachi rural. The project is a natural extension of the organization’s community based schooling initiatives and brings together the resources and development efforts of the public, community and private sectors. A 12 days training for the teachers of class 1 and 2 was organized at HANDS-ICD Karachi rural from 14th March to 25th March, 2015.

4 Days Refresher Workshop for SRP Team

A 04 Days Refresher Workshop for TLAs was arranged in SRSO Complex, Sukkur to enhance their understanding of SRP framework. The main assignments were to discuss lesson plan, portfolio development and to briefly describe reading activities, establishment of learning circles, techniques to coach and mentor at school level. HANDS Pakistan, IRC, VTT Global and MDC SRP Teams 145 participants took in workshop.

Winter Camp at Sughra Sabir Memorial school at Nodo Jokhio

Winter Camp activity was organized by RBCS team with the objective and vision to provide village children an opportunity to show their hidden skills and have fun during winter vacations. HANDS education program team decided to compensate the deprived village children by organizing winter camp for 200 children. During the camp various interesting activities were carried out
1. Indoor and out door games
2. Quiz competition
3. Rhymes, story telling etc.

Monthly feedback meeting with Field mentors

Feedback meeting was conducted on January 01, 2015 as follow after TCPD December 2014 at HANDS ICD Karachi with Master Trainers, Technical Working Group and SRP Field staff of HANDS Karachi and IRC  and SRP Staff participated in meeting to discuss issues and success during 02 Day workshop. Master Trainers shared their field plan for coming months and also presented working of their group Participants.

Ground Breaking Ceremony Construction School Dumba Village Karachi

An event of Ground breaking Ceremony was organized by CMP on 19th March 2015 at historical village of Karachi named Dumba Goth. Mr. Nisar Ahmed Khohro(Senior  Minister Education), Mr. Sajid  Ahmed Jokhio (Member Provincial Assembly  Gadap town), Mr. Graig Gotlaib (Mission Director-USAID), Mr. Leon S. Waskin (Deputy Mission Director-USAID), Mr. Randy Hatfield (Advisor-USAID), Mr. Parvez Pirzado (USAID), Mr. Tameezuddin Khero (PMIU), Mr. Khalid Hassan Khan (Chief of Party-SCMP), Mr. Rafiq Mangi  (Deputy chief of party-SCMP), Ms. Shama Shaikh, (Advisor SCMP), Mr. Qalander Bux Behrani General Manager Education and Literacy Program HANDS, Mr. Lal din Balal (Senior Field Officer CMP), Mr. Maqbool Ahmed Rahu (District Executive Manger HANDS), Parents Community Members of village, SMC sub Committees members of GBPS Dumba Village, Govt officials of  education department, Students of GBPS Dumba Goth Participated.

Distribution of Chingchi/Rickshaw

During this quarter Jan to March HANDS Livelihood program with the support of MI and BMZ Germany has provided Rickshaws / Chingchis to most vulnerable 36 families of UC Qadirpur Jacobabad. The aim of distribution of Rickshaws / Chingchis is to enhance the income of beneficiaries who have less income to support their families. HANDS intervention hasenabled themto realize their dreams.

Skill development Training of Home Based Workers

Under GEP project Skill development Training of Home Based Workers was held from 23rd to 25th and 28th to 30th April  2015  at Korangi Crossing and Ibrahim Hydriin which 56  Home Based Workers were trained. At the end of the workshop each Home Based Worker developed one product.

Arif Habib MISALI Project

Integrated project known as MISALI in the collaboration with Arif Habib has been started by HANDS in 5 villages of Matiari and Shaheed Benazirabad districts. The project focuses on improving Health, Education, Livelihood and WASH services of targeted communities.

Public Private Partnership (PPP)

Prof.  A Gaffar Billoo, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed & HANDS Board members held meeting on Public Private Partnership in health services with Sikandar Ali Mandhro (Parliamentary Affairs and Environment, (Addl:) Coastal Development Authority in Sindh Assembly Karachi. Under the Public Private Partnership model Government of Sindh wants to transfer the management control of some government hospitals to reputable Non-government Organizations (NGOs) for improving and ensuring the provision of efficient healthcare service to the people of Sindh through a performance-based partnership.

Civil Society Alliance for Scaling up Nutrition

Non-partisan, non-profit, national nutrition alliance was formed by Civil Society Organizations known as Civil Society Alliance for Scaling up Nutrition, Pakistan” in short “SUN-CSA, Pak. Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed (Chief Executive)  HANDS was elected as Chair by representatives of Civil Society Organizations. CSOs’ alliance can play an important role not only in terms of holding governments to account but also for supporting governments in achieving commitments made. In line with SUN framework, the CSOs Alliance will monitor the overall situation of nutrition in Pakistan and advocate for policy and legislative reforms as well as adequate budgetary allocations to address malnutrition in the country.

Three Days Training on Urban Disaster Response & Contingency Planning

Three Days Training on Urban Disaster Response & Contingency Planning training was conducted by Mr. Muhammad Raheem Marri GM (SM & DM) & Mr. Sikandar Rahu Manager SM & DM from 19th March 2015 to 21st March-2015 at HANDS ICD Karachi Urban. Training was conducted on Types of Urban Disaster, Disaster Management Cycle, Urban Disaster Management during Cyclone, Emergency Contact details, Contingency Planning.

Benazir Housing Cell (BHC) Home for the Homeless

HANDS in collaboration with BHC (Benazir Housing cell) Government of Sindh has been involved in the noble cause of providing “Home for the Homeless” .The project aims to benefit 505 families at district Mirpurkhas and Umerkot. The project involves transparent process for the selection of deserving beneficiaries for the providing shelter. 85 shelters were completed during the reporting period in both the districts.. Each unit comprises of two rooms, veranda and a toilet. Simultaneously 35 were completed in Umerkot.

Community WASH

36,832 people from poor and marginalized population living in urban slums of Gadap Town got access to safe water through improved, equitable, safe and sustainable water supply source as a result of installation of 16 Water Supply Schemes. All the schemes installation process including procurement was led by communities through formation of Muhalla WASH Committees, who now will be responsible for Operation & Maintenance of the schemes.

Up gradation of pumping station for UC-7 was completed with installation of Water Turbine Pump. The process of turbine pump was also led by the community through Muhalla WASH Committee formed for the pumping station. 60hp Water Turbine has enough capacity to pump the water to all newly installed water supply schemes as well as enabling some users get the water in old lines, which were not getting water due to lack of pumping capacity.

Media Sensitization events and Media Exposure visits for the purpose of proactive engagement of Media for the advocacy related to WASH rights using print & electronic media were conducted with the WASH Media Forum members.

For the awareness raising in communities and advocacy purpose about health & hygiene, its importance and their rights about safe water; Wall painting continued throughout the quarter in communities and schools. Community Exposure Visits were conducted in 10 Muhalla WASH Committees to enhance the awareness regarding development of a model WASH Committee. 2 Hygiene Quiz Programs were organized with support of school children. These programs were held for the community awareness through creating competition in children and role playing about hygiene.

To create awareness among community and stakeholders, World Water Day was celebrated with the participation of 150 people from community, KWSB officials, Education Officials, School children and other stakeholders.

“Water for People” Conference was organized with support of NED University, Karachi. The conference was indeed a successful event which gathered and highlighted the thoughts and opinion of different groups and intellectuals on urbanization and water issues of Urban Sindh and provided a platform to discuss different issues amongst concerned people and authorities. the conference.

School WASH
13,417 Users got access to improved hygienic sanitation due to repair and rehabilitation of Water Supply Facilities, Hand washing Facilities and Latrines in 46 schools.
Repair & rehabilitation process was completed with the support of Wateraid . Each SMC has complete planning for repair & rehabilitation work carried out by them with technical support from project teams.These users were also sensitized about WASH through Health Action School (HAS) Sessions arranged in schools. The HAS sessions were conducted for promotion of hygiene awareness in children about importance of Hand Washing, Utilization of boiled water, Prevention from Malaria, Preparing ORS at Home, etc. These HAS session were conducted by teachers trained according to Health Action School Training Manual of project while team monitored the sessions.

425 Hygiene Advocates (267 Boys & 157 Girls) were involved to promote hygiene behaviors in the children through formation of Children Clubs in schools.
243 girls students were enabled through sensitization in awareness session on topic of practicing safe MHM in privacy.
Health Action School (HAS) Trainings for hygiene education through Child to Child Approach was conducted.

Punjab flood Emergency Response Project

HANDS with the support of DFID UK launched Flood Emergency Response Project in 04 critically assessed districts of Punjab (Jhang, Mandibahudin, Muzaffargarh and Multan).

As the NFI package consists of roofing kit material that includes (14 Bamboos, 01 Girder, PE sheet, Solar light and winterization kit) were distributed among 10,000 highly affected families. Moreover 70 schemes of conditional cash grants were launched to repair or make small culverts, bridges, sanitation system, pathways ofdamaged schools and hospital buildings that were affected badly with floods of 2014. Approximately 5000 beneficiaries received and properly utilized the complete relief package.

Project Introduction Sindh Community Mobilization Program

Sindh Community Mobilization Program is USAID-funded, This program supports the Government of Sindh (GoS), including its Department of Education and Literacy (DOEL) and Project Management and Implementation Unit (PMIU), with technical assistance, training, and resources to implement localized community mobilization methodologies, maximize stakeholder participation, and facilitate demand-driven, gender-sensitive and child-centered interventions that increase girls’ enrollment and engage the private sector in school management.

HANDS-IRD implements CMP activities in targeted geographic areas of Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Karachi in the Sindh, in close collaboration with target communities and with the DOEL and the Department of Health.

SMC Sub Committee Trainings by CMP Field Teams

CMP field teams, Kashmore, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Karachi and Larkana conducted SMC Sub Committee Trainings in all remaining clusters. In those clusters, SMC sub committees of schools participated. From each school members of 3 sub committees (Social Mobilization, DRR, WATSAN and Gender and Monitoring and Evaluation) participated in training. During the period 419 SMC sub committees and 2,095 committee members were trained. Topics of training were social mobilization, DRR, monitoring, record keeping, girl’s enrolment, school development plan.

Capacity Building Session for Mentors on January 5-7, 2015 at HANDS ICD Gulshan-e-Iqbal

The basic purpose of this training is to train a group of motivated life skill educators and community health workers as mentors for the adolescent RH leaders. It was a three day training to these educators on running community mobilization and advocacy campaigns for reducing early marriages and teenage pregnancies. Each trained teacher/mentor will be assigned a group of 10-12 RH leaders and they will provide guidance and support to RH leaders in carrying out tasks in the community.

International Women’s Day Celebrations by the District Field Teams

International Women’s Day is marked to recognize the achievements of women and to raise the voice for the rights of women in the world. Following the theme of celebrating international woman day CMP Field teams of Karachi, Sukkur, Kashmore, Larkana and Jacobabad, celebrated international Women Day for encouraging the efforts and acknowledging the role model women in their respective districts.

Livestock Training for Veterinary Workers

HANDS observed the need of community to conduct training regarding livestock management. Therefore 10 days veterinary training for community members was conducted in district Jacobabad for six CBO’s in UC Qadirpur which are dependent upon the livestock for their living.
Gender Based Violence Training (PPAF)

HANDS team has conducted ToTs on Gender from February 26-28 and March 10-12 with PPAF partners. Ms. Rahila Rahim is a Gender Certified Trainer and has experience in conducting Training of Trainers (TOT). This training was organized at DRMC Thatta.

Training on Search And Rescue for RCDC Staff at Gwadar
Three Days Training on Search And Rescue for RCDC Staff at Gwadar was conducted by Mr. Muhammad Raheem Marri GM SM & DM & Mr. Sikandar Rahu Manager SM & DM from April 1 – 03, 2015. Training was conducted on Disasters, Floods, CBDRR Approach, Rescue, Earthquake, Cyclone, Urban Fire and Communication.

Capacity Building Session for 120 KIRANS

120 adolescent girls (aged 16-19 years) will be selected and capacitated to become RH leaders. These girls will be capacitated to strengthen their leadership, mobilization and advocacy skills to speak out about early marriages and their consequences. After training these RH leaders will carry out incentive based community mobilization and advocacy initiatives. A work plan containing strategies and methodologies has been developed for KIRANS on last day of the conference.

Summary of HANDS Quarterly Progress Report
January to March 2015
HANDS has a network of 33 offices across the country and have access to more than 21.9 million population of nearly 21,538 villages/settlement in 44 districts of Pakistan. These offices are supported by 5,426 medium and small size organizations’ network in Pakistan. Direct beneficiaries of HANDS in this quarter are 1.75 million people, who are getting support through 39 projects.

HANDS Human Resource & Institutional Development (HR&ID) program organized 41 trainings. 1,135 participants attended these trainings in the quarter. During the reported quarter HANDS formed 45 Men and Women Community Based Organizations and overall 5,671 CBOs have been formed in different districts. HANDS Disaster Management program provided 2,827 Roofing Kits , 1,748 Solar lights, 2,186 Winter Kits and 1,738 Water Filters to the flood affected families of Multan, Jhang, Mandi Bahuddin and Muzaffargarh districts in this quarter.

HANDS IDEAS program constructed 5,579 shelters in this quarter in different districts of Pakistan and also provided 22, 658 roofing kits. At present 1,483 shelters are in process of construction and 74, 322 Shelters have been constructed in last 4 years. Overall 98,463 people have benefited through shelter with huge investment of PKR 2.3 Billion. 350 CPI schemes comprising Work yards/ lime block yards, play areas and kitchens have been constructed in this quarter. During this quarter, 2,829 WASH Schemes comprising Latrines, drainage schemes, and water facilities were constructed. Livelihood Enhancement Program has quite extensive activities and is divided into two components i. e. On- Farm and Off – Farm. In this quarter livelihood on farm investment is PKR 6, 487,600 and off farm is PKR. 98,998,100. In this quarter under Livelihood Enhancement Program total 5,635 Off farm community members have been provided assets comprising Agriculture Farms, Agriculture Inputs, Fruit Plants, Fodder trees, Tree plantation, Poultry/Hatchery and Microcredit.

HANDS Health Program is benefiting the poor community through medical services since 1994. In this quarter, 38,578 clients have been treated through BHUs, CDG HANDS Hospital and other Units. HANDS is working in district Tharparkar on Nutrition of Children and PLWs. Till March, 2015 Health team have screened 139,613 children and Women. Out of them 95,437 were children and 44,176 were women. 21,355 children and 11,531 women were malnourished. HANDS started the treatment through OTPs and with the grace of Almighty Allah 12,427 children and 6,075 women were cured successfully. There is a huge amount of 130 million has been expended regarding this.

HANDS Education & Literacy promotion programs has 997 Intervention units which include 793 primary schools and 204 secondary schools in various districts. Education and literacy program is providing benefits to the community through community teachers for ECE, and govt. teachers of primary and secondary schools. During this quarter 4 press conferences /media exposure visits, 2 video documentaries and 3 FM messages campaign have been done by ICR & A Program. Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) program conducted 12 researches and 63,309 respondents were interviewed in Jan to March. HANDS Resource Mobilization program submitted 56 Proposals and EOIs / Concept Notes in January to March 2015. 19 EOI/Proposal were submitted in January, 17 in February and 20 in the month of March.

SHE Leads Conference Awareness to Action Project
March 3, 2015 at PC Hotel Karachi
This was program to acknowledge that Kirans have worked under Awareness to Action (A2A Project) and after completion of two sets of trainings; they have worked for creating awareness in their community about negative consequences of early marriages. During this process 90 Kirans reached out to 9000 young females of Karachi (rural) with messages on SRHR of girls and consequences of early marriages/teen age pregnancies to bring positive change in the community. On achieving these targets, the program has arranged to give incentives and appreciations to those Kirans, who have been engaged in community advocacy regarding safe Motherhood, early child marriages, early pregnancies, sharing of their learning and experiences about the task they have completed in Karachi district.

As the title of this program “SHE Leads” reflect that program was lead by the young girl (Kiran) Rasheeda with full of confidence. She carried out the program according to Schedule, TilawatQalam-e-Pak was the initiate of the event, Dr Anjum Fatima from HANDS welcomed to all, incentives (tablet PCs ) distributed among the beneficiaries. Mr Qadeer Baig Country Representative Rutgers WPF took a great part in the event with his valuable speech regarding the A2A project. Two Role-plays based on a real case study performed by the Kirans of G.G.S.S Wali Muhammad Goth and Tayyaba Fellowship school, which were main reflection of whole struggle done by Kirans ( Motivation by Kirans to stop early marriage and effects of early marriages). The way Kiran Rasheeda was moderating the event was very great. Personal experiences shared by Kirans Aisha, Sabrunisa ,Rashida and Shirin. Teachers also shared their working experiences in community. All participants appreciated their presentation. Rasheeda and other Kirans who were performing, exhibited their leadership skills with excellent performance, they captured whole crowd by their inspiring words and activities. A admirable Speech given by Dr Yasmeen Qazi about the thought behind the project, her life struggle. Ms Bina Shah, journalist also addressed to young Kirans, she was very happy to saw the talents of young Pakistani girls. Dutch Ambassador Mr Marcel de Vink was very impressed from performance of Kiran. According to him,”I AM PROUD OF YOU”.

HANDS NEWS BULLETIN October-December,2014

Post-One Year of Earthquake in Balochistan

HANDS organized a seminar in Quetta on “Post One Year of Earthquake” in Balochistan on October 2014. Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch was the Chief Guest,while Mir Qudoos Bizenjo Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Mr. Rehmat Saleh Baloch Minister for Health Balochistan, Sardar Mustafa Khan Tareen Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Balochistan, Prince Ahmed Ali Baloch MPA, Ms. Yasmeen Lehri MPA, Ms. Samina Khan MPA, Ms. Arifa Siddique MPA, Ms Masooma Hayat MPA, Mr. Kher Jan Baloch Political Secretary Chief Minister Balochistan, Advisor to CM Mr. Qaiser Bangali, Ex-DG-NDMA Zafar Iqbal Qadir, Director PDMA Asghar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Awaran
Aziz Jamali were guests of honor.

A large number of Senior Government Officers, Representatives of Donors and Civil Society Organizations attended the seminar. Prof. A.G. Billoo Chairman HANDS welcomed the Chief Guest and shared HANDS history. Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed Chief Executive shared HANDS interventions in Awaran, Balochistan through a documentary film. Chief Minister Balochistan and other speakers appreciated HANDS and its contributions for a large number of affected communities and assured their further support to HANDS in Balochistan. HANDS Chairman and Chief Minister Balochistan handed over keys of two ambulances to Deputy Commissioner Awaran for the people of Awaran.

Chief Minister Blalochistan Dr. Abdul Malik, Prof. A.G. Billoo and Yasmeen Lehri MPA Balochistan Assembly attending seminar at Quetta on post earthquake in Awaran

Dissemination Seminar on Impact Assessment of HANDS Health Workers Model “MARVI”

HANDS has launched its end evaluation report of a well know project “MARVI”. A series of Marvi dissemination seminars were organized in each provincial capital Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and one in Islamabad. Purpose was to share impact assessment of Marvi Project with Government Officials, Policy Makers and Civil Society Organization Representatives. Further, this model could be scaled-up and replicated in uncovered areas where there is no Lady Health Worker.

Prof. A.G. Billoo addressing his views on health issues on the occasion of dissemination seminar of MARVI workers

Update from Relief and Recovery Project at Balochistan

The most significant progress in this project has been made in the rehabilitation of cold chain storage of five Government Health facilities through installation of solar operated cold chain units. Whereas Construction of 2,093 shelters have been completed in this quarter through delivery of knowledge and skills in the local context for the construction of disaster compliant components.

This project covered many components of earthquake rehabilitation activities such as restoration of livelihood through promoting income generating activities apart from providing earthquake resilient shelters. In this regard 132 cash for work groups were provided cash tokens which enabled 3,336 beneficiaries to enhance their livelihood in this quarter, while total 6,675 beneficiaries have been provided livelihood support since beginning through cash tokens provided to cash for work groups. These beneficiaries included 531 skilled labour, 5,876 unskilled labour and 268 focal persons.

In addition 25 WASH facilities were constructed in schools and hydraulic foot operated pumps were installed. These pumps were designed with “inclusion approach”, because anyone could operate these pumps even a small child could pump water. It can serve 300 people daily.

Hydraulic foot operated pump installation

Chairman and Chief Executive HANDS met Consul General of Jordan

Chairman and Chief Executive HANDS met and briefed
Mr. Yousuf Farrukh – Consul General of Jordan about drought stricken areas of Tharparkar and informed about basic services including food, nutrition and medical services provided to drought affected people. Further he was informed about Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) project in the colla-boration with UNICEF that would cover 20 UCs of Thraparkar aiming to reduce malnutrition and associated morbidity and mortality among children under five and pregnant/ lactating mothers.

Board members meeting with Consul General of Jordan

Chairman and Chief Executive met CEO Summit Bank

Chairman and Chief Executive HANDS held meeting with Mr. Husain Lawai Chief Executive Officer Summit Commercial Bank Ltd, he was briefed about HANDS interventions in various districts across country. He appreciated the work of HANDS in different social sectors like education, health, woman empowerment, microenterprise, water and infrastructure in deprived areas of the country.

Chairman and Chief Executive HANDS meeting with Mr. Husain Lawai CEO Summit Bank

PAP 15th Annual Research Conference

Chief Executive HANDS attended 15th Annual Research Conference of PAP from
18 – 19 November, 2014 at Bahria University Islamabad. The Population Association of Pakistan (PAP) in collaboration with Bahria University organized the conference. President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, honorable Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, graced the occasion as a Chief Guest. HANDS was also one of the major partners in the conference.

This year’s conference theme was “50 Years of Pakistan’s Population Program, Setting Strategic Priorities & Program Direction for Vision 2025”. The objective of the 15th Annual Conference was to provide a forum to the policy makers, researchers, politicians, religious leaders, media, civil society organization and development partners working on issues related to population and development that will help in disseminating stock of research findings in modifying policy development in Pakistan. Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed also chaired a session on reproductive health in the conference.

Participants of PAP Conference

Global Hand Washing Day

Students Participation in Global Hand Washing Day under UNICEF

HANDS with support of UNICEF organized global hand washing day in Karachi, with Global theme “Choose Handwashing, Choose Health” Hundreds of school children, teachers, volunteers and media persons participated and pledged with HANDS-WASH team and with  UNICEF Team to support the cause of hand washing. DG Sindh local govt department, UNICEF representatives and other CSO’s representatives participated in the event. While students from Karachi schools participated in large number and presented their views through role play

A view of Health and Hygiene Session at School CMP Project

and demonstration of proper hand washing.

To enhance the hand washing practices HANDS Community Mobilization Program team celebrated Global Hand Washing Day in District Kashmore at government schools on 29th and 30th of October, 2014. Health and hygiene sessions were conducted while large number of students, parents, community members, sub committee members, teachers,

Student Showing their Art Work on the Occasion of Hand Washing Day under CMP

government official of health department and School Management Committee members  participated. The practical session of hand washing and steps of hand washing were discussed with  students by CMP teams. Pictorial and drawing presentations were shown by students.

Policy Dialogue on Implementation of Child Marriage Act

HANDS and Rutgers WPF organized Policy Dialogue on 16 December 2014 at Regent Plaza, Karachi. In order to implement the newly developed law of Child Marriage Restraint Act the Rules of Business are essential. In this regards

Group photo of speaker on the occasion of Policy Dialogue on Implementation of Child Marriage Act

the dialogue was held to open the debate on rules of business. Minister Women Development Sindh, Rubina Qaimkhani Chaired the session and other Parlimentarians also participated in the dialogue and showed their commitment for compilation of Rules of Business. Chief Executive of HANDS welcomed all participants while the Policy
Dialouge session was moderated by Mr. Qadeer Baig from Rutgers WPF.

During the dialogue, Ms. Rubina Qaimkhani said that there should be a mass campaign on community level for awareness of people about new law and hazards about child marriage. On the Occasion Dr. Yasmeen Qazi said that district level intervention is needed and local level committees should be appointed to implement and monitor the law. Ms Erum Farooqui, MPA MQM insisted on the importance of increasing secondry school numbers to culminate the issue.

Policy Dialogue on Implementation of Child Marriage Act

Media Exposure Visit to Umerkot

HANDS organized a visit of media persons to district Umerkot for showing HANDS-MARVI project intervention on 16th to 17th November, 2014.  During the field visit reporters and media persons who were from different news agencies and channels interviewed MARVI workers to understand their nature of work.

HANDS Team with Media Persons during Media Exposure Visit at Umerkot

Update of UMEED Project

UMEED project is related to Family Planning and Reproductive Health and is being implemented in four districts of Sindh. A two day orientation training was conducted in two batches. The first batch was provided orientation on 16th-17th October, 2014 and second batch was provided orientation on 23rd-24th October, 2014 at ICD-HANDS Karachi. There were altogether 50 participants from four districts who attended the training. Participants included 10 District Executive Managers 20 LHVS, 10 Social Mobilizers and 10 District Monitoring Managers.

Update from Project Access Service Knowledge (ASK) Activities in Karachi Rural

An important project to raise awareness for sexual reproductive health rights and address the health issues of youth has been implemented in Karachi Rural and in Matiari. Under this project youth health friendly centers have been established in these districts.

Awareness Sessions on HIV/AIDS in Government Schools    HANDS Karachi Rural Organized Poster Competition in  Several Government Secondary Schools

Training Sessions  for Religious Leaders and Students under GAVI Project

Two trainings were organised under HANDS-GAVI Project. Training  sessions were also conducted for Religious Leaders. Other training on Expanded Program on Immunization and Vaccination was organized at Govt Girls and Boys High School, Allah Dino Sand village Matiari.

Activities by HANDS Institute of Community Development (HID)

In this quarter HANDS HID program conducted 21 trainings of different projects and 3,030 participants were trained.

Proposal Writing & Budgeting Training at Multan
HID organized Corporate Training on “Proposal Writing & Budgeting” on 9th and 10th December 2014 at Multan. 30 participants from Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Multan, Layyah, Islamabad, Kot Addu and Muzafargarh attended the training. The training was conducted by Dr. Muhammad Aslam Khan Chief HID.

Chief HID HANDS Facilitating Participants during Group Work

Leadership training of Govt. officials 

HANDS organized a Two Day Training for Govt Officials on Transformative Leadership on 29th and 30th December, 2014 in Karachi. The training was conducted by Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed Chief Executive HANDS. The training basically aims to improve knowledge on Leadership Skills. Participants learned eight Mindsets of leadership and also made their leadership development plans

Leadership Training of Govt. Officials

Exposure Visit of Staff – Islamabad

The Project staff of WASH supported by WaterAid was given an opportunity for exposure visitto to Islamabad. During visit team participated in Sanitation Festival. It was an important event which provided the platform where the working partners of WASH sectors gathered and shared their policies and strategies.  Delegates also visited Human Resource Development Society (HRDS) where they also got opportunity to visit Salt Mines and Khewera. Apart from learning activities staff also got opportunity for excursion in Islamabad.

Group Photo of HANDS Staff Exposure Visit

Continuous Teachers’ Professional Development (CTPD) Workshop

HANDS conducted a two day workshop on professional development for teachers of five districts (Sukkur, Larkana, Jaccobabad, Kashmore and Karachi) on 30th and 31st December, 2014. Under CTPD program 1,533 teachers have been trained on How to Develop Student Understanding of Reading and Mathematics. Teacher skills were enhanced in these subjects as they learnt how to communicate this knowledge to students.

Continuous Teachers’ Professional Development (CTPD) Workshop

In order to address the critical issues in early-grade reading and mathematics in Pakistan, USAID is supporting the Sindh Reading Program. HANDS and IRC are the implementing partners, the program is focused on improving assessments, distributing supplementary materials, and encouraging family participation. The program is expanded over a period of five years. Continuous Teachers’ Professional Development is probably more important than pre-service programs. In the pre-service programs, the prospective teacher learns about teaching, while in the class-room, the new teachers learn how to teach.

A View of Training on Management of Small Enterprises

Micro Finance to Eradicate Poverty

HANDS is implementing Khushhali Bank Micro finance project in three Districts of Sindh named Hyderabad, Matiari and Umerkot. HANDS major role is to mobilize the communities and form groups for providing  the micro finance services. During this quarter, HANDS has provided micro finance services to 1,103 community representatives to enhance their income generation activities through agriculture, livestock and small enterprises. Project team is also providing community management skill trainings to the beneficiaries.

Prime Minister’s Interest Free Loan Scheme

To combat poverty and un-employment, HANDS has launched  a  project at district Thatta Sindh, namely Prime Minister’s Interest Free Loan (PMIFL) Scheme, with the financial support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Productive micro-enterprise activities will be supported through loans.

HANDS Senior Management with Chief Executive of PPAF Distributing Cheques Among Beneficiaries

Project orientation was organized for the staff, in which Senior General Manager LEP disseminated the concept, methodology and strategies of PMIFL project. Project formats, MIS and the loan disbursement targets, strategy and recovery process on monthly basis were also explained to staff. Later on HANDS GM MER presented the orientation on poverty score cards and data management system software.

During this quarter 200 specially vulnerable and marginalized households received interest free loan services so their income generation activities through agriculture, livestock and small enterprises could be enhanced. Management skill trainings to the beneficiaries were also provided.

Corporate Social Responsibility by HUBCO

Under Misali Project of HANDS, supported by HUBCO camps were arranged for the vaccination of Hepatitis “B” and “C” as part of health intervention. 30 families were also supported for livelihood. A prominent change that will bring betterment in the community is provision of 30 street lights. RO plant is also been installed in village Alana to overcome safe drinking water challenge. All Community Based Organizations (CBOs) were involved in the process. This Project is in the vicinity of HUBCO power plant in Lasbella District.

Women CBO’s Training at MISALI Village

PRA Activity at MISALI Village

Housing for Underprivileged

HANDS, in partnership with Benazir Housing Cell, Government of Sindh, is implementing a project on “Housing for the Poor”. The project’s objectives are to ensure housing to the poor and needy people through which 505 families at district Mirpurkhas and Umerkot will be provided houses. A certain strategy will be adopted for the selection of beneficiaries and a process will be followed for the verification of the deserving families. So far 370 houses are completed in both the districts, each unit comprises of two rooms, veranda and a toilet.

Benazir Housing Model of One Room Shelter

Update from Khairpur; Sanitation Program at Scale in Pakistan SPSP

To scale up triggering process 133 Village Sanitation Committee (VSC) members were trained on total sanitation in the project initiated in 4 union councils of district Khairpur in Sindh. HANDS with support of UNICEF is implementing Sanitation Programme at Scale in Pakistan – Phase II. In this regard 294 villages have been targeted to ensure access to improve sanitation by creating open defecation free environment. In one year duration 106,000 people will be approach to “Total Sanitation” called PATS approach. The implementation strategy will be focused on “Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation” to up-scale rural sanitation through strong social mobilization by social organizers and community resource persons. In the month of December, 2014 UNICEF also organized coordination meeting where SGM IDEAS, Project Manager and project coordinator participated.

In this project 32 teachers have been trained on WASH in Schools, 23 WASH clubs have been formed in the schools to create a healthy environment and for developing safe hygiene practices. For achieving open defecation free status, it is aimed that 1,023 self-help based latrines will be constructed by communities themselves in villages. 55 demo latrines have been constructed with the help of Community Volunteers and Project Team. So far, 53 CRPs have been trained regarding CLTS facilitation. Four schools’ WASH facilities have been repaired and seven new WASH facilities have been constructed. Overall 70 school WASH facilities 883 demo latrines and 352 hand pumps will be installed. Moreover 10 model villages will be benefited through wet land schemes. 28 masons have also been trained to build low cost latrines. To ensure availability of water, four hand pumps were repaired and one new hand pump is also being installed.

Toilet Facility at Khairpur School                         Training of Community under Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation

Update from Urban WASH Project Karachi

The WASH project in Gadap is one of the most sparkling efforts by HANDS in collaboration with WaterAid. The project comprises of two components, School WASH and Community WASH. 10,274 Water users (4,204 male/boys, 3,795 female/girls and 2,275 children under 5 years) have gained access to improved, safe water through sustainable water resource as a result of completing rehabilitation / installation of 12 water supply schemes in the target area of Gadap Town.

The progress in School WASH project states that in this quarter 3,667 users (1,148 girls, 2,322 boys, 135 male staff and 62 female staff) have improved access to hygienic sanitation through completion of repair and rehabilitation of water supply facilities, latrines and hand washing facilities in 48 schools.

Toilet at Gadap Town School                                               Hand Washing Facility at Gadap Town Karachi

Water Supply Line Provision Work in Progress at Gadap Town HANDS WaterAid Project

HANDS Punjab Flood Emergency Response Update

Emergency Response Activity by HANDS at Muzaffargarh

HANDS Pakistan initiated emergency response in flood affected districts of Punjab initially just after the emergency begun with the evacuation of affected families through Boats and Trucks. The population from most affected villages were evacuated. More than 3,000 families were shifted to safer  places. Relief camps were organized by district administration and Government of Punjab in districts Jhang, Chiniot, Rajunpur, Sailkot, Muzaffargarh and Multan. HANDS delivered Medical Services and distributed food with support of government and other local organizations. HANDS teams have also delivered health education sessions in the IDPs camps.

Distribution of Relief Items to the Flood Affected Communities of Punjab

Report of Two Months Medical Camps in Different Districts of Punjab

Distribution of Relief Items to the Flood Affected Communities of Punjab

DFID Emergency Project 2014 Punjab

HANDS with the support of DFID UK took the initiative and started Flood Emergency Response Project in 04 highly affected districts of Punjab Province including District Jhang, Mandibahudin, Muzaffargarh and Multan.

Initially in critical emergency situation HANDS provided support through roofing kits to 1,948 beneficiaries in Chiniot, Multan and Muzafargarh to construct temporary shelters. Later, HANDS felt need for the expansion of project to cover more beneficiaries. In extended support to flood emergency response 10,000 flood affected families were selected and relief

package of roofing kits included 14 bamboos, one girders, PE sheet, solar light and winterization kits have been distributed.

Moreover, HANDS also focused on critical infrastructure in the flood affected communities of selected districts and repaired small culverts, bridges, sanitation system, pathways, schools and hospital buildings that were affected badly in flood. For this purpose a Conditional Cash Grant (CCG) will be provided to district level through CBOs partnership. Along with CCG. HANDS also focuses on waste water management by kitchen gardening through renovation of hand pumps under project head of community based WASH initiatives.

Medical Camp in Punjab

Enhancing the Resilience of Flood Affected Population of Pakistan

In the current quarter the efforts were continued for the support to the flood, rain affected families under the project name “Enhancing the Resilience of Flood Affected Population of Pakistan through Safer Shelter Activities Project”. 1,300 men and women CBO’s were formed and trained. The regular meetings to gear up the work in progress regarding shelters remained in process along with community development initiatives. This project aims to reconstruct 9,988 low cost shelters and for that 200 trained masons were engaged throughout the quarter for construction of low cost shelters by using lime and other local indigenous material.

Mobilization for women empowerment has continued through training 186 women to construct smokeless stoves. As an impact of these trainings 4,850 women took initiative to save themselves from effects of smoke through constructing smokeless stoves at their homes. Various awareness sessions on health, hygiene, cleanliness and DRR related guidelines were conducted in targeted areas. 62 Lime work yards were established with completion of target of 500 lime work yards in this quarter. Beneficiaries in the same villages were also provided orientation for usage of lime that was ensured at their door step.

Women Learned Making of Smokeless Stove

Mobilization of community for WASH initiatives continued under “WOW-ABLE” strategy. PRA and triggering for ensuring CLTS were completed in 70 targeted villages of all targeted Districts. Impact of the activities highlighted through construction of 524 low cost latrines by villagers. Four biogas plants were constructed at district Jacobabad, Ghotki, Kashmore and Shikarpur for learning purposes. HANDS is working to reduce the cost of traditional bio gas plant. 88 hand pumps renovation was also carried out with channels to make waste water reusable for plantation and kitchen gardening purposes, 60 waste water points were managed by community. 5,021 plants were also planted.

Training for CBOs

Updates on Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilience Rehabilitation (DPDRR)

60 members of 28 CSOs in four districts have completed their four days ToT on CBDRR under DPDRR project while a new coordination forum has been established. HANDS initiated Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilience Rehabilitation DPDRR project in August, 2014 in development partnership with BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Development Cooperation) and Medico International MI as implementing partner. The northern part of Sindh was selected as project area. This project aimed two pronged strategy which is strengthening of government institutions and also civil society organizations in the field of disaster risk management and at the same time enabling the actors, to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

Flood Safe Seed Bins (Annaj Ghar) have been Constructed                                                                                                                                           So far 30 hand pumps, 120 latrines with septic tanks have been constructed. three primary schools have been renovated; To ensure access to safe drinking water, 300 water ceramic filters have been distributed while 150 flood safe seed bins (Annaj Ghar) have also been constructed. 4 chingchi rikshaw have been provided to beneficiaries selected on basis of poverty score card and Livelihood Investment Plan LIP.

30 Hand Pumps have been Installed under BMZ Project

The newly eastablished Coordination Forum consist of all CSOs that are working in the field of disaster management at the district level, and other major stakeholders especially DDMA are the part of this important forum. Now the forum coordinates to streamline all activities and will conduct quarterly meetings in four districts.

Tharparker Report Published by HANDS

A rapid assessment was conducted by HANDS for Tharparker situation and its report was published. The aim of this survey was to determine the vulnerability of drought affected communities in district Tharparkar, province of Sindh. The survey was conducted just after Tharparker drought in March 2014 in four Talukas covering all union councils. The results depicted that majority of the population has been affected by the recent drought to some extent while the key findings and recommendation support stakeholders to intervene.

NEWS BULLETIN (July to Sept 2014)

Editorial

Pakistan’s educational institutions continue to be under threat of violence after the dastardly attack on Army Public School Peshawer. Despite threatening environment for educational institutions the students and teachers are showing determination for continuing education.

The Civil Society and other institutions are also playing their role through demonstrations and other means to condemn terrorism, showing that Pakistanis are a very vibrant nation. The challenges to control the elements which support terrorism need to be addressed. Despite lack of consensus among political parties on approach to deal with it there is complete agreement on eliminating these barbaric elements from the roots.

National accord is only possible when all segments of society will be treated just and provision of basic rights to people is indispensable.

To achieve this objective HANDS with its vision is committed to serve people and provide community development services to underprivileged to make Pakistan an truly Equitable Society where each citizen has access to facilities envisaged in MDGs.

We hope, this news bulletin will provide you crux of HANDS interventions and activities and keep you updated about development initiatives to address inequality of society.

Regards
Editorial Team.

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HANDS Annual Appreciation Day

Best performance Annual Award distribution ceremony for HANDS employees was held on  30th August 2014 at Baharia Auditorium. HANDS Executive Board members were present on the occasion for the acknowledgement and encouragement of the HANDS employees. Several dignitaries honored the day with their participation. Twenty eight media professionals received awards for their services in highlighting the efforts of social development sector and social issues. HANDS also awarded those legislators and committee members who supported child marriage Restraint Act 2013.

The award ceremony commencing with the recitation of National Anthem by HANDS staff along with Board members and Chief Executive

Guests of honour Abdul Hakeem Baloch and Senator Saeed Ghani presented HANDS Award 2014 to Sindh Parliamentarians and Govt. officials for the support of Child Marriage Act. Photos from left to right: Ms. Sharmila Faroqui (PPP MPA, Sindh),
Mr. Noor Mohammad Laghari (Sec. Labor & Human Resources Dept. Govt. of Sindh),
Mr. Aslam Shaikh (Add Sec. Law Dept. Govt of Sindh), Ms. Sumeta Afzal receiving on behalf Ms. Erum Azeem Faroqui (MPA MQM),
Mr. M.H.M Hassan Shah (Add Sec Provincial Assembly of Sindh) and Ms. Mussarrat Jabin (Add Sec. Women Department)

Media persons receiving HANDS Awards 2014. Photos from left to right: Mirza Iftikhar Baig (Dunya News), Kazi Asad Abid
(Editor in Chief Ibrat Proprietor Ibrat Group of Publication), Niaz Khokhar (Daily Sobh), Waqar Hussain (FM 107), Ashfaq Anjum (Jurat Akhbar), Liaquat Ali Shaikh (Radio Pakistan), Mohammad Ali (Daily Awami Awaz), Sarfraz Abbasi
(Eeditor Daily Lok & Montly Lok Magazine), Imran Shariff (Financial Daily), Khursheed Rehmani (Aaj Tv), Sajid Aziz (President KUJ), Fehmida Jarwar (Daily Sindh), Jamshaid Bukhari ( Daily Jang ), Sameer Mandhro (Express Tribune), Hafiz Magsi (AbbTakk), Jan khaskheli ( Daily Sobh), Javed Qureshi (INP), Jay Parkash (Daily Ibrat), Anwar Soomro (Daily Khabroon), Jaffar Memon (Sind Akhbar & Voice of Sind from London), Rafia Haider (APP), Faqir Saleem (Sindh Express), Malik Munawar (Channel 5)

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An Evening with Founder of HANDS

An evening with Chairman of HANDS Prof. A.G Billoo was organized on the appreciation day in order to pay tributes to him. Moreover, Q&A session was held with the family of Prof. A.G Billoo. The staff presented momentos, gifts and awarded him the title of Living Legend.

Chairman HANDS Prof. A.G. Billoo with his family and close friends on the occasion of “an Evening with Founder of HANDS”.

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Establishment of Learning Circles

In Sept, 2014 HANDS organized a meeting at Education Office Karimabad, Karachi with education supervisors of five towns, including Gadap, Orangi, Lyari, Keamari and Bin Qasim. In this meeting Ms. Iffat Kazmi technical advisor of Chemonics conducted the session on Learning Circles and its concept and implementation to all participants. This is one of the major activities of Sindh Reading Program which is supported by USAID. The program is expanded over a period of five years, HANDS is an implementing partner for the districts Kashmore, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and three towns of Karachi, including Lyari, Orangi and Gadap. The program is focused on improving assessment methodology, distributing
supplementary materials, family participation and teacher competency in mathematics and reading skills.

Demonstrating Patriotism at Rural Based Community Schools

HANDS is running 25 Rural Based Community Schools (RBCS) with the Support of Sindh Education Foundation and with various philanthropists. School at village Haji Nodo Jokhio U/C Darsano Chhanoo Gadap Town is among one of the best model schools situated in Karachi rural Sindh. On 14th August 2014 HANDS RBCS team organized Pakistan Day in which students of this school performed different activities and showed their love for the country.

Exposure Visit of KIRANS for Awareness to Action

The name of project “Awareness to Action “is self-explanatory as it explains its niche to create awareness and enable people to act upon, which they learn through various informative activities. The activities of the project include training, refreshers, survey data collection, networking and exposure visits. Under this project exposure visits of KIRANS were planned .The objective of exposure visits was to provide orientation to the KIRANS for their intellectual development. During this quarter, two exposure visits of KIRANS were conducted. One of the exposure visit was to the EDO health office Karachi. The objective of this visit to the EDO health office was to expose the KIRANS to the activities conducted under the EDO office. They were also informed about the working of this government office and how it manages the different health aspects at district level. During the visit they were also briefed about the Child Marriage Act 2014. The other exposure visit was to the Disaster Risk Management Center (DRMC) Thatta. The objective of this exposure visit was to provide orientation to KIRANS about the functions of DRMC and its role in different types of disasters. They were also exposed to different items kept at the DRMC which are used during different phases of any disaster like evacuation, relief & recovery and rehabilitation of disaster affected people.

These exposure visits added to the knowledge of the KIRANS and they were inspired to work for their communities with the same zest.

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Mother and Child Health – Our Collective Responsibility

Theme of the event was “Mother and Child Health – Our collective responsibility”. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of the participants on Mother & Child Health (MCH) issues besides that, it was also intended to raise the demand for utilization of MNCH centers adopted by Health And Nutrition Development Society & Maternal & Child Health Integrated Program (HANDS-MCHIP).

In addition to the event a one day Free Medical Camp was set up at Group MNCH Hafiz Meer Muhammad Kalhoro. CMW Azra and CMW Salma provided free services at their center on the day of advocacy event. Ms. Salma CMW of Group MNCH Center Hafiz Meer Muhammad Kalhoro was introduced with the event participants. Around 12 messages on MCH were highlighted through banners on the walls and repeatedly uttered during the session.

Participants of the event included Community members including men, women and children in large number, community notables, Lady Health Workers of National Program, members of Support Groups, Community Midwives (CMWs) and other stakeholders and organizations working on Mother & Child Health (MCH). Other Stakeholders included, District Health Department, LHW National Program, Peoples Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI-Dadu), Johi Organization for Rural Development And Natural Disasters (JORDAN) and LSU consultant. Dr. Ubaid Memon, Additional
District Health Officer (ADHO), was the Chief Guest of the event.

Community based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in Tharparkar

HANDS is successfully implementing CMAM project with the collaboration of WFP/UNICEF for malnourished population (Pregnant and Lactating Women- PLWs and children – 6-59 months) in Taluka Mithi and Diplo of district Tharparkar which are drought hit areas of Sindh.

HANDS Tharparkar team completed the WFP-Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program including distribution of 56.6 metric ton of WAWA MUM (Ready To Use Therapeutic Food- RUTF) in 37,737 children of age 6-23 months in Taluka Chachro, Nagar Parkar and Taluka Dahli within required time period.

This Project aims to save the lives of malnourished women and children in affected areas by improving their nutritional intake through the provision of effective nutritional supplement.

Training on Extended Program on Immunization

The purpose of HANDS-GAVI project is to strengthen the health communities at different level of facilities including Basic Health Unit (BHU) ,Rural Health Center (RHC) , Taluka Head Quarter (THQ), District Head Quarter (DHQ) and Diarrhea Treatment Centers to enhance vaccination coverage. Increased number of facility based deliveries were conducted by skilled birth attendants. The project also focused on improving the antenatal and postnatal service coverage. This project helps to achieve the targets of MDGs 4 and 5.

Under this project HANDS organized one day training on Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for government teachers in collaboration with district education department at TRC hall Matiari. It was a wonderful event aimed to train teachers of uncovered areas regarding importance of immunization and to support vaccination activities in their communities.

HANDS Representation in International Conference in London

Investing in Young People

The provision of reproductive health services through Green Star Social Marketing (GSM) is operational in district Dadu, Sanghar and Ghotki. The interventions of the project includes provision of reproductive health services through Marvis (community based outreach health worker- model of HANDS). Under this project a series of mega events were organized on 11th July 2014, the World Population Day, in district Ghotki, Sanghar and Dadu simultaneously. The event comprised of different activities such as walk, seminar, Mobile Service Unit (MSU), baby show and corner meetings. The theme of these events was to raise awareness of participants on various issues such as family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. This event is celebrated every year by RHSP team with active participation of stake holders.

Behavior Change Communication (BCC) for Development

This training was conducted by HANDS HR&ID program in which other program staff participated and learnt  key messages for development of behaviour change. General Manager HANDS ICR&A program was the lead trainer.

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470 Vulnerable Received Livelihood Support

HANDS with the support of Oxfam Novib started a 12 month project (March 2014 to March 2015)with the title “Livelihood Enhancement for Flood Affected Communities in Ghotki (Sindh)” to reduce food insecurity and to improve availability of food and enhancing incomes through capacity building of rural farmers on seed bank, poultry and livestock rearing. 470 Vulnerable Right Holders, received livelihood support including 10 agriculture farms, 120 beneficiaries for agri inputs (certified wheat seed, urea and DAP), similarly 260 beneficiaries received support in fruit, fodder and planting trees while 80 women beneficiaries received poultry birds. To enhance the capacity of all 470 beneficiaries, 180 farmers have been trained on seed bank, 80 women beneficiaries received training on  poultry birds , 100 beneficiaries received training on livestock rearing and 100 community members have been trained  on fruit, fodder and tree plantation.

Empowering Local Community through Addressing their Basic Needs

A new project with Arif Habib groups has been initiated by HANDS. This is the integrated project including Livelihood, CPI, Wash, Social Mobilization, Health and Education. The main objective of the project is to support the local community regarding their basic needs such as water and sanitation facilities, support in livelihood, enterprise development trainings provision of health facility and early childhood education facility are also part of project activities.

Village Development Plan by Community

HANDS supported HUBCO project for community mobilization, in vicinity of HUBCO power plant. The major objective of this project is to bring community at one platform and support them in understanding their problems and enable them to mitigate challenges at village level and dig out their solutions themselves with available resources. A person identified by the community will be responsible to resolve the issues. Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been formed at 3 villages Allana Goth, Qadir Bux Goth and Abbas Goth of Lasbella district. Further,their capacities have been built so that they could improve environment in their villages and can play their vital role in the development of their villages. The CBO members were also involved in assessment process during filling the poverty score cards of households in villages. Beneficiaries later selected livelihood enhancement plans and different businesses were chosen by villagers.
They also developed their own school development plan.

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Update from AWARAN-Balochistan

The Awaran Earthquake Response Project is implemented with support of Department for International Development (DFID-UKAid), with the objective to provide shelters to 4,500 families while priority is being given to women headed families. The model adopted for the shelters in this project is earthquake resilient model, suggested by HANDS with specific DRR components. So far 1,269 shelters have been completed through which 8,000 people were benefitted. Along with that livelihood support has been given through cash for work strategy in which 3,339 were benefited.

553 More Shelters for Six Flood Affected Villages of Matiari- Sindh 

The Project launched in 2012 by HANDS in Matiari with name of TAMEER III in connection with early recovery, rehabilitation and community restoration has been completed in September 2014. The project was funded by Medico International.The purpose of the intervention was to restore basic infrastructure, livelihood, improve social and economical conditions to reduce vulnerabilities of people.

Six villages benefitted from the project and total 553 shelters have been constructed. Water access has been given through 46 hand pumps to the villagers. Streets and culverts were also constructed in villages. Furthermore, 199 villagers received support in agriculture through land cultivation voucher and agri kits. Targeted communities’ capacities were also built through training to enrich their skills in their own work while 100 women received goats-package and 76 beneficiaries received poultry-packages. The important intervention of the area was the establishment of Market price information center facilitatate local farmers and agri-business community members. 136 villagers also received off farm livelihood support while Display Centre has also been established for their crafts. One center for Early Childhood Education at each village has been established while five government primary schools were renovated. In health sector, HANDS Marvi model was implemented in each village. A solar production unit has also been established under the project.

Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilience Rehabilitation

In the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, severe floods affected many districts of Sindh. HANDS in development partnership with BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Development Cooperation) and Medico International MI is implementing Disaster Prevention and Disaster Resilience Rehabilitation (DPDRR) project since Aug 2014. The project area is located in the northern province of Sindh and comprises four districts with a total population of approximately 4.7 million.  The floods caused substantial damage to private houses (mostly clay buildings), schools, streets, and other social and productive infrastructure. It is expected that till July 2017 six villages will be assisted in the reconstruction of infrastructure and provision of livelihood. These six villages are selected in union council Qadirpur of Jacobabad district where 30 hand pumps, 120 latrines, 06 primary schools will also be repaired. To ensure access to safe drinking water, ceramic filters will also be distributed. This project is aimed at both strengthening government institutions and civil society organizations in the field of disaster risk management and at the same time enabling the actors to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

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Water Sanitation and Health Project in Gadap Town

This project is running with the objectives to provide Safe Drinking Water to vulnerable communities of urban slums of Gadap Town, Karachi with support of WaterAid. Total beneficiaries of the project are estimated to be 134,900. Along with this, communities are also provided Capacity Building Training for Operation & Maintenance. Water users are also provided awareness about water conservation, water rights and health and hygiene behaviors. 19 water supply schemes have been provided under the project with coordination of communities and KW&SB benefiting approximately 50,000 people residing in slums. These schemes are based on Community Led Sustainable Intervention by involving communities and formation of Muhalla WASH Committees. Awareness and advocacy is done through FM messages, bill boards and other forums like Hygiene Quiz Programs, Awareness Raising Walks, Media Sensitization Workshops, Media and Community Exposure Visits and celebrating International Days like Global Hand Washing Day and World Toilet Day. This Project also aims to lobby Govt to ensure safe drinking water to communities.

Water And Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) facilities for 500 Schools of  Gadap Town

In Gadap Town Karachi, 69000 students and staff of  500 schools are being benefited by Water and Hygienic Sanitation facilities. This project aims to provide access to safe drinking water, hand washing facilities and toilets in the schools where awareness raising activities for health hygiene practices are also conducted. In this regard, intervention in 100 schools have been completed which is benefiting 20,000 students and staff. Awareness raising campaigns are also conducted in same schools for enhancement of hygiene behaviors of students. The teachers of the school are also trained through Heath Action School strategy.

Newly renovated school wash room

Sanitation Program at Scale in Pakistan SPSP II Khairpur

HANDS with support of UNICEF is implementing Sanitation Programme at Scale in Pakistan – Phase II in 04 union councils of district Khairpur, Sindh. In this regard, 294 villages have been targeted to ensure access to improve sanitation by creating open defecation free environment. In one year duration 106,000 people will be approached for “Total Sanitation” called PATS approach. The implementation strategy will be focused on “Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation” to up-scale rural sanitation through strong social mobilization by social organizers and community resource persons.

Participants during the practical demonstration in training

To create a healthy environment and for developing safe hygiene practices, WASH clubs are underway in schools to launch “WinS” (WASH in Schools). For achieving open defecation free status, it is aimed that 543 self-help based latrines will be constructed in 74 villages. One demo latrine has been constructed with the help of Community Volunteers and Project Team. So far, 48 CRPs have been trained regarding CLTS facilitation.  Two schools’ WASH facilities, have been repaired under the project while one more is in process to be constructed. Overall 70 school WASH facilities, 883 demo latrines and 352 hand pumps will also be installed. Moreover 10 model villages will be benefited through wet land schemes under this project.

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NEWS BULLETIN (April-June, 2014)

Editorial

In an agitated ambiance across the country each one of us is worried and disturbed what will happen to the ongoing process of democracy but one important thing has been realized that political awareness is one of the basic need which we have to impart in our citizens. It is usually said that education is one of the best way to improve political scenario of our country but it is strange that this not enough, education must accompany awareness about basic political rights which can only be entailed in a democratic government along with democratic values. In my opinion, in this way people can come out from personality driven syndrome and the process of accountability will initiate based on these values. If the State starts focusing on provision of basic rights to citizens, I guess many issues can be resolved easily rather than developing drawing room projects which is not needed. I hope through this issue of newsletter readers would like to learn about HANDS’ mega projects of education in support of Government and its major role in mobilizing community for enrolling their children in schools, schools’ rehabilitation and functioning of non-functional schools along with teachers training on imparting quality education. The issue highlights major efforts of HANDS in this quarter regarding health, education, livelihood and infrastructure. Readers may also find interesting to know about efforts that have been made for staff capacity building through two major events of national level exposure visit to Kalash and International visit to Turkey, these opportunities enhanced staff learning and team building. Another delightful news is about the launch of HANDS International in UK, registered as charity organization there as well.

I wish this issue will also serve in disseminating information about constructive work happening in Pakistan.

Regards

Bilquis Rehman

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HANDS-International launched in London

Dr. Saeed Ismail, Finance Secretary, HANDS, and Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive, HANDS, visited UK for the

Dr. Ismail, Dr. Tanveer Mr. Richard Huggins, Dr. Samad Billoo and Ms. Bee Rowan.

launch of HANDS International in London. They took part in various consultation meetings, field visits and HANDS orientation gatherings. All activities were conducted in presence of Dr. Samad Billoo, Mr. Gul Sanai and other representatives of HANDS International.

HANDS International is engaged in mobilizing the international community including overseas Pakistanis to come forward and support the initiatives of providing health care in remote areas of Pakistan, building shelter for disaster struck people, adopting schools for maintaining quality education, providing livelihood access and enhancing overall community development for the vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

HANDS International launching event at Manchester along with Dr. Gul Sanai of Sindhi Medical Association and representative Pakistan High Commission

Meeting during the UK London visit

Mr. Richard Huggins giving gift of his book to Dr. Tanveer.

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HANDS honors its patrons and friends at the Annual Fund Raising Dinner

The Annual Dinner in the honor of patrons of HANDS was organized on 21st June, 2014, at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi. Prof. Dr. Abdul Gaffar Billoo, Chairman, HANDS, and Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, CEO, HANDS, welcomed the guests with the brief on HANDS immense achievements reaching about 39 districts of Pakistan. The patrons and others guests relied their confidence in HANDS as an international charity organization with 1700 employees set on providing better health, education and livelihood opportunities to the vulnerable communities. A substantial amount of donations were announced in the event by the guests and other friends of HANDS.

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More than 56 thousand patient/clients get benefitted by HANDS Jamkanda Hospital in a year

HANDS acknowledges its more than hundred philanthropists and Health Department, District Malir, for providing basic health needs to 56825 patients through Jamkanda Hospital, major contributor names are Mr. Bashir Jan Muhammad, Abdul Ghaffar Dhedhi, Din Leather (Pvt.) Ltd., Saeed Allahwala, Abdul Wahab Lakhani and Prof. A. Jabbar. (Patient includes 31217 females,13550 males and 12058 children.) There are Gynecological and Obstetrical cases attended in OPD along with general female patients. The hospital has been maintaining an efficient lab test facility, x-ray facility and family planning services.HANDS Hospital Jamkanda has been delivering its services to the Karachi Rural community with clear objectives of easy access to health care under the management of HANDS Health Program with support of several philanthropists and Health department district Malir. It is located in the periphery of Karachi, Deh Landhi, Bin Qasim Town.

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Efforts for Child Marriage Law Implementation

A consultative meeting of stake holders including Civil Society, Media and Government dignitaries had been arranged by

Early marriage law implementation consultation meeting.

HANDS to address this issue. Dr. Abdul Shakoor from Health department said that the condition of maternal health is not satisfactory in Pakistan. On this meeting the civil society experts stressed on  to curb early marriage issues and urged for serious measures by authorities to stop early marriages and formulate appropriate strategy to implement the law of which cause early pregnancies and resulted in several complicated health problems for young mothers and new born child.

Community Awareness for child marriage law

In order to bridge this gap for women towards reproductive health and empowered life, Rutgers WPF in partnership with HANDS Pakistan and SAFWCO, is running ‘Awareness to Action’ after the successful completion of ‘Aaagahi se Agay’ in 2013. The launching ceremony of ‘Awareness to Action’ took place in presence of Dr.

KIRAN training under progress.

Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive, HANDS, Dr. Yasmin Qazi, Senior Country Advisor from the donor The David Lucile and Packard In order to bridge this gap for women towards reproductive health and empowered life, Rutgers WPF in partnership with HANDS Pakistan and SAFWCO, is running ‘Awareness to Action’ after the successful completion of ‘Aaagahi se Agay’ in 2013. The launching ceremony of ‘Awareness to Action’ took place in presence of Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive, HANDS, Dr. Yasmin Qazi, Senior Country Advisor from the donor The David Lucile and Packard Foundation, and Dr. Nafis Sadiq, Advisor to the UN Secretary General and Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Asia.

Awareness to Action is three year project implemented in Karachi Periphery and in Sanghar which aims to create a cadre of 650 young leaders known as ‘Kiran’ to actively mobilize community to raise awareness on child marriages, teenage pregnancies, girls education, reproductive health and safe motherhood.

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Bringing free maternal health services to rural Sindh

Only 16 percent among the poorest women give birth assisted by a skilled attendant, consequently bringing the highest maternal mortality rate in Pakistan (276 maternal deaths per 100,000 births) with an estimated 20,000 women losing their lives every year due to pregnancy and childbirth related issues. While in Sindh, MMR shows an alarming situation being more than the average national figure of 314.It is important to improve access to free medical services for women and promotion of healthy birth spacing to secure their lives. In this regard, recently a project for the period of four year has been launched in 10

districts of Sindh for ensuring access to family planning reproductive health services. HANDS Pakistan in collaboration with Marie Stopes Society is implementing the project in which women will get free services for pre and post natal care and safe delivery through skilled birth attendants along with free family planning services in 10 districts of Sindh. Lady health workers and MARVI workers will provide a voucher to community women MAWRAs i.e. women of reproductive age 14-48 years. These vouchers enable free treatment at local basic health units and private clinics. Further, district level clinics will also

be technically equipped to provide better health care facilities to deal any complications and avoid deaths during childbirth . The project has more than 79 thousand targeted number of beneficiaries.

In order to overcome the social barriers for effective implementation, HANDS is working on Behavior Change Communication Strategy and designed campaign for the purpose. In this regards dissemination of key messages on family planning and reproductive health messages are aired on cable TV and Radio FM. Simultaneous awareness sessions, one to one meetings help in reinforcing the messages.

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Commencement of New Batch in HANDS Midwifery School

HANDS Jamkanda Midwifery School held Lamp Lighting and Inauguration Ceremony for the 2nd Midwifery Batch supported

About 200 participants attended the ceremony in presence of Ms. Siraj-un-Nisa Essani, HANDS board member and other staff representatives. Event was facilitated by Principle Midwifery School HANDS and MNCH representatives.

by Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP) and Maternal and New Born Child Health (MNCH), at Karachi Rural.The Midwifery School Principle shared her experience in general about the overall initiative and as a midwife.

The lamp lighting and certificate distribution ceremony for senior batch followed, after which the new batch was taken on a hostel visit along with their parents.So far 403 CMWs have graduated from HANDS Jamkanda and Hala Midwifery schools and are committed to their service in villages. New batches have been initiated in March this year, one batch is comprises of 18 months residential training with in hospital.

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Promoting Safe deliveries through Skilled Birth Attendants

Maternal & Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) is aimed at preventing maternal, newborn and child deaths by ensuring skilled birth attendance (SBA) through a total market approach, empowered community, timely referral to EmONC and improved access to child care. JHPIEGO Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics.

The program aims to leave behind 1,000 high quality public and private MNCH Centers that conduct at least 20 deliveries

Advocacy meeting with lady health worker and community notables.

each per month, provide all seven signal functions of basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) and are linked with comprehensive EmONC facilities through an active referral and transportation system.

For effective
implementation, 2nd Advocacy Seminar for “Promoting Safe deliveries through SBAs” under HANDS-MCHIP project was organized at GHS School Phulji Station. The seminar served as a strong advocacy platform for the participating lady health workers, more than 60 women support group members, 40 men VHC members and community notables.

Dr. Siddique Panhwer, DO Health, Dadu, chaired the Seminar. Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bhand, District Patron, HANDS Dadu, and Mr. Karim Mangi, DC-MCHIP were the honorary guests.Ms. Irum Anayat, Senior Clinical Supervisor MCHIP, Mr. Feroz Memon, SMS MCHIP, Mr. Ashok, DPO-TRDP, and Mr. Hussain Mangi, PM-JORDAN were among the respected guests at the Seminar while Mr. Mansoor Veesar MM-HANDS observed the event.

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Promise to eradicate Polio from Pakistan

“Polio must be eradicated from Pakistan”, this was pledged by community mobilizers of Ibrahim Hydri and Rehri, during the two days training workshop on ‘MDGs focusing on Polio Eradication’ organized by HANDS Institute of Community Development in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), on May 27-28,

HANDS Advocacy and Social Mobilization team along with members of PPAF during the training for community members at HANDS Karachi Rural Office.

2014. As the total number of Polio WPV1 cases reported from Pakistan in 2014 reaches 66, the country is faced by ever more ordeals on the national and international front. Five new WPV1 cases being reported in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), including three cases from North Waziristan, one from South Waziristan, and one from Khyber agency.

Community members of Union Councils Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri of Bin Qasim Town Karachi took part in the training at HANDS-ICD Karachi Rural, Jamkanda. The training was aimed at training the community people about importance of Polio vaccine and its mode of spread. It was emphasised that hygiene practices especially use of toilet and maintenance of cleanliness prevent from Polio along with vaccination. The community people ensured their role in spreading these messages and promised to eradicate polio from their area by following the precautionary measures.

Mr. Manzar Elahi, Senior General Manager, PPAF, Mr Zafar Abbas Siyal along with Mariam and Sumaira from PPAF, were the master trainers at the event. While, Mr. Rahim Mari, General Manager, Social Mobilization & Disaster Management, Ms. Bilqees Rehman, General Manager, Communication and Advocacy, Mr. Khalil Wadhelo DEM, HANDS K.R  Conducted sessions from  HANDS.

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Education reforms through Rural Based Community School (RBCS) Project

For increased access, enhanced equity and improved quality at all levels of education, HANDS signed an agreement with Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) to established 25 schools in Rural Area of Karachi as part of the new scheme of ‘The Rural Based Community School’ (RBCS). The interventions have been designed in light of Government of Pakistan’s Education Sector Reform (2001-11) which recognizes the role of public-private partnership The program will cater to a minimum of 15,000 direct beneficiaries comprising students, teachers, parents and NGO staff through the 250 rural based community supported schools. These schools will be established in partnership with grassroot level NGOs across 10 districts of Sindh province.

The institutional strengthening interventions will focus on systematic development programs for educators and administrators, increase in professional development opportunities and incentives, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and establishment of strong performance assessment systems.

Activities on RBCS

HANDS facilitated five day training workshop on Sindh Textbook Board Course for Grad 1 & Grade II Community Teachers

Community Teachers Training on Enhancing Understanding of Sindh Textbook Board Course organized by DO Karachi Rural

organized by Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) under the project of Rural Based Community School (RBCS).

In this connection, 5 day workshop on Sindh Textbook Board course was organized by HANDS KR Team, with support of SEF, designed for Grade I & Grade II teachers to trained them on lesson planning and related activities.

At the end of the workshop participants were able to understand the Sindh Textbook Board contents, enhance the knowledge regarding pedagogy and learning process through activity based teaching, enhance the knowledge regarding effective lesson planning, enhance the knowledge regarding classroom management and arrangement, understand the relationship (integration) between all subjects and develop an understanding regarding national Curriculum of Grad I & Grade II.

Delegation Visited RBCS Project at HANDS DO Karachi Rural

Mr. Aziz Kabani, Director of Sindh Education Foundation, Mr.Ashafaque Hussani Meerani, AD, RBCS along with HANDS

Mr. Aziz Kabani with HANDS team during the visit.

that the sanitation and hygiene issue caused by sewerage water in front of girls’ school also the problem which create problems for students. Therefore, girls were going to onother village school

team, visited RBCS Haji Dost Muhammad Bhumbro and RBCS Haji Ramzan Lassi at District Office Karachi Rural, on 18th April, 2014. The delegation was briefed about the project’s progress.

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Removing roadblocks in accessing girls’ education

VillageWakro is situated at a distance of 24km to the North side of Larkana, as a historical village of Taluka Dokri. In this village there is only primary school for girls, while for Secondary School girls had to go five kilometers away in Bakrani.

HANDS-CMP Larkana team working on Sindh Community Mobilization Project (SCMP) of USAID played a crucial role in reviving girls schooling in the village. It was explored after conducting the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) at the village Otaq by project team that the absence of a Girls High School had created much disappointment for young girls who are eager to acquire education there were unsuitable conditions at the existing non functional secondary school building. This was also explored during activity

implementing activities designed to meet these objectives in the four Provincial Districts of Sukkur, Larkana, Kashmore and Jacobabad and three Karachi City Towns of Lyari, Orangi and Gadap.

HANDS team facilitated and sensitized villagers about importance of girls education and taking care of girls going to school as they are exposed to severe difficulty this way. The HANDS team found that villagers have emotional attachment and ownership for the village but had no idea of managing the resources of the village. The exercise of which is difficult for them and many of the girls were not able to go due to the long distance.

The Community Mobilization Program (CMP) of HANDS is a five year program that commenced in August 2013 and focuses on component of reconstruction of school building which were damged in 2010 flood, while enhancing girls education and support Govt in terms of establishing, increase in enrolment and reinforcement of school administration through community involvement. HANDS will be responsible for PRA, in which the whole village map was drawn on the ground pointing each building and component, it enabled the villagers to think about their village with more ownership. It was learned after PRA that people realized it and were set at work to remove the water from the school front and making the place clean for female students to go to school. This is not only highlighted the importance of girls education but also put the foundation of overall development of the village. The villagers were so glad to hear the plan of reconstruction of new school for girls.

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Sindh Reading Program looks in to the issues of Early Grade Learning

In order to address the critical issues in early-grade reading and mathematics in Pakistan, USAID is supporting the Sindh Reading Program. With HANDS and IRC are the implementing partners, the program is focused on improving assessments, distributing supplementary materials, and encouraging family participation. The program is expanded over a period of five

The 10 day “Continuous Teachers’ Professional Development (CTPD) workshop was conducted under Sindh Reading Program, from 17th to 27th June, 2014. The training workshop was conducted for 150 Government teachers of primary schools from all HANDS-SRP districts Karachi, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad and Kashmore, to build the capacity of in-service teachers with multiple teaching methodologies and to enhance the reading and mathematics skills.

years.

During the orientation and launch of SRP, conducted by USAID, on May 14-15, 2014, the complete strategic plan was shared with the partners. HANDS is implementation partner for the districts of Kashmore, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and three towns of Karachi including Lyari, Orangi and Gadap. Whil IRC is implementation partner for the districts of Khairpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Dadu and two towns of Karachi including Bin Qasim and Kemari.

The program targets 75000 students, 25000 teachers and 500 government officials.Ms. Iffat Kazmi, Professional Development and Academic Advisor (SRP), accompanied Dr. Valerie during the facilitation. Mr. Qalander Bux, GM (Education) HANDS, Ms. Shabeena, PPM (Education) HANDS and Ms. Huma Khan, PPM (Education) IRC, co-facilitated the orientation.

Dr. Sheikh Tanveer Ahmed CE-HANDS, Mr. Qalander Bux Behrani G.M-E&LP and Ms. Shabina Ashfaque Manger-E&LP participated in the SRP Orientation Workshop & planning meeting with all Technical, Implementing and Education department officials and oriented the role of HANDS in the implementing of SRP project in 05 districts of Sindh.

District Education Department officers, Chemonics and HANDS officials participated in training closing ceremonies of their respective districts.

Kashmore school function

Annual school day celebration at Government Boys’ Primary school colony 1 under 5 Sindh Basic Education Program.

Hunarmand Markaz Display

The Hunarmand Markaz Display Centre brings a dynamic range of artifacts and clothes made by the skillful trainees.

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Hunarmand Taining Centre acknowledges its students

Certificate distribution ceremony was organized for the beneficiaries of Hunarmand Training Centre, batch 40, under collaboration of HTC and HANDS Karachi Rural.Mr. Haji Naqeeb Ullah, Managing Director, Golden Tech Stitching Embroidery (Pvt.) Ltd., Memon Goth,was the chief guest of the event in presence of Mr. Khalil Wadhlo, DEM, Mr. Ayub Rao, Mr. Hayat Baloch and other guests. This Center is performing duty under 13 females. Hunarmand Training Centre Memon Goth was able to produce 160 graduates, while 72 girls students got trained at Matiari.

Ms. Rahila Rahim, General Manager, Livelihood, along with the graduate trainees.

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Poverty Alleviation Initiatives

Livelihood Enhancement Program (LEP) launched Livelihood Project with the financial support by PPAF in Rehri and Ibrahim Hyderi districts of Karachi. The project covers the maximum number of poor including ultra vulnerable on the PSC. HANDS has proposed that the beneficiary households, previously served by PPAF funding, should now be given the additional opportunity to graduate and further enhance their productivity, capacities, and community contributions through provision of assets, trainings, linkages, Community Livelihood Funds (CLF), advocacy,youth initiatives, Nokri Karobar centers, production centers etc. The duration of LEP project is expanded over July 2014 to September 2015. The program intends to reach 110 beneficiaries through development of Community Resource Person (CRP), 140 beneficiaries of asset transfer and 500 livelihood enhancement trainees.

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Food Security Intervention: Agricultural training for flood victims

The new project of livelihood enhancement for the rain flood affected communities is being supported by Oxfam Novib in 10 villages of district Ghotki with a targeted number of 470 beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will be supported in Agri Farm, Agri Inputs, fruit plants, and fodder, trees plantation and poultry birds. Beneficiaries will also be trained through capacity building training on agriculture seed bank and poultry and livestock rearing.

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HANDS continues to restore life in Awaran with Support of UKAID

In the quarter March to May, 2014, project teams continued their efforts to provide recovery support to the earth quake affected families. Restoration process for earth quake affected communities continued in selected villages under DFID/UKAID. HANDS Relief and recovery Project for earthquake affected areas of Balochistan project through reconstruction of shelters, livelihood support, health initiatives, schools rehabilitation, and other social sector activities. The project aim to construct 4,500 shelters. HANDS is delivering the knowledge and skills in the local context for the construction of disaster compliant shelters, out of which 53 shelters are complete. HANDS is working with group methodology as an implementation approach to the project.199 CSG’s were formed and 42 CFW Groups were provided cash tokens from which 892 beneficiaries to enhance livelihood. Emergency health and education needs of the earth quake affected targeted area under the project have been fulfilled by conducting 7 mobile medical camps & establishment of 01 rehabilitation centre at DHQ Awaran. 25 CFS were continuously attended by 1469 children. Regular monitoring of the project has been conducted to ensure timely mitigation of challenges, smooth implementation and monthly progress reviews. 03 monitoring visit were conducted in this quarter by seniors by head office. HANDS Suggestion and Complaint Cell (SAC) is a fully functional system since DFID Awaran Project initiated. In order to ensure full accountability of its overall operations at all levels. HANDS SAC has been actively addressing complaints from intervention areas of the project.

One Room Shelter (ORS)
Soon after addressing immediate needs of the targeted communities by distributing some 10,000 emergency shelter roofing kits to be used as transition shelters, One Room Shelter started from November 20, 2013 providing the opportunity of cash grant of £300 to 4500 families to build earthquake compliance shelters in a year.

HANDS One Room Shelter model has not specified structure but are locally indigenous to cope up with situations of natural disaster and finalized the designed of one room shelter with community’s suggestions at each location.

HANDS with the help of Abu Faisal Trust installed seven hand pumps with well dig in district Awaran where the four hand pumps were installed in tehsil Awaran and the other three in tehsil Mashkey. These hand pumps are being utilized by about 237 households in these districts.

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Leadership trainings and Exposure Visits

Up to Kalash

HANDS leadership retreat at Kalash.

HR&ID program of HANDS organizes annual leadership retreat and exposure visit for staff members. During the exposure visit, HANDS senior management conducts learning sessions on leadership development. In this connection, a seven day leadership retreat was organized from May 25th to May 31st, 2014, in the northern areas of Pakistan for 29 staff members. The group explored Chitral, Kalash, Shandoor, Phandar Valleys, Mastuj, Lowari Top, Ayoobia, Nathia Gali and Muree, the entire route filled with scenic beauty and grandeur. Chitral’s collection of rugged mountains, sulphur springs, rivers teeming with trout fish, orchard-dotted slopes, friendly people and annual festivals are enchanting beyond description. For a modern day traveler this scenic region offers exciting and adventurous experience. Training workshop on Eleven Mindset of transformative leadership was also conducted. This training is designed by Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive, HANDS, as one of his own learning creation. The training model is just like a life guide that gaves valuable stuff to read, realize, assess and practice. The training focused on the successful life living techniques. All the participants actively participated in the training sessions and enjoyed this adventurous visit. Mr. Mumtaz Ali Khaskheli, Chief HID Executive, HANDS, led the trip. He also played his part as a master trainer of the group.

Mesmerizing Turkey

HANDS leadership retreat at Turkey.

Turkey is considered as a cultural seat in this modern developed world. There is a lot to see and learn from the country. Higher management of HANDS decided to plan an international study visit to Turkey. A group of 18 professional staff members availed that opportunity. The purpose of the visit was to explore the most famous tourist places, religious and cultural sites of the country besides getting exposure of NGOs/CSOs and other institutions. While visiting the country, the group met with various organizations; Rumi Forum, Pak Turkish Foundation, and Yelova Agriculture Organization among others. The group visited Istanbul, Yelova, Bursa and Canakkele. This visit gave opportunity to coordinate with Fatih University Istanbul and Kimse Yok Mu Solidarity and Aid Association Turkey. The process to build ventures with these institutions and other Turkish organizations has been initiated. It was one week extensive visit program held from May 12th to 18th, 2014. Mr. Mumtaz Ali Khaskheli, Chief HID Executive, led the visit.

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Download PDF Version

NEWS BULLETIN (Jan-March, 2014)

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Editorial

Pakistan’s challenges have now entered into a new phase with the commencement of peace negotiation with militants while violent attacks from both ends continue and the common people’s challenges for decent living remain stiff as before, in fact increased. The case of Tharparkar gave one more evidence of government’s insensible attitude towards people’s problems.

Surveys conducted are highlighting the facts that drought in Tharparker is mismanaged and misperceived by the authorities, the food was there but people could not access it, people’s power of purchase diminished due to their animals’ death, they were not able to carry their children to hospitals or health facilities because they did not have money or any transport services. Nevertheless, struggle for the betterment should not be stopped and following this principle HANDS is achieving its results in such challenging environment and laying examples of persistent efforts.

In present newsletter readers can find HANDS quarterly organizational report’s highlights which are presenting spectacular acceleration of HANDS’ beneficiaries in terms of capacity building trainings, income generation support, health and education services to underprivileged people and especially roof over their heads. The readers must find Tharparker realities interesting, included in this issue of newsletter. Moreover, concentration has been given to provide information to readers about issues for which HANDS is providing its services to deprived communities.

This is very encouraging that HANDS is now at the position where public and private sector stakeholders both approach HANDS when it comes to disaster mitigation or any other strategic interventions initiated in the country. This is more important that confidence of communities on HANDS is more stronger and they are doing their own efforts on self reliant basis and leading and taking ownerships of projects like incase of Adolescent Friendly Centers have now been taken up by the community youth on self sustained basis. MARVIs are becoming more and more self sustained by selling daily utility products in conjunction to the services of Family Planning, men and women are more strengthened to earn their own livings by learning through marketing and social enterprise development trainings.

I hope this issue of the newsletter gives readers a holistic sense of efforts and results which are coming through HANDS visionary leadership only.

Best Regards

Bilquis Rehman

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HANDS’ beneficiaries reach to 1 million

According to HANDS’ recent quarterly report, the numerous projects and programmatic sectors of HANDS have reached 0.90 million people as direct beneficiaries in the 2nd quarter of 2013-2014, as per the set targets. HANDS’ intervention facilitates the beneficiaries to solve their problems at community level, thus maintaining community participation as the most important priority.
HANDS Human Institutional Development Program conducted 62 trainings for 1990 participants to strengthen the skills of individuals and groups. Through its Social Mobilization approach, HANDS has been able to facilitate local community and formulated 450 men and women Community based Organizations (CBOs) in the mentioned quarter.

The past quarter remained significant for the Disaster Management program due to Earthquake hit areas of Tehsil Awaran and Mashkay where HANDS distributed food to 210 affected families, provided medicines to 558 families and treated 5594 patients through mobile medical camps. HANDS also provided 5,555 non-food items to the victims. Simultaneously, the series of projects running under Infrastructure Development, Energy, WASH and Shelter (IDEAS) have 327,382 direct beneficiaries.

HANDS believes in the financial empowerment of community through providing cash for work, Hunarmand Training Centre sessions and livelihood assets. This Livelihood Enhancements program has directly empowered 14,015 people. Moreover, an estimated 312,757 beneficiaries have been reached by Health Promotion Program in 28 districts through 2878 intervention units.

Further intervention reveals about HANDS’ community teachers for ECE, Parwarish centres, adult literacy centres and government teachers of primary and secondary schools to benefit about 24,118 number of community members.

All of the HANDS projects are based on the best practice models developed by Monitoring, Evaluation and Research program (MER) which conducted 04 researches on school facility assessment in Awaran, DFID Endline Evaluation, pilot study on beneficiaries’ feedback collection and WASH profile and surveyed 4031 intervention units.

Tharparkar Drought Realities

The ‘1st Situation Analysis Survey – Tharparkar’
by HANDS in support from UN-OCHA

HANDS has been able to release the rapid assessment report on Tharparkar famine disaster in technical support with UN-OCHA, to understand the situation of the people and to identify the root causes and result in action plan by the government and donor bodies. This document provides findings of a rapid assessment based on interviews with key informants (KIs) conducted by HANDS, from 11-14 March 2014, across 322 villages in Tharparkar districts. A standard tool of MIRA (Multi Cluster Initial Assessment) was used in this survey. The report reveals that 35 percent of the 15,077 families that depend on agriculture have been affected and require assistance to restore their livelihoods. Also 10,725 herds of livestock were reportedly lost. Some 55 percent of the communities reported that they have no fodder for their livestock, and another 42 percent reported available fodder sufficient for two to four weeks. A further 88 percent of the 6,433 families that depend on daily labour as their primary source of income have lost their livelihood, this created cash deprivation which hindered their communication and travelling to reach food and health facilities. Hence, immediate assistance in this regard was important.

The main health problems reported by key informants in the drought hit areas are diarrhea at 87percent, fever and malaria at 82
percent, followed by cough and respiratory tract infections at 79 percent, and lastly by skin diseases at 41 percent. It can be assumed that given their heightened vulnerability, they will require specific attention and specialized care by the trained healthcare providers. During the assessment, 66 percent respondents reported that nearest health facility is at a distance of more than 5 kilometers and of those 26 percent highlighted basic health unit (BHU) as nearest health facility, 24 percent reported DHQ/THQ as nearest health facility and 19 percent report dispensary as nearest health facility for them while in 32 percent village’s nearest facility was reported not functional which indicate more than one third population has to travel a long distance for availing healthcare services.

During the assessment, key informants of 39 percent villages reported that there are reports of women who have stopped or reduced breastfeeding after the drought, there is also a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding after drought which is 11 percent less than before (39 percent), an indicator strongly associated with an increased risk of malnutrition in infants and young children. In addition to that, infants and young children are also given goat milk, wheat flour, rice and biscuits as supplementary food. Water related issues were not of concern during calamity. As reported by 322 village’s key informants, water was accessible in most of the villages but more than 99 percent of the households do not treat drinking water as they count well water as safe. Women are widely engaged to fetch water from nearby sources, and nearly three quarter women spend one hour to collect the water. Only 11percent of the KIs identified problems in obtaining assistance in drought situation while 15percent of KIs reported security concern in the community. Radio and mobile phones are the main source of communication in visiting villages. Some 63percent informants reported mobile phone as primary source of communication, 53 percent KIs reported radio as mode of primary source of communication and 13 percent reported NGO staff is also primary of source of communication.

The report sends recommendations for short term relief till monsoon and long term 10 years’ strategy. This includes cash
compensation and supplies of livestock, seed distribution, restoration of irrigation, availability of safe drinking water, dry ration supply at door-step, provision of primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities, free or subsidized transport system and activation of awareness campaign with of mobile phones and FM radio.

According to Rahim Marri, GM, Disaster Management, HANDS, “Fortunately, the recent formation of HANDS’ nutrition management teams, helped in implementing an immediate vertical action plan in response to the famine emergency killing over hundred children. Our facility based nutritional management approach, static and mobile teams will be providing adequate nutritional care and treatment to malnourished children less than 05 years of age, pregnant and lactating women with acute malnutrition. Also, micronutrient deficiencies would be overcome through provision of micronutrients, vitamin and de-worming.

HANDS volunteers engrossed in assisting the disaster victims at Mithi District Hospital.

A group of 11 healthcare providers under the leadership of Dean Khyber Medical University, KPK, along with CE HANDS, visited HANDS intervention area in Taluka Deplo and organized Mobile medical camps at various locations. About 850 patients were initially treated and provided medicines with support of HANDS medical camps.

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HANDS promotes women autonomy

A challenge to the much celebrated notion of women empowerment still remains in the provision of basic ownership rights, a sheltered roof, health and education. In Pakistan, the notion of women empowerment can become a thronging reality only when the great challenge gathered up against the status quo for women’s equality and vigilance is channelized. The status quo in Pakistan sets rigid limits on women’s ownership of productive resources and rights to inherit property.In terms of integrated development, HANDS has effectively mapped rural Pakistan, mostly Sindh, providing women autonomy over land ownership through its Shelter program, supported by Department for International Development (UKAID), Medico International (MI) and several indigenous philanthropists. In this regards HANDS is striving since long for empowering women but in relief intervention this opportunity get doubled through which more than 0.1 million shelters were been handed over to flood victims in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan in which female headed households have been given major priority in shelter provision. A large number of women now owned their own houses.The development model particularly addresses livelihood enhancement of people in which women are given more priority. The target areas of rural Pakistan are generally bound by land values, inheritance traditions, ethnic backgrounds; and a mix of micro, small, and large landholdings. Through intervention, HANDS has been able to overcome the bureaucratic roadblocks and medieval record keeping which makes the documentations inaccessible to women in these areas. The authentic and transparent provision of land documentation, social protection documents, building of resilient shelters along with the provision of livelihood opportunities has raised these women to support their families in a protected environment.Imamzaadi, Karimaan, and Haseena are among many women who are leading a self-reliant life. The roof over their heads has enabled them to raise their families with respect and dignity. They are no more required to engage in vocations unsuited to females. HANDS has also formed 2482 and women CBOs out of a total 5205 in almost 20 districts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.The best practice models deployed by HANDS include service, training and delivery, where after a diligent need assessment, women have been made socially aware to utilize the material resources and initiate their livelihoods on a continuous basis.

Women seen with their owned house property

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Commitment to Adolescent Reproductive Health

From left: Dr. Irfan Ahmed, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, Dr. Khalid Parvez and Aijaz Memon delivering key aspects of reproductive health for adolescents.

HANDS Thatta organized an ‘Advocacy & Experience sharing Workshop’ on Adolescents Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (ASHR), organized at Government Polytechnic Institute auditorium, Thatta, on January 29, 2014. The workshop was held under Reproductive Health Initiative with Adolescent (RHIA) project, Basic Skills for Life (BS4L) component.

Dr. Irfan Ahmed, Senior Country Health Advisor, Plan-Pakistan, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, DHO Thatta, Dr. Khalid Pervez, Ex-GM Health, HANDS Head Office Karachi, Line Department officials, community members from RHIA villages, learners of respective AFCs, AFC staff, HANDS team, NGOs representatives and youth groups were among the guests.

Community members shared their experiences of HANDS intervention and expressed satisfaction on confidence building, personality development and health improvements after the provision of reproductive health education by HANDS.
Guest speakers were pleased to see youth actively questioning about their issues. They said that this is a change in confidence building, no matter little bit. At community level, as well as generally we have to build responsible attitudes towards leading life.

The guests on the occasion also acknowledged the feedback from community and appreciated the ASRH model.

Access, Services and Knowledge

ASK’s reproductive health efforts

HANDS is the implementing partner for Rutgers WPF’s ASK (Access, Services and Knolwedge) project. Regarding Sexual Reproductive Health, the program aims to build young people’s individual capacity to make safe choices; to make SRH services better adapted to young people’s individual needs; and to strengthen the linkages between information and service provision.

ASK aims to target young people between the ages 10-24 years, especially adolescent girls and marginalized youth groups like sexual, ethnic or religious minorities, people with disabilities, sex workers, and young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). The program is focused in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Matiari. In this regard, a website http://www.youask.pk/ has been developed to support youth.

RHIA Field Visit

Dr. Irfan Ahmed, Senior Country Health Advisor, Plan-Pakistan, visited Adolescent Friendly Centre boys’ and girls’ Fateh

Muhammad Soomro, and MARVI house, facilitated by HANDS Thatta, on January 29, 2014.

 

24 Adolescent Friendly Centres handed over to community

The community of Thatta and Kot Addu are benefiting from the 24 Adolescent Friendly Centres established by HANDS, separately for boys and girls with financial support from Plan-Pakistan. These centres are aimed to overcome the sexual reproductive health problems among youth. Even in normal settings, adolescents face social and structural barriers that prevent them from accessing ASRH services.

Adolescent Friendly Centres provide recreational, educational and social awareness opportunities to the youth. Psychosocial problems, habits of drugs and irrelevant company and negative behavior are dealt with through counseling and healthy activities. The centres are equipped with space for sports, computers and gathering areas.

In general settings, there are high health issues and risks faced by children and adolescents. AFC plays the role for generating income resources for the sake of children and family, provides them better health and education, protects them from diseases and keeps them away from bad practices causing health deficiency.

Some facts about ASRH

• The adolescent group, aged 10 to 19 years, are mostly at high risk in developing countries in situations of: pregnant adolescent girls, marginalized adolescents i.e. HIV+, those with disabilities, LGBT (homosexual issues), indigenous groups, migrants and child laborers.
• Adolescents make up about 22% of the population in Pakistan.
• In Pakistan 50% of women give birth before the age of 20.
• Young women are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and childbirth.
• 1/2 of new HIV infections occur in 15-24 year olds.
• 1/3 of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in people under 25 years.

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Annual Status of Education Report

According to the Annual Status of Education Report – ASER 2013 National survey, despite the recent focus of the federal and provincial governments on enrolment drives as a rhetoric on Article 25A, 21 percent of Pakistan’s children between the ages of 5 and 16 still remain out of school. The remaining 79% that are enrolled in the 5-16 age bracket are not learning much either. These findings were made public in the report of Pakistan’s largest-annual citizen-led household based ASER Survey 2013. The ASER sample included 249,832 children (including 41 percent girls) by 10,000 volunteer citizens, who personally visited 81,672 households in 4,112 villages as well as 14,158 children (including 42 per cent girls) 5,372 households in 270 blocks in urban areas of 13 districts across Pakistan.
For the year 2013, the ASER rural survey has been conducted in 138 rural districts in the country, wherein 5-16 year age cohort children were tested for English language, Urdu, Sindhi, Pushto and arithmetic competencies. The report aims to inform the progress or lack thereof with respect to Article 25 A of the constitution making education a fundamental right for 5-16 year old children since 2010.

The report states that the private sector is performing better than the government sector as far as the learninglevels of children, student and teacher attendance are concerned. The survey reveals a clear- urban-rural divide, whereby urban areas perform better in terms of access (92% children in schools vs. 78% in rural areas) and infrastructure facilities; however, learning levels remain marginally better than rural areas with a high incidence of private tuition in urban areas.

From Right: Mr. Taj Haider, Mr. Arif Alvi, , Mr. Zakir Shah, Mr. Mohamamd Hussain Mehanti, Dr. Suleman Shaikh, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Ms. Sabiha Mushtaq, Mr. Asghar Soomro and Mr. Naveed Shaikh during the launch of Aser Report 2013.

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Teachers Training on Psychosocial Well-being

Two day teachers training, conducted by HANDS Institute of Community Development, on psychological well being joyful learning
environment held at HANDS institute of community development Awaran Balochistan on 22nd – 23rd January 2014.

HANDS extends psychosocial support for vulnerable groups of men, women and children to recover from trauma caused by disasters. HANDS believes it is essential to address the emotional and social needs of victims within a safe and protective environment.

The content delivered in the training generally involves definition of mental health, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, basic helping skills, psychosocial competencies, community consultation and social animation.

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WaterAid Partners’ Forum

Partners’ Forum 2013-2014 was organized by WaterAid on March 04 and 05, 2014, at Islamabad. Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed and Ghulam Mustafa Zaor, provided their motivation by being a part of this national level forum and presented HANDS’ approach to the audience.

HANDS is implementing two Urban WASH projects in the Gadap town of Karachi in collaboration with Wate
r Aid. The project helps marginalized communities to establish sustainable water supplies, sanitation and hygienic behavior through benefiting 134,900 number of people in urban slums and 69,000 students.

It is anticipated that such forums will lead to develop sustainable social innovations related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and networking of stakeholders at national level.

 

 

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HANDS Board Members’ visit to Hala

Honorable HANDS Board Members visited Hala on the 16th of February, 2014. Mr. Ghulam Hussain Baloch, Ms. Siraj-un-Nisa Essani, Dr. Saeed Ismail, Mr. Abdul Wahid Sangrasi, Dr. Mustaghis-ur-Rehman and Dr. Ghulam Farooq visited the sites of DRM Centre, MI Intervention Units, CMW School and Display Centre were visited at HANDS Hala to observe HANDS’ work at grass root level .

The team of HANDS Hala expressed their gratitude to Dr. Sheikh Tanveer on the visit. Ms. Abida Jawaid, Mr. Haji Ahmed, Mr. Munir Baloch, Mr. Abdullah Kerio, Ms. Shakeela Memon, Ms. Monam Naz, Mr. Alamgir Balal, Ms. Yasmeen Zehra, Mr. Sada and Ms. Sanober from HANDS Hala team were present on the occasion.

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Initiation of new projects

HANDS has entered prominent agreements of community service projects during October-December, 2013:

• Access Services and Knowledge with Rutgers WPF
• General food distribution with Oxfam
• Relief and recovery for Awaran disaster with DFID
• Sindh community mobilization with USAID/IRD,
• Livelihood with PPAF
• Sehat project phase 3 with GAVI.
• Hand pumps installation with Abu Faisal Trust
• (Philanthropist)

In picture: Dr. Tanveer Shaikh, Chief Executive HANDS, along with Dr. Mohsina Bilgrami, Country Head, Marie Stopes Society, during Sub-Award Signing Ceremony of MSS project of family planning and reproductive health services in 10 districts of Sindh.

 

 

Packard visits MARVI
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed from Packard Foundation along with HANDS officials visited 03 Marvi workers at District Umerkot, on January 30 and 31, 2014. The delegation met all Marvi staff and gave encouraging remarks on Marvi performance in providing healthcare to women of the area.

Medico International’s support continues

In continuation  of 2011 flood response, MI also supporting through TAMEER III project in District Matiari, building 05 model villages with integrated development approach by constructing 553 shelters, streets, culverts, seed storage, installation of hand pumps establishing ECE classes, MARVI health houses, providing livelihood assets, establishing market price information center, display center for handicrafts, community nurseries, model agriculture farms, hatcheries, flour mills and capacity building trainings for community members. MI also funding to provide solar lights to 1125 families of Matiari. MI is also supporting HANDS to establish provincial level disaster risk management centre to be constructed at HANDS ICD Gadap near Baqai medical university.

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Awaran Update

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Balochistan on September 24, 2013. The quake’s epicentre being in the Awaran District also affected other districts of Kech (Turbat), Panjgore, Chaghai, Khuzdar and Gwadar. These areas were hit again at 7.2 magnitude on September 28, 2013.

• According to Provincial Authority, around 300,000 population was affected with over 359 deaths and 619 injured in districts Awaran, Ketch and Panjgore.
• Around 90% of the buildings were collapsed including shops, houses and schools in these districts.

HANDS has reached a population of 56,000 individuals (10,000 households) in earth quake affected districts of Balochistan. Project covers communities of 08 affected union councils (Awaran, Gajar, Nokjo Teertaje, Parwar, Gishkore, Chitkan (Panjgore), Dadar (Ketch) of 03 districts of Balochistan. The emergency relief package comprises of emergency shelter kit, non food items (consisting of solar light, ceramic filters), emergency healthcare, antenatal, postnatal care, physiotherapy of injured patients, rehabilitation of disabled, establishment of child friendly spaces and cash for work activities. Roofing kits and winterization kits have also been provided for 10,000 families.

Awaran’s distress

-Lal Jaan, Hands staff member, narrates his experience while capturing Awaran post earthquake documentary.

My official visit to District Awaran, first ever at all, started on the 10th of February, 2014. To capture Awaran’s post earthquake distress and HANDS’ intervention in the form of documentary, we set off at 9 in the morning, accompanied by five other HANDS staff members.

We paused at Bela by Zuhr prayer time. The mountains of Awaran were visible as soon as we crossed Jahu. On our way to Awaran, up to the farthest sight there was barren land, mountains and carved roads. By the last of the daylight hours we had reached the first FC check post to seek permission into the city after basic inquiry about us and our visit purpose. Amid high barren mountains, the first sight of Awaran city was indeed beautiful. Our arrival at the rest house was followed by planning meeting for the next day.

HANDS had begun its relief activities from October 2013 with formal initiation of project a month later in November. In order to capture this intervention by HANDS, my camera lense had to play its role now.

In a double cabin vehicle, we were set to our first visit destination to Mangoli village at a 2 hour distance from Awaran. The way was mercilessly rough, in absence of roads and surrounded with unending mountain ranges and barren land. As an hour passed, there were Pakistan Army personnel visible on a hill. We were stopped and once again inquired, this time by Army officials, on a check post 10 minutes away from Mangoli.

Mangoli had nothing to show except distress with wreckage of houses here and there. Village people did not show any estrangement due to the local HANDS staff who was already engaged in material distribution there. In addition, I myself a Baloch, did not find any difficulty in bonding up with the

locals. Entire Awaran has 100 percent Balochi speaking people. We captured our planned footage and started off for another village at a distance, which showed similar crippled view. Meanwhile, the sun was setting for the day to make us return.

On the second day, Awaran city Union Council remained the starting point. We visited a temporary school built by HANDS. To our delight, the students were engrossed in their studies and the teachers gave much positive feedback about HANDS training which equipped them to deal with students on their psychosocial levels. Students could be seen content.

After filming the school, we went to capture another village. It took us almost two hours, not because of the distance but the track was uneven and difficult. HANDS medical staff was installing camps at the village. On meeting with the locals, there was an apparent agony on their faces and attitudes. The majority of patients were trauma victims. We got done with the filming. However our next destination village was scheduled with a community meeting but the village people were not available at that time. Due to worsening security conditions, we were suggested to leave the area at the earliest. But fate had its own move, we were immediately surrounded by veiled men as we left. They ordered us to step out of the car and asked for our identity cards. Each one of us was separately called by name. On my turn, I was questioned about my permanent residence and ethnicity, after which I was released. But it was not the same with one non-Baloch team member, as he was confronted on his purpose to enter the area. Though, we were finally released after their long argument with HANDS District Office Manager. Another of HANDS staff car coming on the same way soon after us faced the same scenario.

The next day de-briefing clearly revealed that security conditions in the area are hampering the relief activities. It was also noted that the senior management should release strict dos and don’ts for the field team so that they are able to achieve their goals. Though my car was once again running on the streets of Karachi after four to five hours, but Awaran visit was surely was an unforgettable journey for me. I have taken deep insights from the lives of people. I wish to revisit the area on project completion and witness the difference in people’s lives made by HANDS.

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Sindh as a model province for taking up Child Marriage Issue

By Bilquis Rehman

The last quarter of Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment (AGE) project remained focused on pushing for the passing of Sindh child Marriage Eradication bill. Effective sensitization of stake holders, especially media and legislators, took place to build a movement for bill approval in the Assembly. In order to mobilize the civil society for pressure building, series of meetings have been conducted with Department of Women Development and media. The special focus has been given to alliance building with major NGOs working for child rights and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). The enthusiasm and unity shown by all alliance NGOs have added to the optimism for child marriage advocacy and in implementation of the law. From Karachi to Jacobabad, journalists have been brought on a common ground, which has enabled that journalists are self initiating the advocacy against child marriages. This is evident in electronic and print media reporting on the criticism by Moulana Sherani, Chairman of Islamic Ideological Council, on child marriage bill. A number of channels and newspapers gave ample airtime and space to debate on the issue. This is also encouraging to have favourable stance of both, ruling parties and opposition parties of Sindh. They have given their assurance on all platforms to support this bill and stressed to pass it in Sindh Assembly.

The Sindh Child Marriage Eradication Bill that has been tabled in Sindh Assembly in December 2013 is on the way for its approval. The committee was appointed by Speaker Sindh Assembly to review the two bills presented by Minister Women Development and Ms. Sharmeela Farooqui and merge both into one. The said committee did number of meetings and forwarded its recommendations for finalizing the bill draft. Now the committee has conducted its final consensus meeting over all suggestions and remarks and has put forward the finalized version of consensus draft. It is expected that in upcoming Assembly session Sindh child Marriage Eradication bill will be presented to pass. Thus, Sindh has become a model province for successful inclusive campaign against child marriage issue and has brought law to curb this social peril.

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Alliance Meeting

Alliance against child marriages has evolved during the campaign for child marriage legislation. The core team of the Alliance consist of organization Rutgers WPF, HANDS, Action Aid, Shirkatgaah and Aurat Foundation. Members of Alliance met for exchanging considerations over enabling a far effective movement against the early marriage customs and for that Alliance discussed to involved more stake holder in the Alliance like Media, religious scholars, social and political figures to strengthen the movement.

Alliance meeting is regularly conducted for strong lobbying to impact child marriage legislation. Last Alliance meeting was held in first week of March to discuss position of the bill.

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Download HANDS NEWS BULLETIN (Jan-March 2014) PDF version

Download HANDS NEWS BULLETIN (Urdu Version)  Jan-March 2014, Khabernama PDF version

 

HANDS – Striving for Social Change

July-2012 to Sept-2012

Highlights of Current Response

Since HANDS was being involved in early recovery and rehabilitation work with 2011 flood survivors of lower sindh, so this helps HANDS to remain active in the calamity during flood, this year with collaboration of volunteers initially and later achieves support of DFID for combating emergency response.

Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have submerged houses, destroyed crops and displaced thousands of families in Sindh.

HANDS rescued and evacuated peoples in Thull district Jacobabad by utilizing boats and small trucks.

HANDS-DFID team also provided one month dry food family package to 600 families under TAMEER project with support of DFID.

Safe drinking water provided  to 7000 families in Rajhan pur and Jacobabad.

Disaster Response

Advocacy activities for preparedness were remain on top priority before starting monsoon, by conducting training of 20 CBOs of 20 villages on Disaster risk reduction thorough HANDS staff who were trained initially on the subject.

Establishment of two Disaster Risk Management Centers in Sukkur and Thatta are signposts on the track of mitigating disaster loses “Medico International” is providing financial support to this project.

HANDS Chairman  inaugurated HANDS Disaster Risk Management Center Thatta on 14th August 2012, where ambulance and mini truck  handed over.

A mega project was implemented with the support of DFID in early recovery and rehabilitation of flood 2011, 50,000 one room shelters in 8 district of lower Sindh were built moreover roofing kits, solar lights, girder, bamboos, ropes, plastic sheets have been given in these areas. Session on CNIC importance as social protection component also provided. Other mega project of HANDS TAMEER was with the support of Medico International in Jacobabd and Jamshoro in which 1000 one room shelters, 1000 kitchens and latrines, 1000 person livelihood support have been given where as 300 hand pumps have been also installed. Culverts and street pavements were also constructed in these model villages with other interventions of livelihood support. Health services to 20 villages were provided by giving training to 20 MARVI’s (Community Health Workers) along with provision of commodities supplies and medicines. Early childhood education centers have been developed and community teachers capacity were build in these villages.

Villagers sharing happy moments of shelter completion in Sanghar with   HANDS and DFID Team.

Roofing kits provided to the beneficiaries

Construction of pavements and one room shelter

Hand pump at model village.

Urban WASH for Karachi

Water-Aid has approved a project of HANDS on Urban WASH for Karachi District (Urban). This is a four years project with the funding limit of Rs. 85 million. The project aims to the rehabilitation and lining of safe drinking water sources for 134900 residents of Surjani Town, rehabilitation and installation of 10 communal water filters, advocacy seminar and research activities and school WASH activities in 500 schools and colleges have been planned.

Acknowledgement of Services

Best performance annual award distribution ceremony for HANDS employees was held on 3rd September 2012 at Baharia Auditorium. Shields were presented in various categories of employees. Journalist from print and electronic media acknowledged of for their support for HANDS mission.

 

Provincial Minister Haleem Adil Shaikh presenting best performance award to HANDS employee.

HANDS Executive Board Member Ghulam Hussain Baloch presenting award to  Nasir Khattak of Anjam Newspaper.

 Advocacy

Under the Advocacy program HANDS has started project with rurtgers WPF a project of safe motherhood advocacy in which early marriages were focused. In this regard MoU was signed between HANDS, Rutgers WPF and Women Development Department of Government of Sindh. Key messages on Early Marriage issue are developed and have finalized through consultations with expert panel, religious leaders, civil society organizations, media, government officials and legislatures. This Advocacy project meant to advocate policy makers that the legal marriage age of a girl should be 18 years instead of 16 years. As in Pakistan most marriages are taken place before the age of 18 and many are taken place even before 15. These marriages often lead to early conceptions, as adolescent girls rarely have information on family planning or enough authority to exercise their decision-making rights. While it affects their health and deprived them from right to education.

Memorandum of Understanding Signing  Between Women Development Department Govt (Sindh) HANDS and Rutgers WPF Pakistan on 5^th July 2012

 

Religious Scholars at Consultative Meeting.

 

Senator Haseeb A Khan presenting his views during consultative meeting.

Third People’s Health Assembly in Cape Town , South Africa

8 members of PHM Sindh participated in Third People’s Health Assembly in Cape Town , South Africa 6th July to 11th July 2012. Dr Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed led the PHM Sindh chapter Pakistan’s delegates. A Session chaired by Dr Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed during the PHA 3 on privatization and its regulation. The case studies on different public sector health models of South Africa, USA, Germany, India and Colombia were presented with critical analysis during the session. Nearly, about 1000 participants from more than 70 countries participated in the event.

International Public Health University Course “Struggle for Health” was held prior to People’s Health Assembly which was attended by 55 people from all over the Globe and almost 50 country’s representatives were there. Ms. Bilquis GM Information and Communication and Advocacy- HANDS was selected for the course from Pakistan. This course is basically a comprehensive course for public health professionals and health activist to strengthen the People’s Health Movement and build capacities of professionals in lobbying and advocating for Health for All.

Bilquis Rehman GM Information and Communication Resource and Advocacy has  participated in International Public Health University Course “Struggle for Health”

Representing Pakistan Experiences and Health Challenges.

Health

Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) projects are running with the help of UNICEF and WFP in six districts of Sindh. 116790 children were de-wormed and 137910 children and 123311 lactating women provided with micro-nutrients and 302 community midwives were trained through this project.

Certificate distribution and deployment ceremony for community midwives of MNCH Public Health School

Model Village

A model village Rotary Jo Goth”  initiative is been implemented through HANDS – TAMEER Project in district Thatta within the period of 18 months with a financial assistance of Rs. 22.18 million from Rotary Humanitarian Trust.

MoU signing ceremony  between HANDS and Rotary Humanitarian Trust for Rotary jo goth a model village project at Thatta on 4^th September 2012.

Downloadable pdf

HANDS – Striving for Social Change

 April-2012 to June-2012

Milestone

HANDS ICD  a capacity building milestone in social development sector

Front view of HANDS Institute of Community Development

Inauguration ceremony of HANDS Institute of Community Development was held on 26th April 2012 Dr. Prof. A.G Billoo presided over the event. Ribbon was cut and a prayer was said  ‘Oh my Lord guide us, help us and enable us so that we can contribute to community and play our part for the underprivileged through this Institution’ (Aameen).

Building of HANDS Institute of Community Development has two learning halls having capacity of 35- 40 participants, accommodation of 27 persons, kitchen, dining hall, and about 2000 Sq ft open area. Easy access from Super highway and Karachi Airport, park, masjid, mini market, food Street are all nearby.

Media Enterprises

Children from HANDS intervene schools performed at Roshan Tara of Ptv

Performers group with HANDS team

100 Kids from Karachi rural and District Mattiari participated in Ptv’ s famous children program Roshan Tara on 27th and 28th May at Ptv Karachi. Program was successfully recorded with the performances of children such as folk’s songs, poems, speeches and skits. All the children belong to the schools from HANDS intervention areas and especially from Life Skill Based Education. This program is being telecast in seven episodes once in a week with two repeat telecasts.

Connecting with social media to drive change

Participants group photo

HANDS Communication strategic planners’ team with participants from other organizations attended the network non-profit 4-days training for using social media which  was arranged by Lucile and Packard foundation on 16th to 19th April at Bur Dubai  Instructors transferred the insights and guided to the best practices of social media.

Trainings to make life better

Master Trainers have been trained to play their roles

Training Session is in progress

Advance training of trainers on Disaster Risk Reduction for Master trainers was held on 19th to 23rd May at HANDS Institute of Community Development by HANDS in Collaboration with BRAC and Medico International.

Two days Training on Linkages Development

Learning continues with experience sharing

HANDS Social Mobilization Program organized two days training on Linkages Development for HANDS Staff , Local support organizations and Community Based Organizations on 22nd to 23rd June 2012, at HANDS Institute of Community Development Gulshan Campus with support of PPAF and HANDS Institute of Community Development . Active participation of the contributors made this training event successful. HANDS Institute of Community Development team is worthy of taking credit for building staff capacity in linkage development.

Leadership training for Young Generation

Children, Trainers and Master Trainer at closing ceremony

Leadership for Young Generation 2 days training was held on 26th and 27th June 2012 at Dream World Resort by HANDS Institute of Community Development. Children from the age of 9 to 14 participated in this training. To know about leadership skills, practice leadership skills, know about parenting, schooling and friendship were the objectives of the training. Participants learnt with the help of slides presentations, role play, orientations and creative drawings. A group of trainers were trained a day before the actual training started. The whole group also observed and facilitated the leadership training. Participants enjoyed indoor and outdoor games as well.

Observances

World Health Day at Dadu

HANDS team leading the Health Day celebration

HANDS played an active role on World Health Day 2012, the theme was “Aging and Health” and slogan of , “Good Health Adds Life to Years” was celebrated in collaboration with Department of Health Govt of Sindh District Dadu, WHO, PPHI and other civil society organization of Dadu at Dadu Civil Hospital. A walk for the cause arranged from Admin Block to Main Gate Civil Hospital Dadu, Stalls were placed by different programs of health department and civil society network. Interactive theater activity was performed and a seminar was also organized. Certificates were distributed among all the participants at the closing session.

Peoples Health Assembly

Welcome address by HANDS Chairman Prof. Gaffar Billoo

Peoples Health Movement Pakistan  organized  “Peoples Health Assembly” on”  7th April 2012, at Arts Council, Karachi. More than several thousand people comprising of community members, ministers, civil society Organizations, Government officials, NGO representatives,media person, scholars, researchers and professionals attended the health assembly.

Remarkable contribution of women at rally for health demand

The event was ended with a big rally taken out at the end of the various activities from Arts Council to Karachi Press Club tor show all stakeholders are united to make the demand for having health for all. HANDS  had the privilege to lead and organize the Sindh chapter of Peoples Health Movement. This health assembly is the primary initiation to the 3rd Peoples Health Assembly which will be held in Cape Town where a group of health activist under the leadership of  Dr Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed will join the participants from all over the world.

HANDS Presence at International Nurses Day

HANDS team presenting publication at the stall

Baqai Medical University celebrated International Nurses Day (IND) on 8th May 2012 to spread awareness on vast array of diseases that include reproductive health , infectious and aging related issues World Health Day and Lamp Lightening Session for nurses were also being held. HANDS team participated in this event dynamically;

Commitment to deliver

Inauguration Ceremony of One Room Shelter Project at Sanghar

Inauguration of one room shelter program

HANDS has launched the DFID One Room Shelter project in Sanghar  with a ceremony held at DC office Sanghar. Govt. Officials, presenters from INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, , Press and TV attended this inauguration ceremony.

Hunarmand Training Center is on the way to become Hunarmand poly technical institute.

HANDS Humarmand training center

HANDS Hunarmand Training Center Memon Goth Karachi Rural is now registered with SindhTechnical Education and Vocational training authority (STEVTA ). Commitment to scale up as a registered training center is fulfilled by the Poverty alleviation program which  enhances the efforts of HANDS poverty reduction efforts.

Monitoring visit of ECHO-UNICEF team

Delegates’ greetings with community

On 26th April, 2012 UNICEF and  ECHO delegations visited District Umerkot at HANDS Interventions: They visited Out Patient Therapeutics Program  (OTP) centre at Government Dispensary Dadharo, Union council Chhajro, Taluka Kunri,  community based Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) health session at village Soofi Ahmed Ali,  They also met with the MARVI Workers and  children at  European Commission – Humanitarian Aid and  Civil Protection (ECHO) ECHO & UNICEF / HANDS-Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Project.

Protection of Rights

Sharing of Power Mapping and Consultative Process for Adolescent Girls Empowerment

Exchange of views during consultative meeting

Expert Panel of Adolescent Girls Empowerment (AGE) comprising of leading personalities from civil society organizations, Media and Education shared the Power Mapping and Consultative Process from District Matiari and Jacobabad. The event was held to focus on early marriages in communities.

Rally for Child Rights Taluka-District Umerkot

Participants of rally at closing point

HANDS Umerkot team participated in “Child Rights Rally”  organized by Child rights Committee on 9 April 2012 at Umerkot to address the issues of violence against child,  child poverty, Child Labor and Health and Education

News Bulletin April-June, 2012 Downloadable pdf