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HRD ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2000
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
Malakand Division has a lot of natural resources and so have opportunities for development. But the human resources are under developed and cannot exploit these resources in sustainable manner. To fill this gap, a sever need is felt for a permanent institution to provide facility for human resource development of communities.
The region was ruled by monarchs who did not allow the people to form organizations. Which may result in social awareness that may lead to political movement. CBOs emerged in mid-70s, after the merger of the state with Pakistan in 1969. The first CBO was registered in Swat in 1977. CBOs formed at that time were almost all charity oriented and even today they are less adapted to developmental approaches. Rapid increase in the formation of CBOs was witnessed after 1985 mainly due to the introduction of bilateral projects who preferred to work with the community through village organizations. For example, in recent years Environmental Rehabilitation Project (ERP), Malakand Social Forestry and Kalam Integrated Development Project (KIDP) have formed Community Organizations in the region. But such organizations usually die with the expiry of the project. If trained properly, these can be made effective development oriented organizations.
It has also been observed that usually CBOs are formed in the wake of a particular problem faced by the community and after settlement of the situation, the members failed to identify new issues and lost interest.
Moreover the resource NGOs involved in training of CBOs extended their training facilities to the areas located near their offices in Peshawar or Islamabad.
Environmental Protection Society, keeping in view the importance of role of CBOs in sustainable development, organized the first ever conference of CBOs of Malakand Division in February 1997. It was participated by 45 CBOs from Swat, Dir, Buner and Malakand Agency. In the conference Need Assessment of the CBOs was also carried out. Majority of the CBOs demanded extension of training program.
Feeling the training needs of the CBOs, EPS, with the support of SNPO established HRD section on permanent basis which is responsible for designing, organization & management of various training events. While trained HRD staff is available at EPS,
Under the project, strengthening of the HRD Section was to be carried out. This was to include provision of facilities like projectors, photocopier, computer, TV, VCR, Video and still camera, sound system, binding machine, furnishing of the training hall and electric generator for the training hall. The project has completed 27 months and Training is being provided to the CBOs activists on quarterly basis. Mainly basic topics like social organization, leadership and management skills, financial management is being covered. HRD’s own staff also received training in various organizations, like NRSP, HRDI, FRC etc.
The HRD is managed by a part time project Coordinator, who along with other staff is responsible for designing, conducting and managing various training events.
A Training schedule has been prepared; one training program each quarter; Follow-up is the integral part of the training cycle.
Authentic and first hand information play vital role in transparency and clarity of planning process, sustainable development, public awareness and lobbying to affect the government policies regarding the related issues. Unfortunately such information usually does not exist. One of the objectives of EPS is to gather information about environment and development issues of the region and to disseminate it through various means (Press, lectures, seminars, workshops etc.) to the general public, policy makers and other stakeholders. EPS is involved in this process since its inception but due to lack of physical facilities, it was difficult to make meaningful use of this. This project helped in removing such obstacles. Urban Resource Center, Karachi model can be followed.
Women activities is the only way out for EPS to have access to the segregated women population of the region. Under this project EPS is organizing different activities for women through partner CBOs. These activities include training in food processing, livestock management, health and hygiene, family planning and seminar/ workshop on related topics.
PROGRESS AGAINST PLANNED OBJECTIVES EXPLAINING RESULTS, PROCESS, CONTEXT AND IMPACT SO FAR
Training for strengthening of CBOs
BSD was organized for CBOs mainly of Matta tehsil on 26-27 March 2000. Most of the CBOs were new one. A total of 17 activist from 10 CBOs participate in the training. Report has already been prepared and distributed.
BSD training was organized for CBOs of Malakand Agency on 28-29 May 2000. Twenty one activists of 13 CBOs participate in the event. The CBOs were from lower Malakand Agency, also known as sam Ranezai , starting from Skhakot up to Dargai. The training was organized on the request of NGOs Coordination Council Malakand Agency (NCCM). Some activists from CBOs of Swat and Shangla also participate.
iii. Project Proposal Writing Training-I
Project Proposal Writing training was organized on July 17-19, 2000. It was participated by 17 activists from 9 CBOs from across the Malakand Division.
vi. Project Proposal Writing Training-II
Second Project Proposal Writing training workshop was organized on October 8-10, 2000. It was participated by 22 activists from CBOs of Swat , Bunair, Shangla and Dir.
2.2 Other CBOs training related activities
A 3-days training in Development Planning and Management (DPM) was organized by HRD for CBOs activists from Madayan working with Pak-VDP, on Pak-VDP request. This training was organized on 11-13 February 2000. The event was financially supported by Pak-VDP.
Two 4-days training in BSD and Financial Management for village Activists were organized on the request and support of Dir Area Support Project (DASP) from January 25 to 28, 2000 and February 5 to 8 February 2000. These were participated by about 50 activists from DASP-affiliated CBOs from Dir district.
A one-day orientation training was organized for the activists of Newly formed Shangla Development Society (SDS) on February 28, 2000. Shangla is newly created district with more than .3 million population, rich in forest resources and with weak NGOs sector. SDS could be a break-through.
IV. Training in Financial Management for CBOs of DASP
Mr.Mohammad Salim facilitated two one-day training in financial management for CBOs activist of DASP in connection with DASP’s micro-credit program on 6 and 9 June, 2000.
BSD for CBOs of Shangla was arranged on 25-26 July, 2000, on demand of the activist of the district. EPS accepted the demand due to specific nature of the area. In Shangla district only few CBOs existed, but were inactive. Only recently more than 10 CBOs were formed due to EPS contacts with the activists of the area. These newly formed CBOs were in the need of proper orientation so as to make them able to play their role in development.
Three training events in BSD + Financial Management were organized by HRD for CBOs affiliated with DASP on August 9-1, August 16-18 and September 7-9, 2000.
Follow up of BSD (of 26-27 March) was carried out in May while Follow-up of BSD carried in October 1999 was completed in June 2000.
Follow up of BSD May 2000, earlier planned for end of June was carried in the last week of July 2000.
Follow-up of Project Proposal Writing-I was carried out on September 2, 2000. Eight CBOs participated in the follow-up. The proposals developed by the trained activists were reviewed and the deficiencies were pointed out to them. Most of the proposals were quite satisfactory which indicate the effectiveness of the training.
Follow-up of Project Proposal Writing-II was carried out on November 5, 2000. The proposals developed by the participants were reviewed and a list of donors agencies was also provided to them.
2.4 Seminar/ workshops on environmental and development related issues
i. 4th Conference of CBOs of Malakand Division
It was in 1997, when EPS organized the first conference of CBOs of Malakand Division. Keeping in view the positive response and its effectiveness, EPS decided to continue the activity. This year 4th Conference was organized on June 29, 2000, with HRD support. It was participated by about 100 activists from 80 CBOs. The objective of the workshop was to highlight the role of NGOs/CBOs in development, to elaborate the propaganda campaign against NGOs/CBOs by clergymen, Urdu press and some government functionaries. Speakers including Maulana Ubaidur Rehman of JUI (F), Islamic Scholar Mr.Ubaidullah, Mr. Farmanullah Anjum of Dir Area Support Program, CBOs representative from DIR, Bunair, Malakand Agency and Swat, Bakht Jehan, Fazal Mabood and Abdul Wahab Khan from EPS highlighted the issue related to the NGOs/ CBOs. The conference adopted resolutions calling upon for arresting those who attacked Waris Khan , an activist from Takhtabai and an end to the vilification campaign to the propaganda against the NGOs.
In response to the new government’s agenda of decentralization, a seminar was organized by HRD-EPS on the topic "The Process of Change in our Society" on January 23, 2000. The key note speaker of the seminar was Mr. Arif Hassan. The program was attended by about 35 participants from across the society.
World Environment Day was celebrated jointly with Swat Scout Open Group. In this connection a debate competition was organized among the school students. The debate competition was held on June 4, 2000 at Saroosh Academy Mingora. The winners were awarded prizes in colorful ceremony on June 5, 2000 at Municipal Committee Hall.
iv. Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 2000 in collaboration with Private Schools Association (PSA) for boys students. On this occasion a poster exhibition was organized at International Education Academy (A private school) in which more than 60 students of different private schools participated. Trophies were distributed among the winners.
HRD-EPS hold a day long workshop on November 2, 2000 at a local hotel to evaluate the HRD program and to prepare participatory planning for the next phase. The workshop was attended by the activists who attended the HRD training programs. About 90 representatives from different CBOs of Swat, Shangla, Bunair and Malakand Agency attended the workshop. Planning of HRD program for the next phase will largely be based on their point of view.
2.5 Training/Seminar/Workshop for women
International Women Day was celebrated in collaboration with Govt. Girls College Saidu Sharif, Swat, on March 7, 2000. On this occasion a function was organized in the College. The function was addressed by the College Principal Mrs.Bilques Ismail, Farida Gul of EPS and some staff members and students. About 150 students and all the staff members attended the program.
Earth Day was celebrated in collaboration with Govt. Girls Degree College Saidu Sharif, Swat. On this occasion a debate competition was organized. About 200 students along with the staff of the College attended the function. Prizes in the shape of books and trophies were distributed among the winners.
HRD organized training in Food preservation and jam and jelly preparation for 4 villages, namely Meramai, Bazkhela of Matta tehsil and Chalyar and Tigdarai of Tehsil Khwazakhela from 21 to 28 June, 2000. The activity was coordinated by the CBOs of the concerned villages. The trainers were Miss Basirart and musrat Bano from Association of Agricultural Scientists, Peshawar and Farida from Fruit and Vegetable Development Board.
Food preservation training for women group of Manglawar was organized on July 9 and November 25 and for women of Chalyar on July 10, 2000.
HRD organized training in "Poultry Development" for two villages, namely Meramai and Bazkhela of Matta tehsil 21 and 22 June, 2000. The activity was coordinated by the CBOs of the concerned villages. The trainers were Miss Basirart and musrat Bano from Association of Agricultural Scientists.
v. Women Roundtable
After successful experience of male "Roundtable on Mingawara" constituted by UPMSP-EPS, HRD has formed a women Roundtable for Mingawara city. So that women could also have say in planning for the city. The forum will also be helpful in providing a platform for debate on different women related issues, environment and development.
The 3rd meeting of the Roundtable was held on March 8, 2000 at Govt. Girls College Saidu Sharif, Swat. It was participated by about 35 participants.
The 4th meeting of WRT was held on August 20, 2000 at Girls College Saidu Sharif.
This year HRD started Health Education Program for women. First such program was organized on October 8, 2000 at the village Manglawar. The program was organized with the collaboration of staff of the National Program on Basic Health & Family Planning. The participants were given health advice on common diseases, mother and child care. Such programs were also arranged for the women of Tegdarai and Khwazakhela on November 3 and in Panr, Mingora on November 3, 2000. Women are taking interest in the program and keeping in view its importance this program will be expanded to other villages in due course of time.
A day long seminar on "Education in Pakistan, with special reference to women" was organized by EPS in a local hotel. The Principal Girls College Saidu Sharif and others spoke on the issues pertaining to female education in Pakistan.
Women groups were formed and consolidated in the villages of Manglawar, Chalyar, Tegdarai and Panr.
2.6 Staff Training
A video camera was purchased under the budgeted head during the reporting period.
3. PROBLEMS/ CONSTRAINS
4. LESSONS LEARNT
5. Analysis of Cross-cutting themes
The program is addressing various cross cutting themes. While on the one hand causes of poverty are analyzed in various training sessions, the training program for women is directly focus on the issue. The program is more gender-balanced and both man and women are involved at different level, keeping in view the social conditions of the area. The program is mainly focused on Human and Institutional Development and is comparatively low cost. EPS is committed to continue the program and the trust shown by partners will ensure it.
6. REFLECTION ON FUTURE DIRECTION/ RECOMMENDATIONS
The growing demand from CBOs for more advance training, (after getting the basic training) indicates that in future HRD program has not only to be continued but also to be strengthen in terms of staff and equipment. SNPO will be requested to continue its support for the program.
Managing Solid Waste
Village Tegdarai is situated at the distance of 3 km from Khwazakhela towards North on the bank of River Swat. It is a traditional village having population of 2100 people residing in 195 houses.
The Tanzeem came into existence in 1997 with the name of Tegdarai Social Welfare Organization. On December 12 – 13, 1998 two members Mr. Rahmat Ali and Mr. Mohammad Fayoon participated in Basic Skills Development (BSD) Training organized by EPS. Follow-up of the training was carried out on December 27, 1998. During follow up it came to the surface that the lack of proper waste disposal sites and poor drainage are the main problems of the village, producing adverse effects on human health and environment.
Besides other routine activities the Tanzeem organized and mobilized the community to address these problems on self-help basis. The Tanzeem created awareness among the community regarding these problems and acquired technical help from EPS. EPS through its Technical Unit provided technical assistance for the construction of garbage dumps and prepared sanitation scheme. Female Social Organizer of RSCP – EPS provided training to the female of the community in the separation of organic and inorganic materials from the waste. The CBO on self-help basis constructed 17 garbage dumps while the female started separating organic and inorganic materials at household level. This activity is unique of its kind in Malakand Division and will greatly contribute to the cleanliness habits, reducing water-born diseases and to become a source of inspiration for other villages of the area.
RSCP also prepared a sanitation scheme for the village. The proposal will now be submitted to some suitable donors. The CBO is ready to contribute in the project.