GRACE A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N
The grassroots association for community empowerment
T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n for community empowerment
THE VOICE OF GRASSROOTS 01/2010
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
GRACE A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n for community empowerment
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
GRACE A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N
GRACE Public
School Skardu has
e g r a s s r o o t ’s a 2010 ssociation January -T hDecember
been awarded the
for community empowerment
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
2-year English ACCESS Program USA grant
2010 FLOOD DISASTER RESPONSE GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 1
CONTENT The Voice of Grassroots
01/2010 | January-December 2010
03 Message from Chief Executive, Khadim Hussain 05 About GRACE 06 Pakistan Flood 08 GRACE activities and events 18 Dream is Power: Muhammad Babar Shahzad and
Sana Iqbal
20 Volunteers collaboration stories: Rohan Chalise
from Nepal
22 Funding opportunities for grassroots 24 Pakistan floods 2010 and its long term affects on
victims at grassroots level
25 My observations: Tahereh Sheerazie 27 Get involved 28 Contact
Editorial Board Managing Editor
Khadim Hussain
Senior Editor
Andrew Craven (UN Online Volunteer)
Editor
Michelle Khilji
Reporters
Nasir Hassan
M. Yaquob
Designer
Yvonne Nelson (UN Online Volunteer)
Images
Archive GRACE
Wikimedia Commons
Board members
Saba Quadir
Shamshad Hussain
Muhammad Qasim
Muhammad Nazir
The Voice of Grassroots is a biannual newsletter published by GRACE Association Pakistan | Letters to the editor or articles, with the writer’s name and address, should be emailed to grace@grace.org.pk or faxed to + 92. 51.2829970. Letters and articles may be edited for reasons of space and clarity. | Issue 1 January-December 2010 | Š Grace Association Pakistan 2011 | GRACE Association Pakistan | Main Office: 27-E, 3rd Floor Office No. 5 Ali Plaza | Fazal Haq Road Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan | Tel +92.51.2529683 and +92.51.2829971 | Fax +92. 51.2829970 | Email: grace@grace.org.pk | Web: www.grace.org.pk
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 2
EDITORIAL
A Voice for Social Justice and Democracy
Our community volunteers have been fully involved in rescue, relief and now redevelopment activities for
The 2010 has been both
victims of the 2010 floods that devastated so much of
busy and exciting for GRACE
Pakistan.
Association Pakistan as we celebrate the successful
GRACE Association received a Grassroots Initiative
implementation of several
Program (GRIP) project award from the ‘One UN’ Joint
development projects in our
Program on Environment for introducing a sustain-
grassroots communities.
able model of natural resource management and climate change mitigation at grassroots level.
GRACE Association played a key role in resolving many
We organized the International Day for People with
burning socio-economic
Disabilities on 3 December. We were able to distribute
issues within our target com-
winter relief items to the 353 most vulnerable flood
munities. These problems include children unable to
victims in Qumrah and Kharko villages of Skardu
attend school, the poor, displaced people (due to war,
Baltistan in collaboration with the Australian High
natural disasters etc), people with disabilities (PWDs),
Commission in Islamabad.
landless people and vulnerable youth. We perpetually seek the full protection and blessings Among the highlights of the past year have been:
of Allah the Almighty in prayers and proactive good
The provision of inclusive primary education in the
deeds to move forward in faith, love, charity and
GRACE Public School for hundreds of children from
service.
poor families. Looking to the future, we have plans to promote In addition to the GRACE public school, and in col-
primary education, early childhood care and devel-
laboration with local communities and our own mem-
opment services, the establishment of community
bers, we have provided free primary school places
school networks.
for 20 of the most deserving girls and children with At the same time we will continue to collaboration
disabilities.
with and support women health workers and Peoples With financial assistance from the Government of Ja-
Primary Health Care Initiatives, Pakistan for mother
pan, we were able to provide safe drinking water and
and child health care services and family planning
sanitation as well as health and hygiene education to
and HIV/AIDS prevention measures.
almost 13,000 displaced and native families in Astana We are also looking forward to enhancing our
Skardu.
skills in providing services for the communityWe succeeded in signing a 2-year contract with the
based rehabilitation of people with
US Embassy in Islamabad to provide English access
disabilities, homeless people, women and
to 80 teenagers from disadvantaged communities.
the elderly.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 3
In 2010 we played a key role in solving burning socio-economic challenges within our communities The vision and mission that drive GRACE Association
Together, with your continuing support, we will
are both clear and shared. They ensure that we are
make 2011 not only a time in which grassroots
in close contact with real-world events and that our
community development issues find durable solu-
commitment remains strong and purposeful. We are
tions, but also the year that we make great advanc-
also keen to help other communities and replicate in
es in ensuring that the grassroots development
their villages the successes that we have seen in ours.
profession is stronger, more capable and more respected than ever before.
These include environmental protection projects, community organization techniques, change
The partnership between this organization and its
adaptation initiatives, livelihood enterprises and vol-
stakeholder community has been the key to success.
untary service networks dedicated to welfare
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my
and development.
personal thanks to our supporters, volunteers, board members and general members for their continuous
Indeed, I wish we could replicate them to promote
support and guidance to run the Organization and
peace and development throughout the whole coun-
keeping it on the track to achieve its burning objec-
try. We can accomplish little by ourselves, but I am
tives.
sure that together we can achieve much. I wish you a happy and peaceful 2011! If you are acquainted with individuals or organizations who you think we should be collaborating with, or if
Khadim Hussain
you know anyone who could join us as a community
Founder and Chief Executive
development professional, please, please put them in touch with GRACE Association!
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 4
ABOUT GRACE
The Grassroots Association for Community Empow-
The conceptual designs and the implementation
erment is a non-profit organization (NPO) registered
framework of all the programmes and projects follow
in Pakistan under the Companies’ Ordinance, 1984. It
a set of strategic interventions, including: education
developed out of an indigenous organization estab-
and awareness, human and institutional development
lished in 1992.
(HID), equitable community development, participatory planning and implementation, gender and diversity
Areas of intervention have expanded from education
empowerment and local resource mobilization.
and health to environment, NRM, Watsan and Livelihoods vis-à-vis the target communities that have expanded from the communities of remote villages of Baltistan to all over Pakistan. Vision: GRACE’s efforts contribute to a world which recognizes, respects, and values the socioeconomic, political, legal, and environmental aspirations of marginalized and vulnerable communities — particularly women and children — on the basis of equality,
Our core values are social justice, equity and democracy
to promote a sustainable, equitable prosperous, and peaceful society. Mission: GRACE endeavours to empower and improve the quality of life of the country’s marginalized and vulnerable communities through welfare, participatory research and development, capacity building, promoting best practices and partnership building, advocacy and by launching sustainable and replicable innovative projects. Values: GRACE has adopted two core values, including social justice and equity (rights, vulnerability and access) and democracy (participation, transparency, accountability and rules and regulations) for its institutional norms and programmatic operations. Strategic principles and interventions: The Organization’s programmes adhere to the strategic principles of social mobilization, volunteerism, advocacy, human rights, partnership building and networking.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 5
Š Alissa Everett | alissaeverett.com
People directly affected by the floods need your help
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 6
JULY 2010 FLOOD DISASTER
As was widely reported worldwide, July 2010 saw the
Unprecedented floods hit the northern parts of Pakistan following heavy monsoon rains in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh provinces
start of unprecedented floods in the northern parts of Pakistan following heavy monsoon rains in GilgitBaltistan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Current estimates indicate that the floods claimed the lives of at least 1100 people died with the homes of more than two million others either destroyed. The United Nations estimates that more than 21 million people are injured or homeless as a result of the flooding, exceeding the combined total of individuals affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Approximately 1/5 of Pakistan’s total land area was under water due to the flooding.
GRACE is making a desperate call for help with a report explaining the extent of the damage, what
GRACE’s Response
is needed, and how you can help. You may find the
GRACE’s dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers and
report from our website:
a network of supporters have mobilized to assist in flood relief efforts in Skardu, Baltistan and North East
www.grace.org.pk/reports/
Pakistan. How can you help? The Skardu and Ganche districts of Gilgit-Baltistan have been hit by devastating floods, the region’s
Contact
Wazir Shamshad Hussain
worst deluge in 80 years. At least 55 people, including
GRACE Association Pakistan
women and children, have died in the Qumra area and
Phone
+92 300 470 8813
the Talis village at Ganche.
Account Nr.
1001321
Bank name
MCB Bank Limited
Four villages have been totally washed away in Baltis-
Bank address
Abpara Market Branch 0597,
tan and bodies recovered from rubble under mud
Hameed Chamber, Islamabad
avalanches. Roads and bridges have also been cut,
Bank
and landslides are increasing the isolation of affected
telegraphic
areas. Houses are buried in mud and rocks, properties
address
have been destroyed, and cattle lost.
MUSCAP BANK
Please also consider donating to other organizations Bad weather has made it impossible for rescue teams
involved in relief activities as well.
to reach the affected areas. To make things worse, the monsoon rains show little sign of subsiding
Thank you!
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 7
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
members and volunteers and staff International Day for Persons
of GRACE Association, students
with Disabilities
from different schools and many
Joint celebrations of Grace
community peoples joined people
Association Pakistan and PPHI
with disabilities (PWDs) participat-
Skardu
ing in the walk.
By Muhammad Qasim, Skardu December 3, 2010
Addressing the awareness rally, the Deputy Commissioner ac-
Skardu Deputy Commissioner Arqam Tariq (left) and Kacho Basharat Hussain (right)
GRACE Association Pakistan and
knowledged the organizers of the
Peoples Primary Health care Initia-
Disability Day, saying that it is
tive (PPHI) Skardu organized a
highly important to raise public
was Wazir Shamshad Hussain,
joint Awareness Walk from GRACE
awareness on the issue of human
who reminded the banner-carrying
Public School to Radio Pakistan
rights of people with disabilities
gathering that disability is not so
Skardu. Mr. Arqam Tariq, Deputy
and help create an enabling envi-
much an affliction of the individu-
Commissioner for the Skardu
ronment for them to participate in
al, but rather of society.
district, other heads of district
society. He assured full coopera-
administration, media representa-
tion with the organizations GRACE
Calling for a change in behaviour
tives, Wazir Shamshad Hussain,
Association and PPHI, working on
towards people with disabilities,
program coordinator GRACE As-
disability in the Skardu district.
Mr. Hussain encouraged society
sociation Pakistan, Kacho Basharat Hussain, manager PPHI Skardu,
as a whole to create a friendly Also addressing walk participants
environment for people with disabilities. He mentioned GRACE Association’s endeavours, especially the inclusive education and English ACCESS programmes for people with disabilities in mainstream education system. Sharing his views on the occasion, Kacho Basharat Hussain said that the day was an opportunity for all to redouble efforts to secure the rights of people with disabilities in the area. PPHI work is in the prevention of diseases that cause disability. So far we are serving the region with a special focus on polio through the EPI programme.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 8
The goal of the English Access Microscholarship Program is to connect gifted students with the global marketplace and through it, to the world Representing people with disabilities, Mr Muhammad Ali (himself disabled) demanded that government and other development actors include people with disabilities in the development process. He thanked GRACE Association and PPHI for organizing the rally, and handed down a challenge for authorities to implement the 2% employment quota as guaranteed in the nation’s constitution. He also requested that civil society organizations develop skills for people with disabilities in order for them to find work participate more fully in society. accepted as one of the service
at GRACE Public School Skardu
The International Day for People
providers for the 2010-2012 English
for the next two years. The goal
with Disabilities was an outstand-
Access Microscholarship Program
of the programme is to prepare
ing success in all respect and
sponsored by the United States
gifted students in both written and
gained further attention as a result
Department of State.
spoken English, so that they can
of being broadcast by national and local TV networks.
be more easily integrated into the In response to the growing de-
global marketplace and have ac-
mand for English language in
cess to the world.
international and national comLaunch of the English Access
munication, GRACE Association
Programme Implementation
Micro Scholarship Programme
Pakistan will implement a 2-year
Mr Shamshad Hussain, GRACE
ACCESS to English Language,
Access Programme in under-
Association Pakistan Programme
Cultural Understanding and
privileged rural and urban areas of
Coordinator, will be the ACCESS
Personal Development for
Gilgit-Baltistan.
Coordinator at the GRACE Public
Economically Disadvantaged
School Skardu, providing educa-
Adolescents in Skardu
GRACE Chief Executive, Mr
tion for 40 male and 40 female
Muhammad Nazir Aziz, Islamabad
Khadim Hussain, and Public Affairs
students in the 14-16 age range.
April 6, 2010
Officer at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Mr Larry Schwartz, signed
Students will be streamed into
GRACE Association Pakistan is
an agreement on Tuesday, April 6,
separate English Access classes
proud to announce that GRACE
2010 to run the English ACCESS
held after normal school hours.
Public School Skardu has been
Micro scholarship Programme
Four qualified instructors have
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 9
The Japan-funded Water Supply project aims at improving the life of displaced population, women and children in particular been brought in and they will be
report
tres Potable Water Supply for Dis-
responsible for delivering and
• Impact assessment report
placed People in Astana Skardu’.
managing these classes over the next two years.
The agreement, funded under the Self-Enhancement and Career
umbrella of ‘Grant Assistance for
Progression Activities
Grassroots Human Security Proj-
Project Period
The following activities will be
ects’, was signed in the Embassy of
Two years: from April 15, 2010 to
included in the Programme for
Japan in Islamabad on November
April 14, 2012
the self-enhancement and career
4, 2009.
• Recruitment and selection of
progression of students:
project staff
• Comprehension
The project aims to improve the
• Final agreements with selected
• Reading
quality of life of the displaced
schools
• Writing
population, particularly women
• Conversation
and children, by providing clean
Pre-implementation phase
• Improving Vocabulary + Spelling
drinking water to all 12,750 af-
March 14-April 14, 2010
• Bee Competition
fected people in target villages of
• Selection of student candidates
• Handwriting improvement
Astana Bala, Paeen, Brolmo Colony
• Recruitment and selection of
• Test Preparation
and Gultary Colony.
project staff
• Essay Competition
• Final agreements with selected schools
The project commenced in NovemCertificate of Award and
ber 2009 and was completed on
Completion
July 31st, 2010. GRACE Association
Project implementation
Participation and completion of
deployed its staff and volunteers
April 15, 2010 – April 14, 2012:
the two year ACCESS Program will
from the Skardu programme of-
• English language teaching
respectively be recorded in the
fice, while the target communities
programme
form of certificate for successful
provided labourers, land and local
• Enhancement activities
students, signed by the US Ambas-
materials.
programme
sador to Pakistan.
• Personal development
The project objectives were
programme • Ongoing monitoring, evaluation,
Completion by GRACE of
support, coordination and
Japan-funded Water Supply
reporting activities
Project, Astana Skardu
Project consolidation and
The Government of Japan Devel-
closure
opment Assistance program has
April 2012
granted GRACE funding of more
• Course completion and gradua-
than US$90,000 for a project with
tion
the specific title, ‘Female Social
• Final project report and financial
Empowerment through 4 Kilome-
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 10
The Water Project has contributed to the empowerment of women by mobilizing them in water management committees
powerment among women. The
tive Director, FJEC, and following
arrival of safe drinking water has
a recommendation from GRACE,
also improved the general health
US–based Online Volunteer Ms.
of the communities, reducing the
Jennifer Wells, to finalize the stra-
incidence of waterborne, infant
tegic plan for FJEC.
mortality and related morbidity occurrences.
Mr Adnan warmly received the team at Muhammad Nagar Chowk,
GRACE’s endeavours have also
Kohat where he guided them to
resulted in the development of
FJEC, located at the main Pindi
links between the Public Works
Kohat Road. This is an urban area,
achieved by the installation of 4
Department (PWD) and target com-
which falls in a 5-10 km radius of
kilometres of mains water pipeline
munities, one result of which has
the surrounding rural communities
to supply the entire population of
been a move by the government to
of Kohat.
all four villages. The provision of
provided water supply operators
a doorstep supply of safe drinking
to monitor the main water tank.
We held an informal meeting with
water has reduced at a stroke the
As regards communities, a fixed
Mr Adnan, Shah Sab (a supporter
workload of women and girls, who
tariff system has been introduced
of Mr Adnan in the community
until now typically spend 5-6 hours
to fund continuing water project
and his former teacher), Ms. Sadia
every day bringing home water on
operations in each of the target
(schoolteacher), and Mr Nauman,
foot from far away.
villages.
the Assistant in charge of FJEC. We discussed FJEC and the role it will
Furthermore, the project has
GRACE Association intends orga-
play in the overall development of
contributed to the social empow-
nizing an official inauguration in
the communities in Kohat.
erment of women by mobiliz-
coordination with the donor and
ing them in water management
stakeholder communities in the
During our visit, we noticed that
committees and enhancing their
near future.
the school environment is located
participation in socioeconomic de-
in a safe and easily accessible
velopment activities of the society.
location for students while remainGRACE’s Team Visit to FJEC
Additional outcomes of the project
ing clear of the main road.
Kohat
include an increased awareness
Dr. Tehmina, an active GRACE vol-
and involvement of women in
On May 1st, 2010 the GRACE Man-
unteer and qualified development
home-based economic activities
agement Team comprising Khadim
professional, accompanied the
and an increased school enrol-
Hussain, Dr. Tehmina and Sham-
GRACE team to review the strate-
ment among girls. Looking further
shad Hussain, visited Fatima Jin-
gic plan documents and evaluate
into the future, we also expect a
nah Educational Complex (FJEC)
their relevance to the full study and
positive impact in female literacy,
located in Kohat. The visit was
assessments of the needs of the
societal participation and em-
arranged by Adnan Khan, Execu-
communities in the area.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 11
GRACE Volunteers were the first team to reach victims with rescue and relief support in the worse hit flood areas
policy of providing free education
flood devastation.
to selected students who have performed well.
GRACE Association Pakistan is helping the flood victims in the
4. Develop linkages and collabo-
northern parts, Skardu and Ganche
rations with other organizations
Baltistan, reaching out to more
serving in Kohat as well as in the
than 400 affected people in five
province and at the national level
mountainous villages in Baltistan.
to pool resources for FJEC. GRACE can also be one of the organiza-
Besides other relief activities,
tions to collaborate and move
the GRACE Team has provided
ahead to achieve mutual objec-
psychosocial care and treatment
tives.
to families, in particular the most vulnerable in society: people with
She suggested GRACE and Mr
5. Register the FJEC as a non-profit
illnesses, pregnant women, chil-
Adnan collaborate and move
organization/charity as soon as
dren, the elderly and people with
ahead together until the time when
possible and organize and create
disabilities.
Mr Adnan’s NGO is registered and
roots in communities for mobiliz-
able to mobilize resources inde-
ing indigenous human as well as
GRACE is playing a major role
pendently.
financial resources for FJEC.
in resource mobilization for the
victims by making appeals to the
Mr Adnan identified the following
GRACE team members greatly ap-
government, civilian and other
school issues:
preciate Mr Adnan’s will, optimism
supporting organizations to assist
1. The school has sufficient rooms,
and dedication to serve his com-
effectively in meeting the immedi-
but is located amid the hustle
munities in Kohat. The team mem-
ate needs of those affected by the
and bustle of a busy market. The
bers also expressed appreciation
floods. Medical camps have been
team suggested that the school be
for the generosity and hospitality
set up by the Government in Shot,
moved to a quieter rented house
exhibited by the lunch he hosted at
Oro and Talis and in inaccessible
that will be more conducive to a
Shelter Hotel.
villages including Qumra, Bondu
learning environment.
and Kharko, providing life-saving medicine and professional medical
2. Assess the needs and strategize
GRACE’s flood response
a plan to provide these services.
By Nisar Hussain
support. GRACE Volunteers were the first
3. Mr Adnan Khan currently has full
While much of the international
team to reach victims with rescue
responsibility of all financial and
coverage of flooding centred in
and relief support in the worst hit
human resource needs. The team
northern parts of Pakistan, south-
villages of Qumra and Talis. So
recommended devising a plan to
ern areas, including Sindh Prov-
far, four relief camps have been
raise revenue and re-evaluate the
ince, continue to suffer also from
set up and 7,000 people provided
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 12
More must be done. People need warm clothes, shelter and food for the winter
Haji Muhammad Ali, another victim told our field team, “People are desperately waiting for help. The promised packages might reach us sometime in next few years, but in the meantime what will we do, how can we survive with our women and children in the tents?” In addition, for months now local people travelling between GilgitBaltistan and Islamabad and other cities have had to do so on foot but we have to get relief items to
owing to the blockage of the Kara-
the target villages before winter,
koram Highway. No vehicles can
which is both harsh and lengthy
go to the market, leaving the mo-
in Gilgit-Baltistan. Although water
bile phone as the sole remaining
starts to freeze by mid October,
form of reliable communication.
flood victims have no shelter from
There, major shortages of food
these extreme weather conditions.
and fuel in the local market, and
Local relief organizations and com-
these additional economic difficul-
munities not as badly hit by the
ties coming on top of flood dam-
disaster have provided food, while
age has only served to increase
the government has distributed
levels of depression among the
tents. While these efforts have
general public.
been greatly appreciated, they are only temporary solutions.
GRACE is conducting a detailed survey to assess the rehabilita-
More must be done. The indig-
tion and recovery needs of those
enous people will need warm
affected in villages in Baltistan.
clothes, shelter and nutrition for
(available at www.grace.org.pk)
with food and medical care. We
these coming months. During the
The initial survey report reveals
are giving special attention to the
assessment interviews, a flood
that the restoration of a traditional
needs of the elderly, people with
victim expressed both gratitude
drinking water system and irriga-
disabilities, women and children,
and concern when he said to the
tion water channels are the top
in particular girls.
GRACE Team, “Thank you for
priorities. The same water that
providing food and soap, but we
brought misery and destruction is
We plan to reach many people
cannot survive in these tents
also the lifeblood of the villages.
across Pakistan in the near future,
in the winter.”
Without water they cannot recover.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 13
Community elders expressed appreciation for GRACE’s efforts to include all children in the Eid holiday celebrations
Talking to people in the relief camp
people selfless commit themselves
GRACE’s volunteers celebrated
in Shot village, GRACE coordinator
to improving the lives of others.
EID-UL-FITR with flood victims
Mr Muhammad Qasim expressed
in Skardu, Baltistan
sympathy at the distress of flood
By Muhammad Yaqoub
victims and committed the Organi-
GRACE Receives GRIP
Skardu, Sept 11, 2010
zation to assist in any way it can.
Project Award Islamabad, October 15, 2010
GRACE offered nine-year-old Nahida Batool, the sole survivor of the floods, free education at GRACE Public School. Free admission was also granted to other affected children. The community elders expressed appreciation for GRACE AssociaGRACE Association Pakistan
tion’s efforts to let the children cel-
distributed relief and Eid gift pack-
ebrate the Eid holidays in light of
On October 14, 2010, the Pakistan
ages among flood-affected people
all the distress they have incurred
Ministry of the Environment, in col-
in Qumra and other villages in
since the floods turned their world
laboration with ‘One UN’, provided
Gilgit-Baltistan.
upside down.
$1.2 million to fund 24 environmental projects relating to solid
GRACE Team distributed Eid-ul-
GRACE’s female volunteers eager-
waste management and sanitation,
Fitr gifts to 39 families who were
ly participated and made their own
community-based natural resource
celebrating Eid in their tents. The
contributed to the relief activities,
management and grass-roots
gift packages included clothes for
proving that humanitarian assis-
climate change mitigation initia-
men and women, children’s toys,
tance has no gender boundaries,
tives. GRACE Association is proud
biscuits and food.
with women willing and able to
to announce that its project to
play a valuable and vital role in the
develop a model for sustainable
Speaking on the occasion, GRACE
re-development of communities,
management of natural resources
Programme and Flood Relief Co-
especially at critical times.
and climate change mitigation
ordinator Mr Shamshad Hussain
through community participation
noted that the scale of disaster was
Their presence had a particularly
was one of the 24 awardees out of
so huge that neither the govern-
positive effect on the morale of
450 project proposals throughout
ment nor any other single orga-
young girls and mothers and
the country.
nization would be able to cope.
helped to relieve some of the daily
“There is a dire need for every-
tensions. The presence of volun-
Chief Executive of GRACE Associa-
body to play their part and help,”
teers is always uplifting to these
tion, Mr Khadim Hussain, received
he announced.
victims, and it is heartening to see
the project award from the Federal
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 14
The Grassroots Initiative Program (GRIP) fund, a sustainable development project supported by the U.N. and the government of Pakistan, was awarded to GRACE, among other NGOs Minister for the Environment, Ha-
ies in terms of projects aimed at
makers, researchers, other users
meed Ullah Jan. Afridi. The Grass
improving vulnerable segments of
of environmental information and
Roots Initiative Program (GRIP), a
the society, especially women. He
the private sector will benefit from
joint effort of the Ministry of the
said the GRIP programmes would
implementation of this project.
Environment and the UN, aims at
give local communities their own
developing an inclusive common
voice in policy making on issues
platform of key partners to connect
that affect them.
Report inter-schools debate competition
policies, projects and actions by government, aid agencies, NGOs,
GRACE’s GRIP project
Shamshad Hussain
UN agencies and the private sector
GRACE’s project is expected to re-
Skardu, October 16th, 2010
into an agreed sustainable devel-
sult in further community mobiliza-
opment framework.
tion, institutional strengthening for
Addressing the launching cer-
ral resources and climate change
emony, Mr Afridi said that the
mitigation (CCM). It is envisioned
increasing rate of environmental
that the community-based model
sustainable management of natu-
degradation around the globe has
of CCM will be set up by promot-
contributed to the unprecedented
ing solar water harvesting, water
floods that have resulted in huge
conservation, and agro forestry
destruction across Pakistan. Fur-
techniques. In addition, the project
To develop public speaking skills
ther, the Minister stressed that the
will promote non-timber forest
and foster intellectual growth
results of increasing damage to
product based enterprises (NTFP)
in the youth of Skardu, GRACE
the environment would not stop,
and other appropriate energy effi-
English Access Program organized
but rather would further hit the
cient technologies relating to CCM.
a one day Inter-school Debate
country in the form of food insecu-
Competition at Baltistan Higher
rity, community displacement and
The primary beneficiaries of our
economic deprivation. Mr Afridi
project are the target village com-
said that there is a need of grass-
munities in district Skardu. Women
To ensure a rich education, com-
roots environmental actions that
are expected to be the major
munication between teachers and
could bring substantial improve-
beneficiaries, as they will play a
students is highly encouraged.
ments to the environment with the
vital role in the sustainable use of
The freedom to think and speak
dividend including poverty reduc-
natural resources. GRACE’s team
develops the power to reason and
tion, employment generation and
also believes that the benefits of
creates a level of tolerance. One
livelihood improvement.
this project will have spillover ef-
learns how to put forward an opin-
Secondary School, Skardu.
fects on the neighbouring villages
ion in a civilized and polite man-
In his address, the UNDP Country
that will be influenced and en-
ner and how to respect and value
Director, Toshihiro Tanaka, said
couraged to replicate this model.
others’ opinions with patience and
that the UN was committed to sup-
Overall, the line departments,
modesty.
port both governments and societ-
visitors to the project areas, policy
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 15
Topics of the debate were the role of youth in society and English language as a key to future success
GRACE Association Pakistan, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Islamabad, is responding to the growing demand for English to be used in national and international communication by implementing a 2-year Access Program at GRACE Public School in Skardu for adolescents from economically disadvantaged families. In all schools, student and teacher
attracted a diverse audience and
come a technical generation. They
mutual understanding lays the
was not just limited to students. In
view young people as a source of
groundwork for personality enrich-
addition, the audience expressed
talent with the potential to gener-
ment, confidence building and
appreciation for GRACE’s efforts
ate enormous profit in the future.
academic growth.
to fulfil educational needs in the
If our youth work hard, commit to
area by collaborating with the US
their studies, and learn to work
GRACE Association organized a
Embassy in Islamabad to bring the
with others they are capable of im-
one-day inter-schools debating
two-year scholarship programme
proving the political landscape of
competition on 16 October 2010
into being.
the nation and hold it accountable
at Baltistan Higher Secondary
to the needs of the misrepresented
School, Skardu, as part of its en-
All school children participating
hancement activities which include
in the competition showed them-
speech in English, Drama and Na-
selves to be well prepared, highly
Pakistani youth has the power to
tional Song competitions among
organized and equipped with the
transform their country from a
nine schools students.
skills and knowledge to speak on
developing nation into a developed
the various topics and perform ver-
one. “Is it a dream?” No, emphati-
Educators and alumni from the
bal sketches and national songs.
cally not.
were invited to attend the function
Topics chosen for debate were:
The verbal sketch theme was ‘The
as guests of honour. They reported
The role of youth the society and
use and misuse of cell phones’.
that they were impressed with the
English language – a key to future
Mobile phones were intended
performances and acknowledged
success
primarily to be used as a kind
and neglected.
Gilgit-Baltistan Fulbright Chapter
GRACE Association and the US
of security device to help when
Embassy for organizing the event
In delivering their speeches the
emergencies arise: a means of
and providing financial and techni-
competing students declaimed
maintaining contact in a time of
cal support.
that ours is an age of discovery
need. Along with all these ad-
and dreams. They said that the en-
vantages, many drawbacks also
tire world is looking to them to be-
come with excessive mobile phone
We were pleased that the function
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 16
In student’s and teacher’s understanding lay the foundations for confidence and academic growth
of the teachers and parents.
of Baltistan Higher Secondary
This issue was discussed through
School, Skardu; 2nd place: Ms.
a sketch prepared by the students.
Sobia and companions, Baltistan
Overall, their performance was
Higher Secondary School, Skardu
entertaining and convincing. • National Song Competition The following ACCESS students
1st place: Ms Wajidah and
participated and represented their
companions, English Access
schools:
Program GRACE Public School Skardu Zeeshan of
• GROUP 1: Speech Debate Com-
Baltistan Higher Second-
petitions 1. Rubina Ehsan; 2.
ary School, Skardu; 2nd place:
Ehsan Ali
Mr. Awais and companions,
• GROUP 2: Sketch Competition
Baltistan Higher Seconday
1. Wajida Batoo, Rabia, Nazneen;
School, Skardu
2. Nusrat Ejaz; 3. Ishrat Fatima; 4. Iqbal Hussain; 5. Furman Ali;
Judging the events were: Mr.
6. M. Saleem; 7. Wajid Ali;
Mushtaq Javeria, Pakistani/Ameri-
8. Rajab Ali; 9. Abbas Ali;
can citizen; Mr. Ghulam Hassan
10.Shahid Hussain;
Hasrat, Director Allama Iqbal Open
11. M. Hasnain; 12. Sajid Ali
University, Regional Office, Baltis-
• GROUP 3: National Song
tan, and Mr. Muhammad Bashir,
Competition 1. Anila Maryam; 2.
Government Social Welfare Office,
Jannat Bagum; 3. Rubina Naz;
Skardu.
4. Sobia Ali, Urooj Fatima Chief Guests, Mr Mushtaq Javeria reliance. In the realm of educa-
The following students were
and Mr Ghulam Hassan Hasrat,
tion, the negative effects are the
awarded prizes:
congratulated GRACE Association
distraction that phones exert on
• Speech Competition 1st place:
and the US Embassy for organizing
students’ academic concentration
Mr Zeeshan of Baltistan
such an inspiring event.
and performance. Often mobile
Higher Secondary School,
phones are the reason behind
Skardu; 2nd place: Rubina Ehsan, Wazir Shamshad Hussain, Pro-
students becoming distracted in
English Access Program GRACE
gramme Coordinator GRACE
class, wasting time that should
Public School, Skardu
English Access Program welcomed
be set aside to complete school
and thanked the distinguished
assignments diligently. Therefore,
• Skit Competition 1st place: Ms
guests, students and all partici-
when one needs to study, mobile
Anila Maryam and companions,
pants.
phones must be used responsibly,
English Access Program GRACE
He also thanked Mr Muhammad for
properly and only at the discretion
Public School Skardu Zeeshan
hosting the event.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 17
DREAM IS POWER PORTRAITS OF COURAGE: SANA IQBAL AND MUHAMMAD BABAR SHAHZAD
GRACE Association was honoured that Mr Muham-
by her sudden loss, encouraged me to come out of
mad Babar Shahzad and his wife, Ms. Sana Iqbal, both
the murky gloom that my life had become.
agreed to share details of their personal struggles that they encounter due to their visual impairments.
I was partially sighted at birth. When I was five years
GRACE staff members applaud both of these in-
old, an operation on my right eye resulted in the com-
dividuals’ commitment to the struggle for respect
plete loss of my sight. My elder sister had a similar
and inclusion of disabled people in Pakistan and its
experience, and my parents were already somewhat
communities, and learn from their positive outlook
experienced in caring for a visually impaired child.
that their condition is not a disability, rather a trait that they will not stop them achieving their goals.
In 1993, I was sent to Government Middle School for
Sana’s story highlights her thirst for learning and how
Blind Girls: Shamsabad, Rawalpindi-Pakistan. My
she did not allow the loss of her eyesight to discour-
sister, who was already studying there, helped me to
age her from continuing her education. Muhammad
become well adjusted to the school environment and
speaks about how he has dedicated all aspects of his
I learned English and Urdu Braille reading and writing
life to improving the quality of life and opportunities
within a very short time. I took an active part in co-
for disabled individuals and that Sana has assisted in
curricular activities organized by the institute.
him achieving this. In 2000, I passed my Middle Standard exams with Sana’s story
the best results of all the special education institutes
My mother is a very personable, loving and coura-
in the Punjab Province. Subsequently, the President
geous lady who has always been a great guide for me
of Pakistan awarded me a shield. I then enrolled in
in all matters. I can never forget the contribution of
the Government Higher Secondary Girls School,
my affectionate father towards my education. After he
which was situated in my hometown of Haripur. I
died, I found myself depressed and apathetic. Fortu-
stepped into an entirely new environment. I was to
nately, my mother, who herself was greatly stunned
mingle with the sighted and their view of me (mostly
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 18
discouraging with just a few wonderful exceptions). However, rather than fall into despondency, I felt myself grow more confident. I began to work harder and more enthusiastically to pass my matriculation. I was rewarded for all my hard work when, in 2002, I passed the matriculation exam with a high score. Acknowledging my achievement, the elected District Nazim (Administrator) presented me a certificate of outstanding performance. After that, I was admitted into the Government Girls Degree College in Haripur,
We have long dreamed of helping fellow disabled people. Training was essential to accomplish this goal
again securing good marks in 2004. Fulfilling my requests, my family honoured me with the gift of a computer and put me under the tutelage of a visually impaired person qualified and knowledgeable in the field of informatics. Now, I can operate my computer, surf the Internet, work with word
Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed over-
processors, email clients, use multi-media programs,
coming whatever challenges come my way. Many
etc. In 2006, I succeeded in obtaining a Bachelors of
of my talented acquaintances, especially people
Arts degree, and in 2007, I entered a Masters degree
with disabilities (PWDs), have been denied equal-
program. I majored in Sociology at the University of
ity in terms of socio-economic standing and I could
Peshawar-Pakistan. During my Masters, I conducted
only help a fraction of those. Today, I don’t have any
research into the learning difficulties of the visually
particular difficulty in life, but I aspire to innovate
impaired in special education centres. This research
and create ways through which my fellow PWDs in
involved extensive fieldwork. Finally, in 2009, I was
Pakistan will be able to become a useful, contributing
awarded my Masters degree with distinctive.
section of society rather than objects of pity who are only perceived as deserving of charity and handouts.
Babar’s story I am a blind individual who has experienced discrimi-
I have long dreamt of helping fellow disabled people
nation as people have stereotyped me, and lived se-
and after getting married I came to know that my wife
cluded from society for 3 years, entertaining no hope
shared the same vision, specifically of sharing her
for a future. With the help of family, I managed not
triumphs and tribulations to provide inspiration to
only to triumph over those hardships but also to be-
women with disabilities.
come self-sufficient and am now proudly and happily married to a blind woman, Sana Iqbal. I completed by
Sana and Babar’s path to change
Masters of Science in Anthropology from a reputable
We both are committed to helping PWDs. But how?
university in my country, and have presented my
And what kind of help should we extend? It was
research papers in various international conferences.
important that we both gained the skills and knowl-
During the earthquake in 2005 I worked with various
edge to be productive in our mission. Not only did
national and international relief agencies.
we turn to study the social sciences, we also worked to improve our public speaking, fundraising, project
After completion of my Masters degree (with excel-
management and many other practical skills.
lent marks, I may add), I began searching for employment. Following job interviews I was often rejected on
A friend informed us of the training offered by the
grounds of ‘disability’. On another occasion, I had to
International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs
travel abroad for a presentation, and the local office
(IISE), where we both applied and were selected.
refused to issue my passport, explaining that since I
Our dreams of empowering PWDs of Pakistan may
was blind, I could not be allowed to travel alone. After
not have been possible had it not been for this life-
a lengthy argument, however, they relented. These
changing opportunity. During our training in IISE, we
experiences have only served to strengthen me; I
gained extensive social entrepreneurship skills and
finally joined an earthquake relief organization where
the knowledge to initiate and manage projects across
I had the opportunity to interact directly with victims.
various social sectors.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 19
VOLUNTEERING AT GRACE
ROHAN CHALISE, NEPAL, ONLINE VOLUNTEER
During my early childhood, I had the opportunity to live in and experience different rural parts of Nepal. I have always enjoyed whatever comfort and luxury I wanted. I slowly grew up in that environment and became aware of the differences separating me from people living in these villages. In the cold weather, with temperatures averaging -18 degrees (C), whereas I was warm and comfortable, I could see that children the same age as me did not possess even a single piece of cloth. As I grew older, I learned and gained more experience. I discovered that it is immoral to discriminate against people because they have a different colour, religion, language or nationality. For me the only religion is humanity. So, I
Pakistan, became inundated with
decided to volunteer, not only for
floods in 2010. Life has always
the benefit of my country, but for
been difficult in the remote north-
the good of the whole world.
ern parts of Pakistan, and these floods only brought new problems.
I believe that everyone is the same in this world, but that man has
Many people lost their lives and
GRACE Association Pakistan is
imposed his own special empha-
there were huge infrastructure
among the few committed and
ses on religion, nationality and
and property losses. News reports
dedicated non-governmental or-
gender. I decided to do something
made me sad and I wanted to help
ganizations (NGOs) in the country.
about this and devoted myself for
in any way possible. I was already
It has been helping the needy
the needy and poor. I have always
a United Nation Online Volunteer,
and uplifting the lives of several
believed that each individual has
and I applied to GRACE Associa-
hundred people for more than a
the power to change the world and
tion as an online volunteer.
decade and a half.
that one needs to lead by example.
The grassroots’ development and I was fortunate enough to be
positive action sets GRACE apart
My involvement came when
selected and I hope I have been of
from the other NGOs involved in
entire provinces of our neighbour,
help to them.
Pakistan. I joined the family of
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 20
I discovered that it is immoral to discriminate against people because they have a different colour, religion, language or nationality. For me the only religion is humanity GRACE and assisted in whatever
nate and monitor the work of each
beautiful culture and people, as
way possible from my side.
volunteer. While we were not able
well as many other attractive fea-
to win the Global Giving Competi-
tures about the land that are often
Volunteer-
tion, we gained life-long experi-
ignored by the media. By highlight-
ing for
ences that will equip us for future
ing and bringing to the surface
GRACE
successes.
the natural beauty and charm of
has overall been a
this hospitable nation, slowly the There were many challenges to be
image becomes clearer, allowing
great
faced as part of our volunteer com-
individuals around the world to set
learning
mitment. The image of Pakistan
aside differences and realize the
experi-
internationally has been tainted
ties that bind, say, a child living in
ence. As
with recent news of terrorism and
Africa or North America with one
religious extremism.
in Pakistan.
nicate with potential donors. We
In addition, many in the global
I am not bound by colour, nation-
use modern social media tech-
community have adopted pre-
ality, religion or gender. If I had
niques such as Facebook, Twitter
conceived, negative notions about
wings, I would have reached every
and MySpace. I created an online
Pakistan and Muslims in general. It
corner of the world in order to help
network of more than 50,000 peo-
has been an important part of my
anyone who is in pain. If I can give
ple in GRACE’s Facebook group.
work to emphasize that is in unjust
happiness to someone even for a
Some other volunteers were work-
and wrong to judge a whole nation
second, to me that is the greatest
ing hard on Twitter and MySpace.
of people based on the selfish acts
reward.
an online volunteer, my main duty is to convince, attract and commu-
of a few. We also uploaded insightful
In conclusion, it is true that what-
pictures and stories relevant to
The resultant lack of trust and
ever we do cannot change the
GRACE’s flood relief efforts and
sympathy towards Pakistan, not
structure of the universe, but it
other projects focused in Gilgit-
to mention concerns about cor-
can surely change the lives of a
Baltistan, Pakistan. We received
ruption, have made it difficult to
few people. Let us accept that the
positive and encouraging feedback
convince many in the international
most important thing transcending
and comments from individuals
community to donate and assist in
religion, nationality and colour is
around the globe.
this critical time which affects not
humanity itself.
just Pakistanis and Muslims, but We also contacted various donors
humanity as a whole.
personally, providing information
It is a curious, but true, paradox that in helping others we find our-
of ways they could donate or assist
To face this challenge the volun-
selves. The power of giving is the
GRACE further.
teers collaborated with GRACE
way to find God. For this reason,
to conduct various international
it has been both a fulfilling and
As the team leader of Online vol-
awareness programmes aimed
amazing learning experience work-
unteers it was my duty to coordi-
at sharing Pakistan’s diverse and
ing with GRACE.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 21
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) has been awarded the contract to implement the Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program (SGAFP). Donor: USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund
Contact information
Program (SGAFP)
To learn more, contact the NRSP at (92) 51 282 2319, or
Funds available: Small Grants of under $250,000
email: applications.sgafp@nrsp.org.pk, or visit the
(2-3 year project) and Ambassador’s Fund $100,000
SGAFP website at http://www.sgafp.org.pk.
(1 year project)
Deadline: Not specified Funding Objective: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad announced that it will provide Rs 4.28 billion ($50 million) through the two programmes. These monies
Donor: Finnish NGO Foundation for Human Rights
will be used to fund as many as 350 grants to qualified
KIOS
organizations to improve community service delivery
Funds available: No set limit.
in Pakistan. Among other activities, these grants will
Deadline: Open
be used to help improve municipal services, advocate
for gender equality, and increase transparency in local
Funding Objective: To strengthen and protect the
governance.
rights of the most disadvantaged groups. Special consideration is given to the promotion of human rights of
The Ambassador’s Fund will support up to 250 com-
women, children, minorities and the poor.
munity-developed self-help projects, each lasting up to one year. Recipients are encouraged to contribute
The principle is summarised in the KIOS motto:
at least 25 percent of total project resource require-
“Human Rights for the Most Vulnerable.” The work
ments. Grants generally will not exceed Rs 8.5 million
of KIOS is based on values of justice and equality.
($100,000).
The work is guided by principles of reliability, independence, commitment and quality.” KIOS is currently
The US Agency for International Development’s
accepting applications from only a limited set of focus
(USAID) Small Grants Program will provide longer-
countries in its target regions (South Asia and Eastern
term awards to organizations that submit unique and
Africa). KIOS registers applications only from the fol-
innovative ideas to promote development efforts.
lowing countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burundi,
Grants of under Rs 21.4 million ($250,000) will be pro-
Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal,
vided for projects lasting up to three years.
Pakistan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Uganda.
“These two funds give our Embassy flexible mecha-
Contact information
nisms to support community and grass-roots proj-
Please check the website: http://www.kios.fi/eng-
ects,” said US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson.
lish/project_funding/
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 22
FLOOD RELIEF VOLUNTEERING MICHELLE KHILJI, ISLAMABAD
From August 2010 until now, I have been volunteer-
health centres, roads, bridges, culverts fixed and
ing informally assisting with flood relief efforts in the
people’s livelihoods restored. While NGOs, philan-
northern regions of Pakistan with the community-
thropists and international disaster relief organiza-
service-based organization Future Leaders of Pakistan
tions have been instrumental in relief work, the bulk
(FLP), where I have assisted the group with distribut-
of reconstruction is the responsibility of the state.
ing food, clean water, clothing, toys and shoes for women and children. In addition, I had conducted
Need for International-Domestic Collaboration
surveys of the damage in several flood-devastated
Michael Kugelman, Program Associate of the Asia
villages throughout the northern districts of Pakistan
Program of the Washington, DC-based Woodrow
(Charsadda and Nowshera). Since October 2010, I
Wilson International Center for Scholars, is respon-
joined GRACE Association Pakistan as the Commu-
sible for publications and research on South Asia. In
nication and Fundraising Officer. Presently, I assist
Kugelman’s recent publication “International Re-
GRACE with drafting proposals for rehabilitation proj-
sponses to Pakistan’s Water Crisis: Opportunities and
ects to be funded by multilateral aid agencies.
Challenges,” he argues that while the international community has been generous in providing aid to-
What I have learnt from these experiences in the Paki-
wards Pakistan’s recovery and rehabilitation, it is vital
stani context, is that the government is ill equipped
that a balance is maintained between domestic and
to provide even essential public services, let alone
international responses. I believe that this balance is
mitigating the effects of large-scale natural disas-
to keep both sides honest in this bargain, especially to
ters. This is because of the government’s lack of
deter an over-reliance on the foreign community to rid
accountability which leads most people (especially
Pakistan of its troubles that derive from the lack of a
the affluent) to evade taxes. As a result, civil society
credible and functioning government.
has started to step in to provide services of their own, but which should be the domain of the government.
Overall, international responses should be accepted
This has proven to be a mixed blessing. While non-
as complements and not substitutions to indigenous
governmental organizations (NGOs) like GRACE can
efforts. While the US government prefers to work
partially alleviate the harsh realities of poverty in the
with Pakistani government agencies with the rationale
short term it perpetuates the cycle of ill-equipped and
that public institutions are better equipped to manage
under-resourced government, a lack of credibility in
large infusions of capital this will not improve US aid
them on the part of the population, and thus depen-
delivery to Pakistan, the reality is that the Pakistani
dence on NGOs and international assistance.
state has repeatedly failed to provide basic services to its population. The US and other foreign govern-
The government and NGOs have acted in their own
ments must diversify its aid partners in Pakistan.
ways to provide food, water, and clothing. However, this kind of relief has only ever been perceived as
It is time to give a chance to new domestic players
temporary and inconsistent. A lot of work still needs
who have unique and fresh strategies to tackle the
to be done. Agricultural land has to be levelled, water
multi-dimensional obstacles to Pakistan’s recovery
courses repaired, silt and debris removed, schools,
and sustainable development.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 23
GRACE endeavours to empower and improve the quality of life of the marginalized and vulnerable communities in the least developed parts of Pakistan. We do this through welfare, participatory research and development, capacity building, and in promoting best practices, partnership building, and advocacy. Additionally, by launching sustainable and replicable innovative projects
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 24
MY OBSERVATIONS TAHEREH SHEERAZIE, VOLUNTEER
organisation that has been addressing the medical needs of paralyzed survivors of the earthquake. Our contribution to their effort has been focused towards building homes for people left disabled due to spinal cord injuries. Our purpose of fundraising for this endeavour has been twofold. Not only to raise funds for the house building effort, but also to make Pakistan’s spectacular mountain scenery come to life for western audiences, not just mountaineers. We have achieved this by showing slides of our treks, encouraging audiences to visit and trek in Pakistan, dispelling notions of a landscape characterised by inhospitable terrains and scary people, which has become I am a Pakistani American and have lived in Los
a dominant perception, particularly among women’s
Angeles, California for the past 25 years. I travelled
activities.
extensively throughout Pakistan while growing up there, but spent my young adult life in Karachi where
Alongside our trek slides we have exhibited and sold
my father settled after retirement.
quilts made by Pakistan’s urban poor, injured, bedridden women in hospital and a group of quilters from
Over the years in LA, I developed an interest in hiking
Los Angeles to which I belong. This quilting effort has
through our local mountains, which subsequently led
been another aspect of my connection with Pakistan’s
me to become a trekker in the high mountains of Paki-
under-served. This has been my attempt to create a
stan. In the summer of 2005, I trekked for two weeks
vocation from this centuries-old creative craft, using
in the Deosai plains to Burgi La and in the foothills of
entirely recycled materials. Since Oct 2006, the sale
Nanga Parbat to Mazeno La. The first of many such
of these quilts and our trek slides have helped build
wonderful weeks spent trekking in northern
six homes in the earthquake-affected areas of Baagh,
Pakistan brought me into close contact with these
Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Balakot.
mountain communities, leaving a lasting impression and affinity.
Our efforts continue, but with a shift in focus. Our goal now is to house twenty of the women who are
After the earthquake of October that same year my
abandoned by their families and still languish at NIHD
interest in Pakistan’s north was no longer solely to
Islamabad and create an assisted living facility for
trek in its mountains, but also give something back to
them in a city with a major hospital - either Islamabad
the communities that had given these trekking experi-
or Abbotabad. This too needs funding and
ences so much pleasure and meaning.
partnerships in Pakistan - both of which we continue to look for.
Along with a trekking partner and close friend from Los Angeles, Kamila Jeevanjee, we became involved
As a gardener and a student of Permaculture, in con-
with SCIPPER – a Los Angeles-based non-profit
junction with a two-month consultancy with AKCSP
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 25
(Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan) to design a community school garden in Shigar last autumn, I also taught a group of young women from Shigar valley the methods to design and landscape a garden. While training AKCSP/WSE (Women’s Social Enterprise) interns the basic principles of landscape design, I lived for more than two months among the villagers. The girls and I successfully realized the plans and
People are hungry for education and health services
handed them over to AKCSP/WSE last November. Due to a lack of funding, the plans have not been implemented yet, and the skills learned have not been put
this end Khadim, Rehabilitation International (a New
into practice. I continue to hope and work towards
York-based NGO) and I have worked together to write
making it possible.
a grant proposal. I hope that we will be successful in attracting funding for this unique vocational centre
A filmmaker friend from Karachi, Mahera Omar, who
and that I will be able to help lay its foundations. It
spent a month in Shigar with me, made an excellent
will be a crucial step towards creating job opportuni-
documentary about this work and recently submit-
ties and integration into society for all.
ted her film in an international film festival, currently competing with other very well made documentaries
The constant question asked of me, is whether I feel
from across the Muslim world. Scheduled to culmi-
secure and safe working and travelling in the north.
nate in Los Angeles in March 2011, prizewinners will
The answer to that lies in all that I have done both col-
be announced and the films screened at the Los An-
lectively with friends and family and alone travelling
geles Film School. Mahera’s beautiful documentary
by bus from Rawalpindi to Kashgar on the Karakoram
opens a window into the lives of the remote Shigar
Highway. I have attended a wedding of a friend in
valley and its brave and determined girls. It brings
Shimshal valley in the dead of winter and made de-
to light their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and
tours to Skardu from Gilgit by bus. I have always felt
absorb from the world outside their small community.
safe and entirely comfortable, as the people of Gilgit-
Mahera intends to donate any prize money that she
Baltistan have treated me with the utmost respect,
might win, to be used as seed funds for starting the
kindness and hospitality.
construction of the garden. Any turmoil currently in Pakistan cannot be gauged http://womensvoicesnow.org/watchfilm/a_gar-
by visiting these areas of the country, particularly
den_in_shigar/. We all wish her success.
Baltistan. The area’s beauty is not only stupendous, its people are peace loving, humble and generous,
On my return to Karachi from Shigar last December,
and any kind of visitor to this mostly untouched won-
a college friend and school principal, Saba Quadir, in-
derland is made immensely welcome by all who live
troduced me to GRACE Association and its work. She
there.
requested I get in touch with Khadim Hussain, to see if there was a way to implement the garden plans that
From its borders with China in the north, to India
the girls had so painstakingly worked on but come to
in the east and Afghanistan in the west, all the way
a dead halt. Also to see if there was anything I could
down along the Indus until it reaches the plains of
do for GRACE Association in Skardu.
the Punjab - to the intrepid traveller, there is no other place like Gilgit-Baltistan in the entire country. I would
In May of 2010, I was able to connect with Khadim
highly recommend not only trekking trips to these
in an effort to find an interested partner in building
‘throne rooms of the mountain gods’, but volunteer
the facility in Islamabad for the SCI patients. I ended
stints in these peaceful, immensely beautiful isolated
up working with him to set up a vocational centre in
towns and villages, hungry for a sound education for
Skardu that will not only address the needs of people
their children, good health practices and innovative
with disability primarily, but also integrate able and
ways to create livelihoods while maintaining their
disabled members of society, male and female, into
centuries-old traditional ways in the arts, agriculture,
working together and learning in creative ways. To
language and religion.
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 26
GET INVOLVED! DONATE. VOLUNTEER
Make a donation
Volunteer
GRACE relies on the generosity of individuals and
Volunteering is a great way to be a part of GRACE’s
private foundations to give the lifelong gift of literacy
work. As a grassroots organization it is the commit-
to children in our country. If you would like to sup-
ment and support of volunteers around the world
port our efforts to better equip our future genera-
who have helped us achieve what we have today in
tions towards development of Pakistan please make a
changing and improving the lives of impoverished
contribution today.
and neglected communities of Northern Pakistan. Take action!
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 27
G RA C E A SS O C I AT I O N PAK I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n for community empowerment
THE VOICE OF GRASSROOTS 01/2010
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K IS TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
G RA C E A SS O C I AT I O N PAK I S TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n for community empowerment
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K IS TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
G RA C E A SS O C I AT I O N PAK I S TA N
Main Office Islamabad
T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n for community empowerment
Fazal Haq Road Blue Area
27-E, 3rd Floor Office No. 5 Ali Plaza Islamabad, Pakistan
G R A C E A S S O C I AT I O N PA K IS TA N T h e g r a s s r o o t ’s a s s o c i a t i o n f o r c o m m u n i t y e m p o w e r m e n t
Tel
++92.51.2529683
Tel
++92.51.2529683
+92. 51.2829970
Fax +92.51.2829971 Email grace@grace.org.pk Web www.grace.org.pk
GRACE TEAM WISHES YOU THE BEST FOR 2011
Programme Office Skardu Main Airport Road Astana District Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Tel
+92.5815.455067
Fax
+92.5815.455067
Email grace.skardu@grace.org.pk Web www.grace.org.pk Programme Office Peshawar Warsak Road Yousafabad (Darmangi Village) Peshawar, NWFP Pakistan Tel
+92.91.5202571
Fax +92.91.5202571 Email grace@grace.org.pk Web www.grace.org.pk
GR AC E ASSO C I AT ION PA K ISTA N | T H E VOIC E OF GR ASSROOT S | ISSUE 01/ 2010 | PAG E 28