Earthquake Area - March Progress by Yasmeen Lari
In the earthquake area the winter (from mid-November to end-February) has been extremely aggressive with snowfall, rain and sleet the likes of which have not been seen, some say, in a hundred years. Where last winter we were able to continue with the work throughout, this year the work had to be stopped several times because of inaccessibility and extreme cold.
Now that the weather has improved, under the HF-NSN-Nokia programme 'Recrafting Destiny' various programmes are taking shape. In addition to the ten kitchens which are nearing completion, the toilet programme is also in full swing and women are particularly happy with this. We have started with 60 toilets (a bathing cubicle and one with Asiatic WC along with sewage disposal through two pits). The labour is to be provided by the people themselves along with stone, the remaining will be provided by us. These toilets are being built with local techniques and a cheaper variety of wood. Another 40 toilets will be taken up as soon as the first ones are completed. This programme has great potential for improved health among women and children. Currently, and even in the worst of the winter in the past, women have been forced to use fields and bushes with only two visits, before sunrise and after sunset. So the impact these toilets will have can be imagined.
I held a meeting on 6th March in which over 100 women participated. The meeting which was held at the newly constructed primary school, was also attended by Prof. Sajida Vandal, former principal National College of Arts, who provided valuable input and advice. As a result of income generation through our traditional bead craft programme the transformation of women since June 2006 is to be seen to be believed. They are now fully confident, were laughing and chatting and took part in the discussion with great enthusiasm. The fact that they could now sit on chairs (in the classroom which has chairs and tables for older children) brought an added sense of excitement. They are now ready to be taken to another level and we need to help them achieve it.
Sustainability of all programmes is our ultimate objective and I do think we are slowly moving towards our goal. As is the case of women, many young persons seem to wish to improve their skills and education which we hope to achieve through our various programme.
The following initiatives are being undertaken on an immediate basis:
a. Women's Literacy Programme
b. Women Micro-entrepreneurs in the Making
c. Reforestation by Men & Fruit Tree Plantation by Women
d. Computer Literacy for Youth & Establishmet of Library
e. Informal Education Thru DVDs