UPTAAR
A Quarterly Newsletter of Sindh Graduates Association (SGA)
Sindh Graduates Association (SGA)
Vol.1 Issue.4 October - December 2014
UPTAAR
Health
Mental Health Development (MHD) Project Highlights
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Training Session for NGO workers A one day training session under the SGA MHD project was conducted for the NGO workers in district Matiari.
Sensitization Seminar with Religious leaders and traditional healers in Matiari About 49 Religious leaders and traditional healers from different villages of UC Mansoorah attended a workshop. The participants asked questions about mental health development care and their
any ambiguities were cleared. Moreover a separate workshop with female leaders was also conducted by Ms. Samreen Memon at the female madrasa in Mansoorah near Hala. The sensitization seminars were delicately conducted with the objective of awareness raising and consent development with the religious leaders. Dr Zahoor, The psychiatrist and the trainer shared to the participants that the medical treatment is inevitable along with spiritual and traditional healing methods. It will be matter of increasing the risks of further deterioration of patient’s condition because of merely depending upon the traditional healing. Religious leaders and clergy men shall motivate patients and their families for referral of people with psychiatric symptoms towards a qualified psychiatrist. SGA facilitators shared that the concept of medical treatment is derived from Tib-e-Nabwi (S.A.W.W). Not a single religion in the world restricts to take medical treatment. A brief introduction of psychiatric disorders i.e. Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Mania, the commonest disorder depression, neuroleptic disorder, and epilepsy. The participants were also told about the management of these disorders and he also told about the side effects of the psychiatric medicine.
Mr. Javed Iqbal project Coordinator-BasicNeeds Pakistan specially attended the training event and briefed the training participants about the objectives of BasicNeeds and the mental health development project model by BN Pakistan. The representative further shared that their model is based upon the five main benchmarks i.e. Capacity building, Community mental health, Livelihood, Advocacy, and Collaboration with the different organizations for the support of mental health development initiatives in country. Ms. Huma Halepoto from the supporting organization also shared about the symptoms of mental health illness. Ms. Halepoto briefly discussed about the common mental disorders, depression, epilepsy, stress and anxiety. In addition to this she also discussed about the biological, psychological and social causes affecting mental health. Around 30 participants from different organizations of the district attended the program.
Medical camps for Mental Health Development in Matiari Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) conducted series of medical camps in district Matiari under the objective of mental health care and counseling service to the people of the area with the support of BN Pakistan. SGA MHD Project coverage expanded upto direct
Capacity Building Training for Community Volunteers
About 51 volunteers from different villages of UC Bhanoth participated in the training events in two sessions of one day each for Volunteer Capacity Building Training, to help widen understanding of mental health issues.
intervention in 13 villages. The villages under the project intervention included Village Jamal Daheri, Allah Bux, Ismail Balal, Mari Muhammad, Weendhri, Sarang Machhi, Aman Abro, Barocho Baro, Mansoora, Meeranpur, Saeed Khan Laghari, Bhanoth and Hamzo Babar etc. Patients were given free medicines prescribed by the doctors. The MHD project is aimed at building coordination mechanism between the patients and the mental health care givers and reducing stigma, and myths. A day long camp became possible with the cooperation of 10 volunteers. SGA field team attended 68 patients, out of which 56 were diagnosed with various kinds of mental illnesses. Doctors diagnosed patients with epilepsy, depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral changes and other disorders.
UPTAAR Awareness raising through stalls
3 Awareness Raising Walks and Flotilla
SGA organized awareness raising activities through campaign stalls. SGA field office Matiari established three stalls at different locations i.e. Near Bottles Agency, Main Road Hala, Makhdoom Shafique uz Zamman Auditorium Ground at Memon Parra in all three locations. Total 320 patients were given the Mental Health development awareness on individual basis. The field teams delivered key messages to the participants who attended the stalls.
Drawing Competitions held at Roshan Tara Schools
SGA MHD project team successfully carried out awareness raising walks in the project intervention area in district Matiari. Key messages were being delivered through Flotilla over a SGA MHD project vehicle in district Matiari. Flotilla contained awareness raising messages in the local language to help rural communities understand issues and possible solutions of the mental health related problems.
SGA joins Mental Health Forum (MHF) Drawing competitions were organized at different Roshan Tara Schools on Mental Health problems and possible solutions to the people with mental disorders.
Networking and Linkages Leader of the opposition donated rupees 20 million to Al-Shams Hospital Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Local MNA and a prominent politician currently, The Leader of opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee pleased to lay the foundation stone of Al-Shams Hospital. In addition to this, the leader donated rupees 20 million for the construction of the hospital building.
Exposure visit to Karwan-e-Hayat Mental Hospital Karachi MHD project field staff paid an exposure visit to Karwan-e-Hayat mental hospital at Kemari Karachi. Representatives of Karwan e Hayat team gave detailed briefing about the systems and facilities being provided at the hospital. The field team was particularly given detailed orientation about administration, patients, admissions, diagnosis, treatment and medication procedures, dealing capabilities of the hospital staff with patients and their relations. In addition to this, the field staff also visited Karwan e Hayat’s community based mental health model where the team was informed more about role of community in handling self-help based local arrangements for patient welfare and sustainability to own existing coping mechanism purely on volunteer basis. The field team reflected a great deal of learning. MHDP team also visited BN Pakistan office Karachi and met with Mr. Zafar Ali Dehraj (Country Head) and BN staff, they shared the other office staff progress and updates of the MHDP.
World Mental Health day deliberated in Bhanoth A seminar was organized under the Mental Health Development Programme in connection with World Mental Health day at village Bhanoth. Community of village Bhannoth participated with full fervor to raise mental health related awareness.
SGA along with other 21 mental health development care, counseling and promotion organizations gathered and formally launched Mental Health Forum on the evening of 29th October 2014 at Arts Council of Karachi. The event was co-hosted by Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) along with the fellow partners including Aman Foundation, Karwan e Hayat, Women Development Foundation and HANDS. The forum is objected to form a combined platform for awareness raising and advocacy actions to maximize mental health development in the country and will meet by every quarter. Veteran TV artist Sajid Hasan was the anchor person of the event for both the launching ceremony of Mental Health Forum (MHF) and celebration of the World Mental Health Day. Awareness raising through theater was part of the event. Participants of Karwan e Hayat and a Liyari based theater group Awaz hooked the attention of all the participants with a great applaud. The joint platform of 21 organizations celebrated World Mental health Day with full vigor and fervor under the theme of ‘Living with Schizophrenia’. Veteran mental health and development practitioners Dr Haroon Ahmed, Dr Unaiza Niaz and Dr Suleman Shaikh spoke on the
event and shared their valuable ideas. Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) actively participated from planning to the conclusion phases of during the whole event. SGA cultural exhibit stall was the center of attention by the participants. SGA staff also efficiently performed the responsibilities of registration of both participants and media personnel at the forum.
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UPTAAR Branch Updates
SGA Badin branch organized an eye camp where more than 890 patients were treated and 189 were operated and provided lenses and medicine free of cost. SGA Sachal Goth branch conducted free skin camp where more than 892 patients were treated and provided medicine free of cost. SGA Naudero branch organized a free medical camp where more than 1560 were checked up and 371 were operated and provided lenses and medicine free of cost. SGA Shahdadkot branch conducted a three day eye camp where more than 1100 poor patients were treated and 250 patients were operated. Free of cost lenses were provided. SGA Pat Sharif branch organized eye care camp to benefit more than 760 patients diagnosed with eyesight problems. Surgical operations of more than 160 patients was carried out. In Kashmore, Free general and Hepatitis B & C camps were organized. The branch awarded scholarships to poor and needy students who are enrolled in universities. In addition to this, SGA Kashmore branch facilitated emergency medical care and relief to the people from different parts of the country near Kashmore. SGA is running a medical facility in a government dispensary. In Kashmore a free skin camp was organized where more than 692 patients were checked up and provided medicine free of cost. In Khudabad, The SGA branch formed a health recovery forum which provides Mother and Child Health Awareness to the people of Khudabad and a seminar was arranged against religious extremism to promote peace and harmony in the society. Khudabad branch also conducted free eye camps where more than 1370 patients were diagnosed and 354 were operated and provided lenses free of cost. During the reporting period, the branch conducted Free Eye camp where more than 500 patients were diagnosed and 55 were operated and provided lenses and medicines free of cost. Free measles vaccination camp was also arranged where 4400 patients/children were administered measles. More than 1165 patients were treated and provided medicines free of cost. SGA Dadu branch donated 15 Baby carts to Civil Hospital Dadu. SGA arranged an anti-Malarial campaign in the surrounding villages of Darya Khan Mari. SGA Gulshan e Hadeed branch, conducted two free general medical camps. More than 326 patients were treated and provided medicine free of cost. Moreover, the branch organized a free skin medical camp 760 patients were treated and provided free medicine. Gulshan e Hadeed branch also organized an eye camp, some 1140 patients were diagnosed with eyesight problem. 55 patients were operated and provided lenses free of cost. SGA Sanghar Branch organized an eye camp where more than 163 patients were treated and 2 patients were provided lenses and medicines free of cost. SGA Dadu branch organized a cleft and palate lip camp where in 345 patients were treated and 71 were operated and provided medicine free of cost, while 45 patients were referred to Karachi for free operations. SGA Gulshane-Hadeed branch arranged and conducted measles camp in collaboration with the Health Department, Government of Sindh. SGA Phulji Station branch supported and donated tri wheeler cycles and motor cycles to the handicapped people of the area.
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4 Medical camp for cleft lip and palates patients Cleft lip and cleft palate is one of the commonest congenital abnormality. The frequency of the incidence in Pakistan is around one in every 500 live births at average with either cleft lip or cleft palate problem or a combination of both. Pakistan is fourth most country with cleft lip and cleft palate patients. The first three countries are China, India and Indonesia. In Pakistan, Approximately 11,000 children are born every day. It means 25 children are born every day and 9000 every year with either cleft lip or cleft palate or a combination of both. It is a common myth in general that a cleft lip or palate problem is caused by Lunar or solar eclipse, which is untrue. The etiology of cleft is both hereditary and environmental. In hereditary it runs in families and more common in cousin marriages. Among the environmental factors, folic acid deficiency, ingestion of drugs and exposure to radiation during the first three months of gestation, are important factors. Till date no scientific data is available to support role of eclipses or fault of mother in the etiology of cleft. SGA organizes medical care for children with cleft lips and palates. The camp was organized with the joint efforts of SGA Pano Aqil and SGA Ghotki branches for three days from 20th November 2014 to 22 November 2014. A team of surgeons checked up. Surgeons examined some 70 patients and operated surgeries on 27 of the patients. Required medical care was provided free of cost as the treatment for cleft lips and cleft palates is unaffordable for majority of the patients. SGA Sewhan Branch conducted skin camp where more than 960 patients were treated and provided medicine free of cost.
Celebration of World Mental Health Day at Sir CJ Hospital Hyderabad World Mental Health Day was celebrated at Sir CJ Hospital, Hussainabad Hyderabad. The event was organized by SGA MHD project team. Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Shaikh, Finance Secretary SGA facilitated the event. Veteran psychiatrist Dr Shah Nawaz Dal shared valuable information with all the audience about causes, signs and symptoms of mental illness. The doctor also shared with participants about types of precautions therapies, remedies and care.
Awareness raising through Interactive Theatre performance Research has proved interactive learning as an innovative and interesting way of mass awareness and education. SGA is utiliz-
ing the services of Indus theater group. Five theater performances were organized at different locations in Memon Para, Bhanoth, Peer Bilali, Allah Bux Balal and Jamal Daheri with the objective of
UPTAAR Education Visit of Government of Sindh delegation The delegation of Community Development Department, Government of Sindh visited project site. Mr. Aijaz Ali Mahesar, The Project Coordinator of the Community Development Program, by the
Planning and Development department of the Government of Sindh paid a visit to Roshan Tara School Sewhan Sharif. SGA is implementing the CDP funded project titled Promotion of IT and Scientific Experimental Education in Roshan Tara Schools (RTS) in partnership with the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Sindh. The schools have been I.T/Computer Lab established at RTS Sewhan with the financial support of CDP, GoS and who had pleased and praised the efforts of the branch for its functioning and sustainability in a proper manner. A cultural day was celebrated where position holder students were provided awards and shields, a Much Katchahri was also arranged on the occasion of birth day anniversary of Dr. Qurban Ali Jhatial and Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony was held in Roshan Tara School Phulji Station to encourage the students.
Career Counseling Sessions with Students of Roshan Tara Schools (RTS) by Education USA U.S. Consulate General Karachi celebrates its International Education Week year in November, during the week the consulate organizes orientation sessions on opportunities of higher education in the United States of America (USA), Fulbright Scholarships, cultural / academic exchange programs & scholarships; at various places in Sindh and Balochistan. The US Consulate conducted career counseling sessions to help students from the far flung areas to participate in various educational programs. A number of students have participated in the competition on various academic and cultural exchange scholarships and programs. Some students have successfully achieved
opportunities of higher education in U.S. If the college students are informed timely they avail the same for their brighter future. Roshan Tara Schools Kashmore, Ghotki were selected as one of the far flung and remote areas of the province. The consulate representatives gave 30 minutes orientation sessions about the Education USA Program. The format of the session will be a thirty minutes in person presentation on Education USA, followed by an online Skype interactive discussion on the academic & cultural exchange programs and scholarships from U.S Government for the Pakistani students and academia in general.
5 English language training SGA imparted training on English language teaching methodologies to 86 teachers of the SGA Roshan Tara Schools (RTS) and government schools. The topics included on communicative approach, interactive approach, cooperative learning, group work and inductive and deductive. Other tools used during the training included my timeline as an introduction tool, pre-observation and post observation of the training sessions were also conducted. Mr. Luqman Khoso-Master Trainer English and Mr. Riaz Ali Magsi - Manager Education facilitated as the lead trainers during the RTS school teachers training. Objectives of Teacher Training were Better Understanding of the student, Building confidence, Using Methodology of Teaching, Building Favorable Attitude, Familiarizing with the Latest in Education and other topics included as Creating Social Insights, Creative writing Tools ‘Teacher as a Learner, Lesson Planning, Class room culture and discipline. Reading skills, Intensive Reading, extensive Reading, Aspects of time / tenses, communication skills, vocabulary development, four and four. At the end of class, post evaluation test of the training was conducted from the participants.
Awards to committed teachers and brilliant students The Gambat Branch has conducted a survey of 30 government schools and administered awards to sincere and regular teachers of the schools and appreciated their efforts in the area of education in Gambat. SGA Gambat branch played active role in mobilizing resources for the drought affected communities of Thar. SGA Malir branch awarded prizes to students on the basis of their academic results.
Launching ceremony of Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo’s book at Mithi
‘Betrayal the Sindh Bides The Day of Freedom’ book authored by Veteran intellectual, literary and reformist Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo launched on the day of 100 years birthday of the author. In this memorable event scholars, prominent activists from civil society, large number of civilians from every walk of life participated during the book launching and birthday celebration event. SGA Chairman Mr. Rafique Ahmed Jafri, Mr. Wali Muhammad
Guest speaker’s session by sociologist Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat conducted a guest speaker’s session in connection with world literacy day at Roshan Tara School Sachal Goth.
UPTAAR Establishment of Library in Roshan Tara School (RTS) Khipro The Roshan Tara School (RTS) Khipro has established a library with the collection of 480 books on different subjects.
Donation of rupees 10 million by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL)
6 Emergency and Relief Emergency Relief activities in famine affected Thar Thar, an arid zone area in Sindh faced drought and subsequent famine. Sindh Graduates Association organized free medical camps at Village Veraro, Paneli and others villages of Union Council Jhirmiryo in Taluka Diplo of District Tharparkar on November 28 November 2014. SGA’s Dadu. Ghotki and Gambat branch distributed the collected Food Items, Cloths and Medicines for the drought affected children of Thar.
SGA Shahpur Chakar branch gets a donated plot for the Roshan Tara Shahpur Chakar School. Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL), a national oil and gas exploration company under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program donated rupees 10 million for the construction of school building.
Launching ceremony of Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo’s book at Mithi
SGA Dadu and Ghotki branch representatives conducted a medical camp in district Tharparker with free lifesaving drugs, distributed food supplements and cloths.
Council of Members (CoM) Meeting
‘Betrayal the Sindh Bides The Day of Freedom’ book authored by Veteran intellectual, literary and reformist Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo was launched on the day of 100 years birthday of the author. In this memorable event scholars, prominent activists from civil society, large number of civilians from every walk of life participated during the book launching and birthday celebration event. SGA Chairman Mr. Rafique Ahmed Jafri, Mr. Wali Muhammad Roshan, Mr. Mazahar ul Haq Siddiqui, Ghulam Ali Alana and Mr. Saleem Memon reflected contributions of the literary on his birthday.
The Council of Members (CoM) Meeting of the Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) met on A Meeting of council of members conducted on 7 December 2014 at Dr Nabi Bux Hall, Sindhi Language Authority, Hyderabad. In this meeting the members participated and reviewed on all reports of SGA branches with following agenda. The council concluded with following decisions, an international level Sindhi Language Conference will be organized at Karachi. SGA will review and propose situation of education in Sindh.
UPTAAR
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Cultural Activities and Exhibits
Seminars on religious extremism
Memoir Sessions
SGA Dadu, Khudabad and Ghotki branches arranged a seminar on religious extremism in Sindh in respective towns. The seminar was attended by a large number of people from civil society or-
SGA Karachi branch celebrated death anniversaries of Professor Mazaharudrdin Memon and recalled his commendable contribution to SGA especially the expansion of Roshan Tara Schools network. The branch also conducted a condolence gathering on the sad demise of comrade Sobho Gianchandani.
ganizations and different walks of life. In addition to seminar, SGA Ghotki branch conducted awareness raising rally against religious extremism.
Celebrations of International Days SGA Mailr Branch celebrated various international days World Literacy Day, Teachers Day, Cultural (Aikta) Day, International Languages Day, World Books Day and Independence Day.
SGA Staff pays exposure Visit to OPP
Six SGA staff members attended Professional development Trainings at SPO Resource Center, Clifton Karachi
Sindh Graduates Association’s (SGAs) Roshan Tara Schools (RTSs) holds Quran Khuwani for the victims of Army Public School, Peshawar.
Visit of Dr Asha Chand to Roshan Tara School Sachal Goth
Veteran development leader Dr Sono Khangharani conducted Guest Speakers session on ‘Sustainable Development, Priorities and Challenges’ for Sindh Graduates Association (SGA).
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Renowned linguist, educationist, literary and film maker Dr Asha Chand visited Roshan Tara School Sachal Goth.