Video Quote: MHI on the Importance of Post Primary School Education in Rural Environments
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tpKp6UFrq4
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Global Philanthropy Forum, Washington DC, USA, 23 April 2009.
AKRSP’s intervention helped reduce poverty
#Parivartan Darpan | Ep. 1 - Reverse Migration - Challenges & Opportunities
AKF's Tinni Sawhney, AKRSP's Apoorva Oza discuss reverse migration in India
In the first episode of #ParivartanDarpan, thought leaders share their views on how influencing youth & managing skewed resources will effectively help the nation post the lockdown. The session was organised by HDFC Bank.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNAL6YO ... 25c8c5fc8d
AKF's Tinni Sawhney, AKRSP's Apoorva Oza discuss reverse migration in India
In the first episode of #ParivartanDarpan, thought leaders share their views on how influencing youth & managing skewed resources will effectively help the nation post the lockdown. The session was organised by HDFC Bank.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNAL6YO ... 25c8c5fc8d
Recognising rural women for their contribution to a sustainable future
Over the years, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme has helped tens of thousands of farmers in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, by introducing good quality seeds and facilitating the production of local fertilizers that are less expensive and raise crop yields.
The vital role of women throughout history has ensured that communities and nations have been able to progress, safeguarding the stability and long-term development of society as a whole. Rural women play a key role in food production worldwide and form a large proportion of the global agricultural workforce.
Women comprise 43 percent of the world’s total agricultural labour force, rising to approximately 70 percent in some countries. Across Africa, 80 percent of agricultural production comes from small farmers, most of whom are rural women. They are key agents for development, as they assume transformational roles in economic, environmental, and social change — essential in sustainable development.
Despite the catalytic role rural women assume in attaining these changes, there are several challenges which prevent them from reaching their utmost potential, which in turn could benefit their society at large. These include limited access to credit, health care, and education. These challenges are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises, and climate change. Structural barriers and discriminatory social norms also continue to limit rural women’s ability and power to make decisions. Their political participation in rural households and communities is also being compromised.
Therefore, empowering and motivating these women is required for overall economic productivity, given that the agricultural workforce is largely dominated by them. They are at the frontlines when agriculture and natural resources are at risk. This is why the UN has introduced an ‘International Day of Rural Women;’ to educate the public on these women’s continuous and tremendous efforts, which often go unnoticed.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres stated that “as early adopters of new agricultural techniques, first responders in crisis and entrepreneurs of green energy, rural women are a powerful force that can drive global progress.”
In addition to celebrating their diligent endeavors, this day also recognises and acknowledges the issues rural women are facing today. The result, hopefully, will be that citizens can gain awareness and contribute to these concerns with the aim of improving the quality of life for rural women globally.
As this day brings commemoration and admiration, individuals that have been working strenuously to ensure that rural women are being given opportunities to better the environment they live in must also be celebrated. Individuals like Anzurat Akobirshoeva have made this the drive for their immense work. Anzurat was a Natural Resource Management Officer for the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and is now working for the Mountain Societies Development Support programme, a project of the AKF. She devotes her time and know-how to help build women’s skills so they are able to get the most out of their farms. She has helped improve the community of the Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, by ensuring that farmers receive training on how to build low-cost greenhouses in order to diversify their crops. This has significantly aided the surrounding community, as these developments have led to greater opportunities in the market, resulting in extra income and a better quality of life.
Additionally, Anzurat is currently managing a project entitled “Improving Livelihood and Biocultural Practices,” which focuses on biodiversity conservation, and the revitalisation of traditional knowledge and practices.
Anzurat described how women play a “vital role in improving livelihood, as they are the main keepers of knowledge and practices.” She continued to explain that women have the power to transfer knowledge, and, hence “transfer their gained knowledge to their children on a daily basis,” in order to create a sustainable future. This would also ensure that the knowledge is “disseminated widely among the community.”
Women like Anzurat Akobirshoeva have dedicated their lives to help emancipate rural women from typical norms and empower them to continue bettering the communities within which they live, using the skills they develop for a sustainable future. Mawlana Hazar Imam often emphasises the importance of the education of women in society. In an interview for the documentary “Islam and the West” in Morgenland, Germany on 30 May 2009, he stated that “the better educated the woman is, the more respect she is going to get in modern civil society.”
We, as members of this society, must reflect upon the concerns that the International Day of Rural Women highlights, and help educate our fellow citizens so that these women can continue shaping and developing their communities with dignity and societal support.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... ble-future
Over the years, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme has helped tens of thousands of farmers in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, by introducing good quality seeds and facilitating the production of local fertilizers that are less expensive and raise crop yields.
The vital role of women throughout history has ensured that communities and nations have been able to progress, safeguarding the stability and long-term development of society as a whole. Rural women play a key role in food production worldwide and form a large proportion of the global agricultural workforce.
Women comprise 43 percent of the world’s total agricultural labour force, rising to approximately 70 percent in some countries. Across Africa, 80 percent of agricultural production comes from small farmers, most of whom are rural women. They are key agents for development, as they assume transformational roles in economic, environmental, and social change — essential in sustainable development.
Despite the catalytic role rural women assume in attaining these changes, there are several challenges which prevent them from reaching their utmost potential, which in turn could benefit their society at large. These include limited access to credit, health care, and education. These challenges are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises, and climate change. Structural barriers and discriminatory social norms also continue to limit rural women’s ability and power to make decisions. Their political participation in rural households and communities is also being compromised.
Therefore, empowering and motivating these women is required for overall economic productivity, given that the agricultural workforce is largely dominated by them. They are at the frontlines when agriculture and natural resources are at risk. This is why the UN has introduced an ‘International Day of Rural Women;’ to educate the public on these women’s continuous and tremendous efforts, which often go unnoticed.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres stated that “as early adopters of new agricultural techniques, first responders in crisis and entrepreneurs of green energy, rural women are a powerful force that can drive global progress.”
In addition to celebrating their diligent endeavors, this day also recognises and acknowledges the issues rural women are facing today. The result, hopefully, will be that citizens can gain awareness and contribute to these concerns with the aim of improving the quality of life for rural women globally.
As this day brings commemoration and admiration, individuals that have been working strenuously to ensure that rural women are being given opportunities to better the environment they live in must also be celebrated. Individuals like Anzurat Akobirshoeva have made this the drive for their immense work. Anzurat was a Natural Resource Management Officer for the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and is now working for the Mountain Societies Development Support programme, a project of the AKF. She devotes her time and know-how to help build women’s skills so they are able to get the most out of their farms. She has helped improve the community of the Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, by ensuring that farmers receive training on how to build low-cost greenhouses in order to diversify their crops. This has significantly aided the surrounding community, as these developments have led to greater opportunities in the market, resulting in extra income and a better quality of life.
Additionally, Anzurat is currently managing a project entitled “Improving Livelihood and Biocultural Practices,” which focuses on biodiversity conservation, and the revitalisation of traditional knowledge and practices.
Anzurat described how women play a “vital role in improving livelihood, as they are the main keepers of knowledge and practices.” She continued to explain that women have the power to transfer knowledge, and, hence “transfer their gained knowledge to their children on a daily basis,” in order to create a sustainable future. This would also ensure that the knowledge is “disseminated widely among the community.”
Women like Anzurat Akobirshoeva have dedicated their lives to help emancipate rural women from typical norms and empower them to continue bettering the communities within which they live, using the skills they develop for a sustainable future. Mawlana Hazar Imam often emphasises the importance of the education of women in society. In an interview for the documentary “Islam and the West” in Morgenland, Germany on 30 May 2009, he stated that “the better educated the woman is, the more respect she is going to get in modern civil society.”
We, as members of this society, must reflect upon the concerns that the International Day of Rural Women highlights, and help educate our fellow citizens so that these women can continue shaping and developing their communities with dignity and societal support.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... ble-future
Chief Minister of Bihar is Explained about AKRSP-India's work
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8wJacuSTYY
Rural Development secretary and chief secretary is sharing AKRSP-India's work to honorable Chief Minister of Bihar.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8wJacuSTYY
Rural Development secretary and chief secretary is sharing AKRSP-India's work to honorable Chief Minister of Bihar.
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India scoops top award for work in sustainable water practices
CEO Apoorva Oza accepted the 8th Annual FICCI award for work that has involved saving an estimated 18 billion litres of water across 15,000 acres of land.
Congratulations to the #AgaKhanRuralSupportProgramme India for receiving 1st Prize for
@ficci_india
Water Awards for work in #SustainableWaterManagement.
Cotton farmers have saved 18bn+ litres of water across 15k acres of land, & have still increased yields by 24%!
https://twitter.com/AKF_UnitedK/status/ ... 25c8c5fc8d
CEO Apoorva Oza accepted the 8th Annual FICCI award for work that has involved saving an estimated 18 billion litres of water across 15,000 acres of land.
Congratulations to the #AgaKhanRuralSupportProgramme India for receiving 1st Prize for
@ficci_india
Water Awards for work in #SustainableWaterManagement.
Cotton farmers have saved 18bn+ litres of water across 15k acres of land, & have still increased yields by 24%!
https://twitter.com/AKF_UnitedK/status/ ... 25c8c5fc8d
Gujarat Panchayat Act and Formation of Panchayat
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV5B3OilFCk
What is Panchayat
1.An institution of self-government for rural areas. Learn more in: Accessing Community Rights and Livelihood Through Tourism: A Community-Based Tourism Initiative in Kumirmari, Sundarban
2.Panchayat is a body of five elected representatives from the local population who form the local government at village level in India. The term is also in use in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Panchayats as local governance bodies have existed in the subcontinent for over two millennia. Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) as they are called denotes the local governance structure established under the 73 rd Amendment Bill and now prevalent across India in all villages. Learn more in: Exploring Landscapes in Regional Convergence: Environment and Sustainable Development in South Asia
3.Village Council in India Learn more in: Societal and Economical Impact on Citizens through Innovations Using Open Government Data: Indian Initiative on Open Government Data
4.Literally defined as a gathering of five. It is a term used within the rural Punjab provinces of Pakistan and India to define a dispute resolution process similar to the “jirga.” Learn more in: Alternative and Indigenous Dispute Resolution: A Legal Perspective
5.An institution of self-government for rural areas. Learn more in: Tourism in Sigur Plateau in the Western Ghats of India: An Impact Assessment Report
6.Literally defined as a gathering of five. It is a term used within the rural Punjab provinces of Pakistan and India to define a dispute resolution process similar to the ‘jirga’. Learn more in: Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Legal Perspective
https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/a ... rism/49892
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV5B3OilFCk
What is Panchayat
1.An institution of self-government for rural areas. Learn more in: Accessing Community Rights and Livelihood Through Tourism: A Community-Based Tourism Initiative in Kumirmari, Sundarban
2.Panchayat is a body of five elected representatives from the local population who form the local government at village level in India. The term is also in use in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Panchayats as local governance bodies have existed in the subcontinent for over two millennia. Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) as they are called denotes the local governance structure established under the 73 rd Amendment Bill and now prevalent across India in all villages. Learn more in: Exploring Landscapes in Regional Convergence: Environment and Sustainable Development in South Asia
3.Village Council in India Learn more in: Societal and Economical Impact on Citizens through Innovations Using Open Government Data: Indian Initiative on Open Government Data
4.Literally defined as a gathering of five. It is a term used within the rural Punjab provinces of Pakistan and India to define a dispute resolution process similar to the “jirga.” Learn more in: Alternative and Indigenous Dispute Resolution: A Legal Perspective
5.An institution of self-government for rural areas. Learn more in: Tourism in Sigur Plateau in the Western Ghats of India: An Impact Assessment Report
6.Literally defined as a gathering of five. It is a term used within the rural Punjab provinces of Pakistan and India to define a dispute resolution process similar to the ‘jirga’. Learn more in: Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Legal Perspective
https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/a ... rism/49892
VIDEO: Roles and Responsibilities of Gram Panchayat
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_KMSQqx84
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_KMSQqx84
Re: AKRSP’s intervention helped reduce poverty
The women revolutionising mental health in Gilgit-Baltistan
Through psychological support training, three women are helping their communities fight the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19
COVID-19 took an unprepared world and left a devastating impact – one we will all feel for a while. Whilst people, regardless of background, class or race are affected alike, it is those poorest that have felt the widening of socio-economic injustices the most.
In the north of Pakistan, in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, the hardest to reach communities are not only feeling the physical and economic ramifications of the pandemic – but also the psychological. For many, understanding how the pandemic has influenced their mental health is a new notion. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), with the financial support from the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation, are alleviating some of these effects by delivering an array of psycho-social training sessions and services as part of a holistic response to COVID-19.
At the heart of this movement are three amazing women who are helping their communities understand the psychological impact that COVID-19 has had and what community members can do to improve their mental health.
Fatima, Skardu
Fatima is married with four children: two sons and two daughters. Her husband is a construction worker and all four of her children are of school-going age. Fatima found that at the start of the pandemic, looking for a job during lockdown was near impossible. As the pandemic persisted, Fatima’s family exhausted almost all their savings and daily living became harder.
Fatima explains, “there was always a situation where everyone from the children to their father would get impatient and tend to argue. I tried hard to stay calm and patient, but it was very tough. Due to their idleness, my children started disobeying us – me and my husband. My husband, generally a calm person, would argue back. The situation became very complicated, and I did not know how to deal it.”
“Sometimes you don’t need money. Simply having an understanding of a problem makes it easier to cope with.”
Fatima, Skardu
An AKRSP supported intervention to provide opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Fatima continues, “then I was approached by my neighbours, and we participated in the session organised by a local support organisation, in which we talked about mental health, and the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on different aspects of life. These sessions made it easier for me to understand the situation and how to deal with it.”
Fatima now champions the training from AKRSP and reinforces the learnings within her community. She says: “although the situation has eased a lot, its bad effects are still there. I understand that it’s at a global scale so it’s effects would be global too. Sometimes you don’t need money. Simply having an understanding of a problem makes it easier to cope with. Thanks to AKRSP for extending this valuable support at such a critical time.”
A group of young women who have been supported by AKRSP through small grants in northern Pakistan.
Saeeda, Shigri Kalan
Saeeda is a social worker who worked as a community resource person (CRP) under AKRSP’s COVID-19 response project. As a CRP, Saeeda was trained on the importance of mental well-being and helped run sessions on the different types of mental health illnesses that can manifest from the pandemic, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social phobia. Saeeda recognised that this was the first time many members of her community were learning about mental health.
“I feel more equipped to help my community understand the importance of good mental health.”
Saeeda, Shigri Kalan
Since her training, Saeeda has been tending to these issues within her community. Although amulets and charms are usually used to treat such illnesses in her community, using her training, Saeeda educated her neighbours on mental health illnesses. She helped her neighbours who had been unwell and unresponsive to medication, to seek local support services supported by AKRSP to manage their symptoms.
“I am proud to have been able to use my training for good and I want to continue doing so. I feel more equipped to help my community understand the importance of good mental health.”
A group of young women in northern Pakistan who have been supported by AKRSP.
Atiya, Gilgit
Atiya is a volunteer who was keen to work with AKRSP. Familiar with AKRSP’s previous emergency and local support organisation work within her community, Atiya attended the ‘psychological impact of COVID-19’ training session and saw the benefits of this straight away.
“People were very scared after the first and second wave of COVID-19. They were less serious about the impact of the disease with the third wave. As the national tally of the disease was getting higher and taking more lives, communities started understanding this new wave was dangerous and this had a mental impact. So, I took it upon myself to get the message across to communities when the AKRSP approached us to organise a session on the impact of COVID-19. Such sessions really helped people out of difficult psychological situations.”
“As the national tally of the disease was getting higher and taking more lives, communities started understanding this new wave was dangerous and this had a mental impact.”
Atiya, Gilgit
Nurses from the Baltistan Health Clinic in Skardu.
Feeling inspired, Atiya studied the COVID-19 literature provided by AKRSP and started visiting individuals in her community to educate those reluctant to follow safety measures. She has been successfully educating people on the severity of the pandemic, whilst distributing protective equipment to help control the spread of the disease.
Whilst the psychological effects of COVID-19 are not visible, the stresses that come with the pandemic have been vast. Thanks to women like Fatima, Saeeda and Atiya, communities in northern Pakistan are beginning to heal emotionally and mentally. It is because of individuals like these that the Aga Khan Foundation and its partners are able to do our work. We thank them for their formidable contributions.
‘Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for the coronavirus disease pandemic in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral’ is a project funded by the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation and implemented by agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
https://www.akf.org.uk/the-women-revolu ... 25c8c5fc8d
Through psychological support training, three women are helping their communities fight the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19
COVID-19 took an unprepared world and left a devastating impact – one we will all feel for a while. Whilst people, regardless of background, class or race are affected alike, it is those poorest that have felt the widening of socio-economic injustices the most.
In the north of Pakistan, in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, the hardest to reach communities are not only feeling the physical and economic ramifications of the pandemic – but also the psychological. For many, understanding how the pandemic has influenced their mental health is a new notion. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), with the financial support from the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation, are alleviating some of these effects by delivering an array of psycho-social training sessions and services as part of a holistic response to COVID-19.
At the heart of this movement are three amazing women who are helping their communities understand the psychological impact that COVID-19 has had and what community members can do to improve their mental health.
Fatima, Skardu
Fatima is married with four children: two sons and two daughters. Her husband is a construction worker and all four of her children are of school-going age. Fatima found that at the start of the pandemic, looking for a job during lockdown was near impossible. As the pandemic persisted, Fatima’s family exhausted almost all their savings and daily living became harder.
Fatima explains, “there was always a situation where everyone from the children to their father would get impatient and tend to argue. I tried hard to stay calm and patient, but it was very tough. Due to their idleness, my children started disobeying us – me and my husband. My husband, generally a calm person, would argue back. The situation became very complicated, and I did not know how to deal it.”
“Sometimes you don’t need money. Simply having an understanding of a problem makes it easier to cope with.”
Fatima, Skardu
An AKRSP supported intervention to provide opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Fatima continues, “then I was approached by my neighbours, and we participated in the session organised by a local support organisation, in which we talked about mental health, and the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on different aspects of life. These sessions made it easier for me to understand the situation and how to deal with it.”
Fatima now champions the training from AKRSP and reinforces the learnings within her community. She says: “although the situation has eased a lot, its bad effects are still there. I understand that it’s at a global scale so it’s effects would be global too. Sometimes you don’t need money. Simply having an understanding of a problem makes it easier to cope with. Thanks to AKRSP for extending this valuable support at such a critical time.”
A group of young women who have been supported by AKRSP through small grants in northern Pakistan.
Saeeda, Shigri Kalan
Saeeda is a social worker who worked as a community resource person (CRP) under AKRSP’s COVID-19 response project. As a CRP, Saeeda was trained on the importance of mental well-being and helped run sessions on the different types of mental health illnesses that can manifest from the pandemic, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social phobia. Saeeda recognised that this was the first time many members of her community were learning about mental health.
“I feel more equipped to help my community understand the importance of good mental health.”
Saeeda, Shigri Kalan
Since her training, Saeeda has been tending to these issues within her community. Although amulets and charms are usually used to treat such illnesses in her community, using her training, Saeeda educated her neighbours on mental health illnesses. She helped her neighbours who had been unwell and unresponsive to medication, to seek local support services supported by AKRSP to manage their symptoms.
“I am proud to have been able to use my training for good and I want to continue doing so. I feel more equipped to help my community understand the importance of good mental health.”
A group of young women in northern Pakistan who have been supported by AKRSP.
Atiya, Gilgit
Atiya is a volunteer who was keen to work with AKRSP. Familiar with AKRSP’s previous emergency and local support organisation work within her community, Atiya attended the ‘psychological impact of COVID-19’ training session and saw the benefits of this straight away.
“People were very scared after the first and second wave of COVID-19. They were less serious about the impact of the disease with the third wave. As the national tally of the disease was getting higher and taking more lives, communities started understanding this new wave was dangerous and this had a mental impact. So, I took it upon myself to get the message across to communities when the AKRSP approached us to organise a session on the impact of COVID-19. Such sessions really helped people out of difficult psychological situations.”
“As the national tally of the disease was getting higher and taking more lives, communities started understanding this new wave was dangerous and this had a mental impact.”
Atiya, Gilgit
Nurses from the Baltistan Health Clinic in Skardu.
Feeling inspired, Atiya studied the COVID-19 literature provided by AKRSP and started visiting individuals in her community to educate those reluctant to follow safety measures. She has been successfully educating people on the severity of the pandemic, whilst distributing protective equipment to help control the spread of the disease.
Whilst the psychological effects of COVID-19 are not visible, the stresses that come with the pandemic have been vast. Thanks to women like Fatima, Saeeda and Atiya, communities in northern Pakistan are beginning to heal emotionally and mentally. It is because of individuals like these that the Aga Khan Foundation and its partners are able to do our work. We thank them for their formidable contributions.
‘Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for the coronavirus disease pandemic in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral’ is a project funded by the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation and implemented by agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
https://www.akf.org.uk/the-women-revolu ... 25c8c5fc8d
Re: AKRSP’s intervention helped reduce poverty
Lesson 1 Bijamrut
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYZ4znzcpgQ
*******
Lesson 2 Jivamrut Mataka Khad
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpLNIPcN_yg
******
Lesson 3 Panch Patti Kadha
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pIwmE61Hhw
******
Lesson 4 Soyabean Tonic
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM8hr4A4dps
******
Lesson 5 Jaivik Chatani
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGaokg9kRd4
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYZ4znzcpgQ
*******
Lesson 2 Jivamrut Mataka Khad
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpLNIPcN_yg
******
Lesson 3 Panch Patti Kadha
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pIwmE61Hhw
******
Lesson 4 Soyabean Tonic
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM8hr4A4dps
******
Lesson 5 Jaivik Chatani
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGaokg9kRd4
Re: AKRSP’s intervention helped reduce poverty
https://islamabadpost.com.pk/akrsp-comm ... y-service/
AKRSP commemorates 40 years of community service
November 23, 2022
Chitral, 22: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is commemorating 40 years of empowering communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The inaugural ceremony of the three-day event in Chitral under the theme ‘Celebrating 40 years of New Localism’ began by recognising the commendable services of community members.
A pictorial exhibition along with documentaries on AKRSP’s early evolution highlighted key achievements of AKRSP in major thematic areas, including climate resilience, civil society, agriculture and food security,early childhood development (ECD),education, social organisations, natural resource management, community infrastructure development, credit and savings, enterprise promotion and women economic empowerment. Around 27 stalls showcased the work of local artisans and micro-enterprises including traditional dresses, herbal products, gemstones, musical instruments, food items, and dry fruits.
The event’s chief guest Mr. Anwar ul Haq, Deputy Commissioner, Lower Chitral acknowledged that “AKRSP is the only non-governmental organisation working more than any other organisation in the region. The AKRSP model is sustainable and pro-people.” He felicitated AKRSP for completing 40 years, and applauded AKRSP’s role in building resilient communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
AKRSP’s development approach is based on the belief that local communities have tremendous potential to plan and manage their own development, once they are organized and provided access to necessary skills and capital. Since its inception, AKRSP has trained over 126,000 women and men in different technical and vocational fields, completed 4,706 community infrastructure projects benefiting more than 380,000 households, and planted tens of millions of trees. It has helped establish and mobilise 5,249 Village and Women’s Organisations representing more than 78% of the households in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. These organisations have saved more than PKR 500 million, and disbursed PKR 2 billion as loans.
Mr. Jamil ud Din, General Manager, AKRSP, highlighted that AKRSP’s 40 years of community service would not have been effective without the continuous support of the local communities. He applauded the role of local communities in empowering themselves through organisation, skill-building,and savings – the three fundamental principles taught by AKRSP.
AKRSP’s former board members, community members, poets, writers, and other dignitaries also expressed their views at the inaugural event and appreciated AKRSP’s efforts in the development of Chitral.
AKRSP commemorates 40 years of community service
November 23, 2022
Chitral, 22: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is commemorating 40 years of empowering communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The inaugural ceremony of the three-day event in Chitral under the theme ‘Celebrating 40 years of New Localism’ began by recognising the commendable services of community members.
A pictorial exhibition along with documentaries on AKRSP’s early evolution highlighted key achievements of AKRSP in major thematic areas, including climate resilience, civil society, agriculture and food security,early childhood development (ECD),education, social organisations, natural resource management, community infrastructure development, credit and savings, enterprise promotion and women economic empowerment. Around 27 stalls showcased the work of local artisans and micro-enterprises including traditional dresses, herbal products, gemstones, musical instruments, food items, and dry fruits.
The event’s chief guest Mr. Anwar ul Haq, Deputy Commissioner, Lower Chitral acknowledged that “AKRSP is the only non-governmental organisation working more than any other organisation in the region. The AKRSP model is sustainable and pro-people.” He felicitated AKRSP for completing 40 years, and applauded AKRSP’s role in building resilient communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
AKRSP’s development approach is based on the belief that local communities have tremendous potential to plan and manage their own development, once they are organized and provided access to necessary skills and capital. Since its inception, AKRSP has trained over 126,000 women and men in different technical and vocational fields, completed 4,706 community infrastructure projects benefiting more than 380,000 households, and planted tens of millions of trees. It has helped establish and mobilise 5,249 Village and Women’s Organisations representing more than 78% of the households in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. These organisations have saved more than PKR 500 million, and disbursed PKR 2 billion as loans.
Mr. Jamil ud Din, General Manager, AKRSP, highlighted that AKRSP’s 40 years of community service would not have been effective without the continuous support of the local communities. He applauded the role of local communities in empowering themselves through organisation, skill-building,and savings – the three fundamental principles taught by AKRSP.
AKRSP’s former board members, community members, poets, writers, and other dignitaries also expressed their views at the inaugural event and appreciated AKRSP’s efforts in the development of Chitral.