Karachi, Sindh

The first-ever session of the Children’s Parliament Sindh with 3-day orientation program, was held at a private training hall in Karachi. Organized by the Thar Education Alliance with support from the Sindh Reform Support Unit and UNICEF, the initiative aims to empower children and promote the right to education across Sindh.

The opening ceremony, held on December 15, 2024, was attended by Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and Chairman of the High-Level Advisory Council, who delivered a keynote address. He highlighted the significance of local governance, responsibilities of elected representatives, and the role of children in shaping a better future. Detho also discussed international frameworks for children’s rights and elaborated on the Local Government Act 2013, explaining its impact on local communities and governance systems.

Partab Shivani, Chief Executive Officer Thar Education Alliance, briefed participants on the objectives of the Children’s Parliament. “This initiative will serve as a platform to promote educational rights and bring out-of-school children back into the education system.

Children from 30 districts of Sindh, including six representatives from the low-literacy Sujawal district, are participating in this effort to amplify the voices of young leaders,” he said.

Read: Thar Children Parliament Holds Session

The orientation, attended by 64 children selected from across Sindh, aims to prepare them for their roles in the Children’s Parliament. Notable educators and officials, including Prem Sagir, Thakur Zaheer, Qurat Mudsar, Bharat Kumar, and Priyanka Kishor, conducted sessions on leadership, governance, and child rights.

The event also featured interactive discussions where children asked questions and shared their perspectives. On the final day, an election will be held to select the parliament’s representatives, who will lead future initiatives focusing on education and governance reforms.

This groundbreaking initiative is seen as a major step toward creating a safer and more inclusive framework for children in Sindh, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. (PR)

Read: ‘Pedaling towards Education’ Project launched in Tharparkar

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Umerkot, Sindh

A district-level program was held at Government Boys Degree College Umerkot on December 12, 2024 to address the dual challenges of climate change and polio eradication.

The event, attended by 800 participants, brought together policymakers, healthcare experts from WHO and Government, Civil society, NGO and INGOs, social leaders, and students to discuss innovative solutions for these pressing issues.

The event was organized by SPO Umerkot, a non-government organization, in collaboration with the District Administration Umerkot and Government Boys Degree College Umerkot.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Rehman Lark said, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis, a societal challenge, and an economic concern. The rise in diseases, particularly polio, demands urgent action. Our collective efforts must focus on innovation and sustainable solutions to create a resilient and healthy future for Umerkot.”

DHO Muhammad Ali Nohri, Assistant Commissioner Rajab Ali Sathio, and SPO officials also spoke.

Read: 7 More Polio Cases Detected in Sindh

The event featured a panel discussion titled “Vaccines: A Right or a Responsibility?” Moderated by Dr. Vijay from the EPI program. The session explored myths and facts surrounding vaccination. Key panelists, including DHO Muhammad Ali Nohri, WHO Area Coordinator Thanwer Khalil Abbas, Dr. Allam Azad (EPI focal person, WHO), and Dr. Abdul Jabbar, delved into critical gaps and challenges in polio eradication efforts. In this session, “The Role of Youth in Promoting Immunization Awareness,” was also highlighted. Panelists shared the importance of engaging young people to dispel misinformation and champion vaccination campaigns.

Students delivered impactful speeches in Sindhi, Dhatki, and Urdu to raise awareness about polio and climate change. Their speeches emphasized the importance of vaccination, dispelling myths, and taking collective action to create a healthier, more resilient society. Highlighting the link between climate change and the rise of diseases like polio, they urged communities to act responsibly and protect future generations.

In addition to their speeches, the students performed three tableaus, creatively conveying polio awareness messages. These performances showcased how youth can play a crucial role in spreading knowledge, inspiring action, and uniting communities to tackle these pressing issues together.

For the first time in Umerkot, ambassadors were trained to support climate action and polio eradication efforts in the region. This pioneering initiative equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to address these pressing issues, fostering awareness and community engagement. The ambassadors are now set to lead impactful campaigns, bridging gaps in understanding and inspiring collective action to build a healthier, climate-resilient society in Umerkot. (PR)

Read: Villages in Sindh losing their fight with climate change

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Read: Poverty, conflict and climate fuel spike in trafficking victims: UN report

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Sujawal, Sindh

National Rural Support Program (NRSP) is implementing the micro-grants project in Sujawal district, under which the micro-grants would be awarded to individual entrepreneurs as well as lawfully registered business corporations/partnerships of firms for both new business ideas as well as to expand or innovate the running businesses.

The micro-grant amount for each innovative business applicant is up to Euro 10,000 (approximately PKR 3 million), NRSP said in a press release.

NRSP said that the target beneficiaries would include direct grant recipients, employees on the SMEs through job creation, family members of all direct beneficiaries, and general community on the whole benefitting from SMEs produce locally as well as in other cities/ regions where these products may be exported out of project district.

The NRSP regional office Hyderabad and district Sujawal team organized an orientation session on October 16, 2024 regarding ongoing Call for Applications for micro-grants under the ‘Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR)’ project at village Umaid Ali Mallah in union council (UC) Chuhar Jamali and village Mohammad Ali Charo in UC ladiyoon at taluka Chuhar Jamali, district Sujawal. PAIDAR is an EU-funded program which is being implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with NRSP.

The PAIDAR orientation sessions unfolded the procedure for obtaining micro-grants, the requirements, and DOs and DON’Ts which were necessary to help comprehend before submission of the applications by the prospect grantees. Different questions were asked by participants and answers were given with local examples and context during the sessions.

The moderators spelled out an indicative list of potential business trades just to give an idea. However, this is not a binding and any new and innovative business idea would be welcomed based on its feasibility. The potential trades for which grants can be obtained are flour mills/Aata Chaki, tailoring, sewing, & stitching on commercial scale, timber business (legally operated), raw material for garments, charcoal business, motorbike spare parts, construction material, fully equipped tyre puncture shops, handicrafts, bicycle stores, vegetable & fruit stores, motorbike showrooms, junk & trash outlets (Kabaar Khana), IT related businesses (must possess relevant education & experience), value chain industry like tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc., mobile shops with mobile repairing facility, medical stores (valid license & relevant education), easy paisa, Jazz Cash etc. facility with valid license, stationary stores, photocopying etc., meat shop, artificial jewelry, local level transport (Qing Chi rickshaw etc.) – possess valid driving license, garments manufacturing, food business – grocery stores, hotel, burger shops, fast-food etc.

Read: Around 40% Population of Sindh Live Below Poverty Line

It was also emphasized during the sessions that the grants would not be awarded in the four negative list areas: a) infrastructure/ construction, b) subsistence grants, c) grants for non-productive purposes such as purchase of appliances etc., and d) production of agriculture & livestock. The participants were made aware of the application obtaining and submission process. Applications could be obtained by visiting NRSP’s website and it can also obtained and submitted with sealed envelope to NRSP’s district Sujawal office or NRSP RO Hyderabad. The last date for application submission is November 6, 2024.

The sessions were moderated by Ms. Sobia Arain and Mr. Pasha Junaid (Grant Officers, PAIDAR-NRSP Sujawal), and Mr. Furqan Hyder Shaikh (Communication Officer/Coordinator, PAIDAR-NRSP RO Hyderabad). (PR)

Read: Save the Children of Sindh from Stunting

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• Despite the hardships, there is a rewarding sense of purpose that comes from knowing the work directly impacts marginalized communities

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

In today’s world, especially in a country like Pakistan, securing employment feels like an uphill battle. Getting a government job based on merit seems nearly impossible, as most of the positions are already sold out before they’re even announced. The next appealing option appears to be working in NGOs. But let me tell you, working in the NGO sector is no easy feat. Those in this field often make huge sacrifices for minimal gains. While society perceives NGOs as organizations with air-conditioned offices, the latest vehicles, and decision-makers controlling benefits for others, the reality is far from that image. It’s a challenging path that demands much more than what meets the eye. Working in the rural development sector brings a unique blend of personal fulfillment and challenges. It demands a deep commitment, often requiring one to spend long periods away from family, navigating difficult terrains, and adjusting to the simplicity of village life.

I recall my early days in the desert-based organization back in the early 2000s, working as a data collector with a meager daily wage of PKR 50. I would barely manage to earn around PKR 1200 to 1300 per month. Back then, I worked under someone who, interestingly, later ended up working under my line management. We would often stay in rural villages on our own, making sure to meet the targets set by the team leader. One vivid memory that stands out is a sunset just before Eid Ul Fitr—I had been dropped off 80 kilometers from home and was finally allowed to head back for the celebration. I was left with no support and no choice but to join the celebration along with my family.  Another striking moment from my early professional journey was on my wedding day. My team attended the ceremony, and my boss, after congratulating me with a hug, instructed me to report to a location some 200 kilometers away by 9 a.m. the next morning. Such was the pace of the job that I couldn’t even be present with my wife when she delivered our first and second children. I remember once when a monitor from a funding partner visited and casually asked me about my kids. I replied that I had four. He then asked their ages, and instead of answering with numbers, I instinctively raised my hands, showing their heights horizontally. Puzzled, he asked why I was describing them that way. I simply said, “I’ve never seen them during the day, I always visit them while they’re asleep.” That was the reality then. But as time passed, and we gained experience, the employer invested in our growth, and we became integral parts of the team, delivering solid results. Despite this growth, the constant challenge remained to balance between being with family and staying fully committed to the demands of the job. Often, we have to choose one or the other, but the leader, one who is raised from the bottom will always try to accommodate those around.

No doubt, opportunists exist everywhere. They never miss a chance to profit, regardless of who they might harm in the process. But the truth is, many of those at the top, especially in both local and international NGOs, are the ones who sacrificed a great deal in the beginning and are now reaping the rewards. I also acknowledge that there are some who focus more on their personal gain than on societal development. However, there are also individuals who truly strive to bring about positive change, those who mentor the younger generation to take the lead and serve others with dignity. It all comes down to being wise in choosing the right employer and the kind of service we want to dedicate ourselves to. Despite the hardships, there is a rewarding sense of purpose that comes from knowing the work directly impacts marginalized communities. Balancing personal life can be difficult, as the line between professional dedication and personal time often blurs. However, it is this very integration of work and life that builds resilience, adaptability, and a stronger connection to the people served. I, over 25 years of service in the sector believe that working in the Rural Development Sector teaches the value of patience, empathy, and the importance of support from loved ones who understand the sacrifices made for the greater good.

Read: Unraveling Ironies

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is a Community Driven Development Specialist based in Hyderabad Sindh

Read: Life is a symphony!

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