Everyone
Kodar School Inaugurated
The inauguration of the primary school at Kodar, Union Council Sachan Kalan, District Mansehra, NWFP, took place on 7th November 2007 at 12:30 pm on the premises of the school.
The event was well attended by over 600 children and several hundred local notables as well as teachers from the union council.
The event was arranged in the court/playground of the school, while a makeshift rostrum was placed in the veranda. The children sat on the floor covering. Some chairs were provided for guests, however, in view of the large number of people, many stood on the periphery of the ground.
Views of assembly in the school yard.
The District Nazim, Sardar Yousuf, was the chief guest. Others who attended included the Executive District Officer (EDO) for Education, Project Manager, District Rehabilitation Unit (DRU) as well as District Officer Education and several other officials and notables of the area.
An exhibition of photographs was mounted on large boards, sent by Ms. Atifa Asghar, and was arranged at the top of the access road.
The ribbon cutting was carried out by the District Nazim at the school wicket gate erected at the base of the access road, when dua (prayer) for the success of the school was offered by those present.
Ribbon cutting by District Nazim (left) & speech by Yasmeen Lari (right).
following programme was organized:
- Recitation from the Holy Quran by a boy student
- Naat recital by a group of three girl students
- Welcome by Yasmeen Lari on behalf of NSN, Nokia and Heritage Foundation
- Speech by Mr. Shah Khan, Nazim, UC Sachan Kalan
- Speech by the EDO (Education)
- Speech by the District Nazim, Sardar Yousuf
- Distribution of shields and mementoes to KaravanPakistan employees and guests respectively.
- Tour of the school rooms by guests
- Distribution of 250 gram sweetmeats boxes and fruit drinks to children
In her welcome speech Yasmeen Lari, Chair, Heritage Foundation conveyed regrets of NSN and NOKIA representatives that in view of the emergency imposed in the country they had not been allowed to proceed to Kodar due to security reasons.
She outlined key activities accomplished in Kodar and Jabbar with special focus on livelihood programmes for women based on traditional crafts. The salient features of school construction with maximum utilization of traditional materials, improved local techniques and local labour as well as the effort in jointing the whole structure together for resilience and seismic resistance were described. The need for taking care of the school building and improved teaching methods were highlighted with a request to the Education Department to increase the number of local teachers.
The work jointly with the community in mountain pathways and reforestation with plantation of 15,000 saplings was highlighted. Discussions with ERRA regarding the design of health centre and the urgency for the community to provide land for its construction was explained. The importance of collaboration in rehabilitation of the old mosque was also underscored. The various programmes that have recently been undertaken were explained, including 10 kitchens for “Destiny Roti” (corn bread) initiative, 10 nos. one room KaravanGhar for widows and the disabled, and community latrines, the designs of which have been provided to the community and will be built under our guidance. The Jabbar villages programme that is in hand was also explained including mountain pathways, completion of school/community centre building, start of community heritage museum and rehabilitation of ancient Jabbar graveyard with community participation.
She also described the experiments being carried out for drying of vegetables and fruit with an experimental solar dehydrator chamber provided through a collaboration of Heritage Foundation and Pak Swiss Society. Experiments are being carried out for construction of cheap individual solar dehydrators which, if successful, could be used by each household.
She explained that the community needs to take pride in its heritage, crafts and traditions which, along with self-reliance, is the underlying principle for rehabilitation works undertaken by the NSN-Nokia-Karavan partnership. The partnership is determined to undertake only those works which ensure maximum participation by the community itself.
District Nazim speaking (left) & speech by EDO Education (right).
The District Nazim and EDO praised the comprehensive programme particularly the use of environmentally sustainable construction techniques, livelihood programmes for women and the underlying principle of self reliance adopted by NSN-Nokia-Karavan partnership. He exhorted the community to collaborate fully with the partnership for engaging in productive work for greater economic benefits and transformation of their area. The District Nazim was also appreciative of construction of a museum in Jabbar to foster pride within the community.
Mementoes commemorating the inauguration of the Kodar School were presented to KaravanPakistan staff in appreciation of their hard work to achieve the completion of this challenging project. Those presented mementoes by the District Nazim included Shifa, Raja, Nadeem Shah, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Naeem Shah, Ahmad, Sajjad, Faiz and Benaris. A memento of the occasion was presented by Yasmeen Lari to the District Nazim, EDO Education and Project Manager DRU (Mansehra). The function was conducted by Naeem Shah.
While taking the round of the building, the District Nazim, EDO and PM, DRU appreciated the design, quality of construction and the effort that had gone into its construction considering the extremely remote mountainous terrain of Kodar. The school furniture and the provision of computers were also greatly appreciated. The photographic exhibition with large number of photographs showing various stages of work and activities was also enjoyed by the participants. The work on solar food dehydration was also appreciated.
There was a general air of festivity and much enjoyment by the community.
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Introduction
Heritage Foundation, established in 1980, is a Pakistan-based, not-for-profit, social and cultural entrepreneur organization engaged in research, publication and conservation of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
The Foundation has been instrumental in saving a large number of heritage treasures and, as UNESCO team leader 2003-2005, oversaw the stabilization of the endangered Shish Mahal ceiling of the Lahore Fort World Heritage site.
Since 2000, its outreach arm KaravanPakistan has involved communities and youth in heritage safeguarding activities.
As part of Heritage for Rehabilitation programme, work on several projects has been undertaken for rehabilitation of communities, particularly women, affected by the Great Earthquake 2005 in Northern Pakistan. The establishment of KaravanPakistan Institute for Research and Training (KIRAT) in 2008 has helped in carrying out research and training on varied aspects of the earthquake affected areas.
Since May 2009, the Heritage Preservation Centre has become functional for identifying, cataloguing and documenting heritage assets in earthquake affected areas of Hazara and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The project Revival of Women's Livelihoods in Swat was undertaken from mid-February 2010 to June 2010, in partnership with UNESCO. Under the DFID funded project 500 women were provided training in making products based on their traditional skills. The project was extremely successful in training 350 women in finished embroidery products and 150 women in handloom products. An exhibition was held at the end of June 2010 showcasing the products at the Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa, Islamabad. A Women’s Centre is planned on a piece of land acquired in Islampur, Swat.
In the aftermath of unprecedented havoc wrecked by floods, in August 2010 HF has begun the Green KaravanGhar nucleus house project in Swat to help families restart their lives. Women of each household are being encouraged to pursue livelihoods based on crafts and agro based products.
Contact Us
If you would like further information, or would like to get involved with our various activities, please contact us at the following address:
Heritage Foundation
E-6, Fourth Gizri Street
DHA 4, Karachi
Pakistan
Tel: (92 21) 35837521
Email: info@heritagefoundationpak.org
Web: http://www.heritagefoundationpak.org/
ProPoor Tourism
• Introduction
• Rationale
• Objectives
• Program
Introduction
The earthquake area has the potential to draw a large number of visitors who may be motivated by sympathy, at the same time to savour the stunning scenic beauty and unique cultural and heritage assets – all of which could be utilized effectively for economic growth & development, job creation, social cohesion and fostering pride and ownership in order to achieve long term rehabilitation of affected communities.
The EARTHQUAKE AREA HERITAGE RETREATS (EAHR) is designed as community-based sustainable tourism initiative in order to maximize the heritage potential of the area for poverty alleviation and community empowerment including marginalized vulnerable groups and women.
The programme is based on experience gained by the Heritage Foundation while working in the Siran Valley, Mansehra District, NWFP, since the earthquake of 8 October 2005. Due to close community interaction and study of historic assets, tangible and intangible heritage of the area we believe it is possible to maximize the potential that exists in the area for the benefit of the affected communities.
This EAHR proposal has been developed by Heritage Foundation in order to promote sustainable, community-based, green and pro-poor tourism among rural communities in Northern Pakistan affected by the 8 October 2005 Earthquake.
Besides reviewing the various drawbacks and challenges that exist in the area, this proposal works out strategies for attracting tourism, as a start, in the Siran Valley.
Rationale
It is evident that the earthquake areas has great potential to draw a large number of visitors who may be motivated due to sympathy and humanitarian considerations, at the same time are able to savour stunning scenic beauty and unique cultural and heritage assets that exist in the area. These attractions can be utilized effectively for economic growth & development, social cohesion and fostering pride and ownership in order to achieve long-term rehabilitation of affected communities. Some important factors include:
· Utilizing unique heritage and cultural traditions as tourists’ attractions and assisting in their safeguarding for continuing future appeal.
· Engaging affected communities in productive activities.
· Fostering pride among the local people towards their cultural heritage and traditions.
· Providing an opportunity to local people of different backgrounds and income levels in a number of hospitality industry-related activities.
· Assisting rural economies to become more liberalized.
· Supporting aspects related to regeneration of forestry.
· Environmental conservation and protection of bio-diversity for future tourist maximization.
Obectives
Identification and conservation of tangible and natural heritage sites as well as intangible heritage and crafts that are gravely threatened and endangered due to the earthquake is among major objectives of the proposal.
The objectives are as follows:
· To restore pride and deal with the earthquake trauma through heritage safeguarding efforts
· To work towards the MDG goal of poverty reduction through heritage preservation, environmental rehabilitation and sensitive tourism activities.
· To provide direct and varied channels and opportunities to the community for their well being and socio-economic development.
Programme
The first site for attracting visitors with the objective of familiarizing corporate executives with the conditions in the area has been developed at the base camp, karavanPakistan Research Institute at Karavanabad, Chattar. A small retreat has been developed among the pine forests consisting of tent accommodation with attached well-finished bathrooms. The focus is on providing clean and comfortable accommodation to tourists along with training courses in team building. The initial concept for team building courses was developed in collaboration with Mr. Tahir Khan. The training programme is being finalized by Mr. Sohail Mirza and Ms. Nilofur Khan.
Photographs of the retreat in the pine forest. Each tent is on its stone platform with its own bathroom.
Heritage Program
• Introduction
• Heritage Museum
• Heritage Protection
Introduction
Among the main objectives of the program are preserving and enhancing the heritage of local areas in order to restore community pride and confidence in traditional value systems and vernacular technologies. This ethos continues to be reinforced through short and long term activities.
Since considerable thought had been given to the modalities for achieving our goal, and based on the Catalogue of Heritage Assets of the Siran Valley, it was possible to devise activities which would fulfill our heritage objectives. The Heritage Program is closely integrated with pro-poor community based cultural- and eco-tourism and is thus designed to bring long term benefits to these isolate and marginalized communities.
Since we believe that the community participation is the key for heritage safeguarding, pride and ownership, the heritage programs are being implemented in cooperation with the people of Jabbar.
The Catalogue of Heritage Assets of the Siran Valley prepared by the Foundation in early 2006 is a testimony to the enormous potential of the area for sensitive pro-poor cultural and eco-tourism. The heritage trail that has been developed is intended to provide tourists with enormous excitement as they discover various tangible and natural heritage assets so far hidden from the public view. Heritage and tradition can be gainfully employed to form the basis for reconstruction and development; particularly through encouragement of sensitively designed, cultural- and eco-tourism that can go a long way in providing livelihood to even the most remote and mountainous areas hit by the earthquake.
Natural Heritage. The tri-waterfall in Jabbar.
Unique sculptural tombstones. A sacred cave.
British Period 19th century Forest Lodge. Dumail.
Heritage Museum
The earthquake has shorn many communities of many of their cultural objects and created generational gaps due to loss of life of people who were depositories of oral histories, thus degrading the non-material culture of the area. Both material and non-material culture are at risk and need to be conserved, revitalized and propagated for restoring pride of the community as well as utilization of these assets for development and income generation.
The greatest danger looms because of reconstruction activities since in the urgency to build new modern constructions, all that was once considered valuable and which might be partially damaged, would be destroyed or thrown away, finding no place in the new reconstruction phase.
These objects that were once the pride of various communities and a basis for their distinctiveness need to be saved from destruction and housed in a local museum. Work on collection of these objects has already started and they will be housed in the proposed Heritage Museum.
The community cultural objects are extremely important in order to utilize them to restoring pride and create livelihoods through conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Based on our experience in the past 18 months, it is hoped that in addition to men it will also enable women to participate, even lead, in the rehabilitation phase. The Heritage Museum is envisaged as a source of economic, emotional, environmental and cultural rehabilitation of the community. It will act as the community cultural focus, research and publication centre, crafts training and promotion of community based tourism.
The construction of the first Heritage Museum for the area has been undertaken in Jabbar, on a site gifted by the local Syeds, Manzoor Shah family. This site is across the stream of the ancient graveyard of Jabbar. It thus lends itself to be made into a cultural centre with easy access to an ancient graveyard in Devli and other sites down the Siran River. It is possible to develop heritage and hiking trails with the Heritage Museum as the focus.
Plan of Museum Galleries.
The only surviving stone artisan, who can replicate the ancient stone sculptural carvings, is Lala Ishaq, who also lives in a nearby village. Since artisans workshops are also being constructed as part of the Heritage Museum, Lala Ishaq will be provided support to continue with his carving work along with training others in order to revitalize the ancient craft. Additionally, other artisans engaged in pottery, weaving, bead crafts etc. will also be encouraged to utilize the artisans’ workshops which will be attached to the Heritage Museum.
The refreshments kiosk, a crafts display area attached to the museum will provide visiting tourists with the flavour of the area.
Heritage Protection
Heritage Protection strategies are being devised to promote community safeguarding for the ancient graveyards that have been located through the Catalogue of Heritage Assets of the Siran Valley. The first programme being undertaken is in the ancient graveyard at Jabbar. In Summer 2007, a team of volunteers consisting of 4 students of Hazara University and over 50 Jabbar residents was lead by Faisal Rajpar of Columbia University cleaned up a major part of the Jabbar graveyard. The cleaning up of the graveyard exposed fully many of the ancient sculptural tombstones which require cleaning and/or stabilization.
Jabbar graveyard in early 2007. Photo Lala Rukh
Earlier, the graveyard had been exposed to loitering animals and had been in an extremely unkempt condition. The graveyard is now being fenced in to ensure its protection and to save the rare tombstones. After the winter snow and rain, the programme of cleaning will be undertaken along with stabilization of the gravestones where required.
Conservation Program
• Environmental Conservation
• Reforestation
Environmental Conservation
Among the most critical long term needs are conservation of forests and water sources. The felling of trees over the last years resulted in large number of casualties during the earthquake because of lack of forest cover. Most areas in the Siran Valley suffer from large-scale landslides which, in addition to being extremely dangerous, result in blocking of access roads, thus cutting off the communities for several weeks at a time.
The reforestation effort is among the most critical conservation works that needs to be undertaken on as large a scale as possible.
Reforestation
The reforestation porgram was initiated in monsoon season of 2006 through plantation of 15,000 saplings by the community. The program has been devised by Brig. Yasub Dogar who held meetings and discussions with the community. Discussions were also held with the Forest Department for supply of saplings.
Through consultation a person was selected to lead the program who also arranged for the plantation of saplings. The program is based on purchasing the saplings from the Forest Department and paying a small amount per tree to the community members who participate in the program. They are to be paid after an audit of the trees is carried out just after plantation, during the month of December, March and June and payment will be made according to the number of surviving saplings. The community is also expected to make up any shortfall or loss of saplings.
This programme will be further expanded in the next spring season by involving women and school children as well as community members. Forestation is considered one of the most effective ways to minimize casualties by preventing landslides and is crucial for earthquake areas.
Physical Infrastructure
• Mountain Pathways• Water Treatment
The villages of Kodar and Jabbar consist of several sets of hamlets which are located in dispersed locations on different hilllocks.
This program addresses the problems of accessibility within the village clusters, provision of sanitation facilities where possible and guidance and advice on procurement of clean water and sewerage treatment. Among the most significant activities undertaken is the construction of mountain pathways for ease of accessibility for the elderly, sick and children. Other programs are being developed for promoting use of solar treatment for clean drinking water and methodologies for treatment of effluent.
Mountain Pathways
Through a consultative process with the community the urgent need for construction of mountain pathways was determined. Work on mountain pathways was undertaken in Jabbar and Kodar villages. The Jabbar programme was taken up from December 2006 to April 2007 and almost 3 km of pathways were constructed in collaboration with the community. The Kodar programme was begun in early 2007 and is ongoing. To date several pathways have been constructed which link various hamlets with each other. The success of the programme can be gauged by the fact that while initially, men of Kodar were not willing to provide any voluntary work, once the women’s programme of bead-making met with great success, men offered to participate in for the benefit of the community. Accordingly, while 2 days labour is paid by the programme, one day labour is provided on a voluntary basis by the local workforce. This has resulted in building up over 5 km of pathways in difficult mountainous terrain in Kodar . The present work of pathways is being led by Raja, who has been working with us ever since its inception in May 2006.
Group of community workforce helping to build mountain pathways.
Mountain pathways in Kodar.
Water Treatment
The women and children of the area suffer from several water borne diseases. In the aftermath of the earthquake, several water channels became polluted. Although many villages have now been provided with piped water, there are areas where availability of clean water remains an issue. Through the help of Mr. Saad Khan, a Swiss Pakistani belonging to Swiss Pakistan Society in Switzerland, a program has been devised to use solar heat for water treatment. This program will be undertaken in early 2008.
The temporary latrines that had been provided by various NGOs in the emergency phase, were a tremendous help in controlling outbreak of diseases. However, over a period of time, the effluent remains untreated and unregulated resulting in extremely unhygienic conditions in some communities. To treat the effluent a program has been devised by another Swiss Pakistani Mr. Sohail Mirza, belonging to Swiss Pakistan Society in Switzerland. The program relies on use of certain plants for treating the effluent. This program is being undertaken in Jabbar in early 2008.
Social Infrastructure
• Primary School
• Health Centre
• Household Latrines
• Housing for Vulnerable Groups
It seems that the Kodar villages, UC Sachan Kalan, District Mansehra, have always had a deficit of social infrastructure. Prior to the earthquake in October 2005, there were very few schools which is the reason for an extremely high illiteracy rate. The women and children suffer from several ailments due to a lack of proper health cover.
The social infrastructure program consists of provision of buildings for primary schools, health facility and houses for vulnerable groups. The program has been developed to provide expert advice and guidance to the communities in order to build seismic-resistant structures based on vernacular technologies and local materials. The use of improved local knowledge, enhanced existing skills and involvement of community in construction has resulted in ownership and pride when buildings are completed. Considering the fact that the rebuilding process needs to be handled carefully via restoring pride in vernacular construction and in the importance to continue using traditional techniques and materials and most significant through a consultative process with the community.
The use of local materials and local workforce has the advantage of reduced cost of construction. Compared to engineered or pre-engineered structures using cement, reinforcing seel bars or steel elements , construction through local materials cosumes less energy in their production and reduced fuel consumption in transportation over long distances. Additionally, the involvement of local workforce makes more funds available to the affected communities, thus helping in rehabilitation and regeneration.
Primary School
Construction of primary schools was taken up in the villages of Jabbar and Kodar in 2006. The school building design had been prepared from the point of relying as much as possible on local material and local workforce. The main objective of the program was always kept paramount, i.e. to use construction of buildings for developing linkages within the community and to foster their sense of ownership through community participation and involvement.
The Primary Schools at both Jabbar and Kodar were taken up to replace the school structures in the villages that collapsed during the earthquake. Unfortunately, the school at Jabbar had to be abandoned due to the problem of the site owners with the Education Department. The school at Kodar was completed in June 2007 however, the formal handing over to the department and community was carried out in November 2007.
Dirt road to the school. Roof under construction.
View from the hill. View of school from courtyard.
View of school veranda. Internal view of classroom.
Health Facility
Report Mid-September 2008
According to the latest information in September 2008, the health facility could not be started because of various hurdles. The Nazim was not able to procure land and we were forced to look for another package. Negotiations took a long time and finally we were able to finalize and agree on a package of land which was owned by 4 family members. Even after the details had been sorted out, we were told that one of the members has backed out. We have been forced to look for another package of land and we hope that this time we are able to secure possession of it. It is also clear that a much simpler health facility than the one intended earlier has to be built since the government does not seem to have staff to maintain it. The UNICEF teams that visited the area on our request in April 2008 have advised that a couple of local educated women should be trained as primary health care workers and only a modest facility should be built. If we are able to finalize the purchase of land, a 2-room structure is envisaged for this purpose.
Report June 2008
During the two visits of UNICEF teams in April 2008, it became clear that a large-scale health facility could not be staffed by the government. After discussions, it was decided that a much scaled-down version of the health facility should be designed which could be staffed by locally trained primary health workers. Since health issues of women and children appeared to be most critical, further discussions are being held with UNICEF to work out ways to achieve the target.
In the meantime, unfortunatley, the piece of land promised by the local Nazim also did not materialize. Since land is in short supply, most land being owned by Khans and not by the locals, the hope of a large piece of land has been given up. After great difficulty a local family has made available a piece of land measuring approximately 2 kanals (just over 1,000 sq. yds.), which has been acquired through allocating a sum of Rs. 40,000.
A small building has now been designed, which will be started once the possession of the land has been taken. The land is adjacent to the main road to Kodar; however, it is at a considerably lower level and will require earthworks to make it accessible.
Report January 2008
Due to the collapse of the small dispensary, for the last two years even the most rudimentary health issues have remained unattended. There have been several deaths, particularly of small children since the closest health facility is at least one hour drive away in this remote, mountainous region.
The biggest hurdle in the reconstruction of a health unit has been the non-availability of land. A few months ago, the community, led by the local Nazim Mr. Shah Khan, approached us with the offer of a piece of land measuring 4 kanals. Since we felt that such a facility was extremely important for the area, we agreed to build the necessary building. However, it seemed that because of disagreement with the owners, the requisite package was land could not be made available. Since we had given a commitment to the community, it has been decided to procure a piece of land for the health facility and after the necessary permissions from the health department the construction of the health unit will be taken in hand.
Designs have been prepared and discussed with ERRA and on their recommendation a labour room has been added. The accommodation caters for examination rooms for both men and women, along with 2-bed wards for treatment of patients. On ERRA recommendation it has also been agreed to provide 2 nos. 2 room KaravanGhar for male and female doctors and a third one to be shared by an attendant and chowkidar.
A 20’x20’ room is included in the design which will be used to conduct workshops for women on health and hygiene issues.
Household Latrines
Report Mid-September 2008
During the visits of the UNICEF teams it became clear that a large number of children and women were suffering from scabies, which was a direct consequence of open defecation. Although the programme for latrines had been designed, however, it after the UNICEF findings, it was decided to expedite the programme. As soon as the weather conditions became favourable, work on household latrines was undertaken. The process of finalizing the names for the first batches always poses a challenge since it is very difficult to determine who is the most needy. For the latrines, the criteria was:
- how many closely related families (brothers) were prepared to share the latrine
- How many families were prepared to show their initiative in carrying out excavation and provide labour for stone walls.
70 families came forward and the latrines were awarded in the names of the womenfolk. It was decided that the emphasis on the structure should be minimized and greater emphasis would be placed on provision of sanitary fittings, water supply and construction of double pits for effluent discharge. Accordingly, the structures are fairly simple in the form of two chambers - one houses an asiatic W.C., the other is a bathing chamber while the wash basin is placed on an external wall to encourage hand washing. The use of improved vernacular construction has enabled the local community to utilize its own skills along with provision to make the structures seismic resistant by using bolts in the wooden framing and proper bonding of stones etc.
To date 70 latrines are now functional, while another 60 are under construction. A total of 130 latrines will be built under the programme. However, there is a waiting list of 200 families and we may have to arrange for more funds to continue with the programme, which is likely to make an enormous difference in the life of the community particularly women and children.
KaravanGhar for Vulnerable Group
Karavan Ghar Program is based on improved traditional construction technology through guided technical help and supply of key materials. It is also known as KAPIT i.e. Karavan Pakistan Program for Indigenous Technology. After the emergency phase, the policy adopted by ERRA (Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority) did not require non-government agencies to help construct any further housing units, since ERRA was distributing funds for construction to all households that had been affected. However, the vulnerable group e.g. widows, orphans, elderly and the disabled are not covered under the ERRA policy. Thus, although the KaravanGhar had been discontinued, it was decided to provide assistance to the vulnerable group and help them construct their own KarvanGhar.
In Kodar 11 individuals were identified in December 2007. However, due to first the cold weather and later on receiving instalments from ERRA by the families, no appreciable progress could be made on the houses.
Empowering Women
• Nokia-Karavan Craft Centres• Destiny Roti
• Solar Food Dehydrator
In the post-disaster period women have been the worst sufferers, huddling inside their cold tents or emergency shelters during winter, which, after the onset of summer, became equally unlivable hot ovens. It was clear to us that if any section of society would continue to suffer most, it would be women, who would have to pay for the slow recovery in the next years. During the early post-disaster days, we believed that ways had to be found in order that women could lead the recovery effort by providing livelihoods through the skills that they were familiar with or could be trained for. From conversations it became clear to us that women were keen to generate a decent income and were more likely than men to be involved immediately in productive work.
Nokia-Karavan Craft Centres (NKCC)
The beadwork of Kodar Village in the Siran Valley is traditionally crafted by women. In this deprived and marginalized community, living in remote mountainous terrain, with only a few houses on each hillock, the most important jewellery for women consists of elaborately crafted necklaces, hand and finger lacy covers, bracelets etc. The beads, although comparatively in-expensive, lend themselves to innovative designs as cultural expressions of those living in isolated communities. The bead jewellery reflects the status of women and young girls in life and community.
First women's assembly at the orchard in Kodar Bala.
After the first-ever women’s gathering organized by the Progamme in early May 2006, attended by over 150 women in Kodar Bala, it was evident that women were keen to begin productive activities. Their most vocal demand was for sewing machines. The beadwork they considered of little value, never having used it except as an adornment for themselves.
Following our philosophy of encouraging self-reliance among the affectees, women were asked to form groups of 10-12 households, the one that offered a common space to work together would be the team leader and eligible for a sewing machine. Thus, literally at no cost the craft centres were established. Women were asked to start bracelet production by utilizing simple designs. In order to retain authenticity and the spirit of ‘one –of-a-kind’ they are encouraged to use their traditional designs and colour combinations. All the products are purchased by the programme. Beginning with five craft centres in mid June and a production of 12 bracelets in the first two weeks, by mid-December the 2-week production increased to 800 in 17 centres located at dispersed hilltops. Today there are 55 craft centres and the production is increasing exponentially. Almost 500 women are productively engaged in bead craft, producing over 5,000 bracelets per month and for the first time in their life, have received cash in their hands.
No-cost Nokia-Karavan Craft Centres.
The programme has been carried out from the Project camp office at Kodar Bala. Design, sorting and packaging is carried out at HF head office, Karachi. The ‘Destiny Bracelet’ is being marketed around the world through Nokia and HF friends.
The program has been highly successful in empowering local women and providing them an opportunity to enjoy life on an equal basis.
Due to their newly discovered earning capacity, among the benefits of the programme are greater confidence among women and their increased status in the eyes of men. This program, which started with involving women, has led the way for engaging men of the area into productive community participation activities.
Destiny Roti - Cornbread for Health
Work on the construction of 10 ‘Destiny Roti’ kitchens has been taken in hand in Kodar in November 2007. The marketing of the ‘Destiny Roti’ is scheduled to be launched in April 2008.
Plan and section of Destiny Roti Kitchens, rendered by Zulfi.
The first ten women participants of the program are:
Imtiaz, Rukhsana, Zaifoon, Mehrunnisa, Shabana, Shaheen, Akbarjan, Parveen, Suhaajan and Begumjan.
The project has been designed in order to develop a sense of ownership and pride. While materials are being supplied to the participants, 25% of the cost in the form of labour and some material available with them is their contribution; almost 50% of the cost of each unit is being given as a grant by I-Led, while the remaining costs, technical guidance and general administrative costs are being borne by the HF-NSN-Nokia partnership. Due to the severe winter and heavy snowfall, coupled with unsettled condition in the country, the progress on kitchen construction has slowed down; however, they are expected to be completed in February 2008. The following pictures show the progress of kitchens in mid-December 2007.
Solid masonry walls upto 3'0" height.
Upper part of the walls are of traditional 'dhajji' construction.
Image showing 'dhajji' supports and roof joists and purlins.
In the Siran Valley, the staple food of the communities is cornbread which is made from local maize traditionally ground in water mills. This particular grinding is credited with the special flavour found in the cornbread (makai ki roti) of the area. The women of the area are particularly skilled in making extremely tasty cornbread, which is baked in the traditional earth ovens. The bread of Kodar has been rated as among the best ever tasted by foreigners who partook of this food after the earthquake. Being a product particularly desirable for healthy lifestyle, it is intended to develop a chain of bread making and packaging mechanism at the community level and transporting and marketing to urban centres e.g. Islamabad, and later, Lahore and Karachi. The product is a highly desirable food product and is much sought after in enlightened circles. If handled in an efficient manner with assurance of hygienic safeguards and rapid delivery, the activity can bring huge dividends to the isolated and remote communities affected by the earthquake.
Plan of Packaging Centre for Destiny Roti, rendered by Zulfi.
Who are the participants?
The activity is being planned for women belonging to the Nokia-Karavan Craft Centres, who have proved their entrepreneurial capability in developing their bead making skill and now feel confident and empowered. Those with greater corn bread making skill will be given preference.
How will it be organized?
• Selected women will be helped to build their own kitchens (for earthen ovens) and provided with the necessary storage and utensils.
• Workshops will be conducted to apprise the participants regarding personal hygiene and imposition of hygienic conditions for production of corn bread.
• Bread will be transported in closed containers to the packing centre.
• A purpose built packing centre will provide the requisite hygienic conditions for vacuum packing and sterilization in food grade pouches
• Cold chain will be established through cold storage and transportation in specially fitted air conditioned vans to Distribution Centre in Islamabad
• Delivery of the bread will be arranged to selected points and health food stores/restaurants
What is the outcome?
Revival/rehabilitation/reconstruction of traditional water mills
The encouragement which is likely to be the outcome of large-scale production is intended to ensure that the traditional water mills, many of which have collapsed, could be revived. Because of their location in the midst of picturesque streams, the area could also be developed as scenic picnic spots.
Continuing use of traditional earth ovens
The earth ovens, which have been traditionally used for centuries will also survive, thus, continuing the tradition which is important to conserve the rich heritage of the area.
Respect for women for making lowly bread
Women will be enabled to earn from a skill that has been considered useful only for the family, thus increasing their status in life and community and empowering them to become more productive members of society.
Hygienic methodologies for household usage
Once trained to use hygienic means of production and emphasis on personal hygiene, the activity is likely to help in achieving better hygienic conditions in the house with concomitant advantage of better health for the entire family.
Solar Food Dehydrator
A solar food dehydrator has been installed in Kodar to try out its application at this remote hilly village. The dehydrator has been designed by Saad Khan of Pak-Swiss Society based in Switzerland and donated to us for trial purposes.
The dehydrator was fabricated through the help of Dr. Afzal of Kahuta Research Laboratories and brought to Kodar for installation. Four women in the community were asked to place sliced vegetables and fruit in trays allocated to them. The initial experiments have yielded extremely positive results. The dried vegetables and fruit have retained their flavour and have been much appreciated by the community.
However, since the dehydrator is rather expensive (Rs. 35,000), we had requested Saad Khan to design an inexpensive version in order that each family could have its own dehydrator in the vicinity of its home. He has performed a commendable task of designing one which be extremely economical (under Rs. 4,000). A prototype was constructed at our camp office in Chattar under the guidance of Saad Khan in November 2007. Due to heavy snow and a severe winter, the drying experiment will be carried out after the winter season is over. The cheap version of the dehydrator is envisaged as a do-it-yourself kit which can be easily assembled by the families themselves, and be useful as an alternative to the drying arrangement they had on their flat roofs, which is no longer possible after sloping roofs of galvanized iron have been popularized for earthquake mitigation.
The vegetables and fruit dried through the solar dehydrators are expected to supplement the family income in addition to vegetables and fruit being available for the family's own use. The dehydrators are part of women empowerment programme.
Solar dehydrators being inspected by men and women of Kodar.