We do what we can

This is a quick update to inform our followers that we have decided to work with the money that has been awarded to us for the vegetable project. Yes, it is not nearly all the money we need, but CISP are now claiming that we will receive the remainder in due course.

We are very concerned that this will not happen, so we have agreed to a plan of spending: We will purchase as many items that can be useful in other projects to, but also mean that CISP will find it harder to deny us the rest of the grant. This way, if CISP stop the payments, then we still have some of the big things that can help us in the future.

So, we are slowly buying what we can, materials, equipment etc and we are keen to purchase the biggest item on the proposal - the 4x4 car. If we play our cards right, we can have this, which will make this job and other jobs easier.

Please pray for us that the CISP money does not stop at all and that this project can be implemented, but if this does not happen, please pray that we can manage the money we do have efficiently.

Why working with the Pakistani government is hard work – what is a principled organisation realistically to do? What do they say: rock & hard place..

ASH is very weary of working with the government. In Pakistan, there is a lot of rule-bending which is testing to one’s morals, principles and faith. As often the face of ASH, our chairwoman (Ms. Nisara Abbasi), in particular, has experiences various forms of attempted exploitation, harassment and abuse of all forms in what are very male-dominated and corrupt systems.

ASH is proud to say that it is not willing to compromise on its honour and integrity in any way and is often required to withdraw applications for social work projects because of obscene and atrocious behaviour from the awarding bodies. However, maintaining principles is not cheap and we are very disappointed to say that ASH’s good work is limited by this sad situation.

Here is our latest disappointment – what are we to do?

ASH is currently trying to win a grant with the Community Infrastructure Services Programme (CISP). This programme is functions under the Local Government Azad Kashmir, but is funded by the World Bank. Its focus is largely on water and road improvements, but they also support sustainability projects.

In Feb 2008, the CISP advertised a livelihood project for small and local NGOs to apply to support local communities generate income from growing vegetables. This seemed like an excellent idea because, as we know, since the earthquake people have been struggling to provide for their families. This project essentially meant that those with arable land could be cultivated and generate an income for otherwise struggling families. It also fit into ASH’s remit and did not need to use ASH’s current limited financial resources to accomplish it. We were very excited by this potential opportunity.

We produced an Expression of Interest, as per the requirements, but did not hear anything for 2 months. Finally, we called the CISP office for some feedback, but they claimed the World Bank were managing the proposal. At some point, we would be required to attend a meeting as part of the process. Suddenly, the chairwoman received a call requesting her attendance at a meeting. Non-attendance meant that the proposal would be withdrawn! Thankfully, she managed to attend. This, unfortunately, marked the start of our struggles with this proposal. Sudden requesting of time, changes in rules, requirements for large payments, agreements to give percentages of the funds to administration, and bribes to facilitate the speedy processing of the proposal were made readily and without shame. That 4 other organisations have been approved to undertake the vegetable project suggests that funding is available and the call for proposals is bonafide. But, ASH’s experience is not this. ASH will never drop its honestly, but it is also realistic in knowing that in order to win the proposal, it needs to “play the game”. So, what do we do?

After 3 months of fighting for ASH, the project was approved, but not without conditions. We have only received 15% of the funds required and the remaining 85% is subjected to dishonest working. The chairwoman has contacted a major (now retired) player in the government sector who happens to be involved in this project and his advise was that this is very normal, so do as CISP say, pay whatever they want and get on with the work.

How can we do this? If we do what they want, people might get their livelihood sorted, but at what cost? ASH cannot and will not take part in this corruption. We wish for a better, fairer, honest Pakistan – clearly, we will sacrifice the organisations success for this distant future.

If anyone has any advice about how to manage these situations, please let us know how.

Previous work conducted by Anjuman Salar-e-Hawa (ASH) post-2005 Earthquake

Despite being devastated personally and professionally by the earthquake disaster, ASH continued its good work in the following ways:

1. University Ground, Chella Bandi
On 11th November 2005, with the co-operation of Chamber and Commerce, ASH distributed food rations, blankets, tents and other household items to the affectees of the university ground in Chella Bandi.

2. School Kits
On 5 November 2005, again with Suffa Foundation, ASH distributed 125 school kits in Muzaffarabad's private and Government schools.

3. Food Packages
On 3 January 2006, ASH distributed food package, Blankets, Cloth kits, tents and sheets for 400 families of Dahnni Mie Sahiba, Thore, Neela Dandi, Borepaien, Challpani and sheed galli with the cooperation of Red crescent Society AJK and Red Cross.

4. Saman Bandi
On 27 January 2006, ASH, with the co-operation of Suffa Foundation, distributed food ration items, blankets and other household objects to victims.

5. Work with disadvantaged women
On 18 February 2006, ASH and ICRC distributed food rations, blankets, sand and basic essential household items to 30 widows. ASH also distributed 100 hygiene kits for the female community of Chella Bandi, with the co-operation of Kashmir International Relief Fund.

6. Blankets and Cloth Kits
In 2007, ASH distributed 150 blankets and cloth kits to widows of Muzaffrabad with the co-operation of The World Assembly Of Muslim Youth.

7. Water supply
Together with KYDS Trust UK funding, ASH economically and efficiently designed and implemented a clean and safe spring water system for the remote village of Dahnni Mie Sahiba in June 2008. Due to ASH's excellent work here, KYDS Trust has discussed working again with ASH on several water and other, bigger projects.

8. Shelter construction
On 22 June 2008, ASH was instrumental in coordinating and supporting Al-Sakina Foundation (Saudi Arabia) in the construction of Phase I of Al-Sakina's shelter project in just 45 days. Fifty temporary homes were built and given to victims of the earthquake who lost their homes. Phase II will commence in a similar manner toward the end of 2008.

9. Vocation Training for women
In 22 July 2008, The World Assembly Of Muslim Youth coordinated with ASH a 12-day handicraft training program for women in Dahnni Mie Sahiba village. The crafts included vase-making, lamp-making, embroidery and clothes-making.

Previous work conducted by Anjuman Salar-e-Hawa (ASH) pre-2005 Earthquake

1. Empowerment of women in various villages
ASH established community organizations in the villages of Dahnni Mie Sahiba, Gotar, Thore, Tharkahan Bandi, Bore Muzaffr Shah, Seri Dara, Challpani, Noora Sarri, Harama and Moriyan. This work is ongoing.

2. Establishment of Vocational Training Centers:
ASH established vocational centers for women with the coordination of ILM in the villages of Gotar, Tarkhan Bandi and Dahnni Mie Sahiba. The vocations included knitting and embroidery to promote economic improvement.

3. Modern English Medium School:
On 5 April 2003 ASH established an English medium school at Dahnni Mie Sahiba and Thore villages with the co-operation and coordination of local support. The aim of the project was to improve the education standard and provide opportunities to vulnerable and needy children. The school operatedwith a generous help of volunteers to provide free education to the pupils.

ASH also established an Adult Literacy Center for illiterate women in Gotar and Thore for three months. At the end of the programme, the women's literacyhad improved significantly.

4. Income Generating and Livelihood Programme:
ASH arranged this income-generating training between 2003 and 2005 in Dahnni Mie Sahiba and its surrounding villages, with the support of ILM. Training consisted of poultry livestock management, gardening, plantation and nurseries. Through this program, 200 women were provided training in different skills.

5. Water and Sanitation
In conjunction with the 250-strong village community, ASH constructed water tanks to provide fresh and drinkable water at Gotar in 2005.

6. Environment
ASH planted 20 canals (≈5 acres) of land with trees in an attempt to clean the environment of pollution. This was achieved in 2005 with the coordination of Forest Department. In addition, ASH established a nursery at Dahnni Mie Sahiba with the help of ILM.

7. Health Activities:
ASH organized medical camps for the treatment of rural area women and families.