SESWA Completed Projects

 

 

1. UNDP-PTF

 PTF (Promotion of Tropical Forest ) by EU-UNDP-SGP

EU UNDP SGP PTF and SESWA singed an agreement for the promotion of tropical forest in District Bunir, N.W.F.P on 30 April 2004 to 30 September 2006 . Objectives of the project are;

 

 

•      To ensure participation of all stakeholders in promoting of tropical forest through    integrated approach

•      To organize the communities for sustainable and effective forest management system

•      Revival of traditional forest conservation system

•      Provision on possible alternatives to reduce the dependency on forest

•      Capacity Building of the local communities for effective forest management

 

The project has carried out a number of activities and initiated a number of processes to promote, protect and sustain the forest and other developmental activities under the overall framework of the project objectives. The project interventions include,

 

bulletSocial organization (Formation of Villages Organizations (VO) and Women Groups (WOs)
bulletNursery Raising,
bulletPlantations,
bulletFarm Forestry, Planting of Fodder Species
bulletWildlife Conservation
bulletCommunity Infrastructure Schemes,
bulletIncome Generation Activities
bulletCommunity Mobilization  
bullet Capacity Building Programs

   

An example of learning from previous experiences

 NGOs in Pakistan work in a very diverse situation and it is very difficult for the implementing organizations to holistically deal with the tasks assigned, the factors behind are often time so formidable that the organizations have to wind up. Such like situations are beyond the control of the donors, the implementing bodies and the grassroots organizations. We also faced such like situation but it was not so sever. In order to prevail over, the social organizer, Mr. Sher Aman along with the other related staff members and volunteers from the concerned CBO planned and very skillfully dealt the whole scenario. The following steps were taken for the revival organizations and other necessary tasks;

 

  1. New and agreed approach regarding the social organization 
  2. Meetings with the influential, teachers, religious leaders and farmers
  3. Trainings and workshops at the HRD Center SESWA, focus was given to conflict resolution, leadership and communication 
  4. steps were taken to convince the stakeholders to fully participate in the implementation process

The UNDP assigned us the construction of the road which was difficult one due to harsh weather; short day duration and unavailability of necessary items but by the grace of Allah Almighty and commitment and zeal of the project staff and full cooperation of the concerned VO the road was completed in a record time and meager amount than estimated. It would, I think, be unjustified if we don’t recognize the time and services offered by the concerned VO members, the monitoring committed and masses of the area.

 

One Mr. Sher, VO member, aged about 80 years who volunteered his services for that great task, told, “ We applied several times to the high ups and governmental departments but they demanded money and in case of refusal, we were told to pray to God so that your work be accomplished.” He was really satisfied with the work carried out and he especially Mr. Salimullah Khan, EU-UNDP Coordinator for his valuable services, commitment and zest which he showed during the course of progress.

 Best practices

 

o    Social organization in the area for the first time

o    Readiness of the locals to talk about the women development

o    Problems of the area were brought into the notice of the high ups and the concerned Govt. Departments.

o    Awareness regarding the importance of raising nurseries and plantation

o    Self-reliance

o    Sensitization regarding their problems and motivation to solve their own problems

 

2. SAP-PK (SDGP)

SDGP (Strengthening Democratic Governance Program) by SAP-Pak

 

Sap Pakistan has been partner with the SESWA since 1998 with the aim to bring radical changes in the lives of the downtrodden and marginalized segments of the society. Small Farmer Development Program and Strengthening Democratic Governance Program are the two main programs implemented by the organization very successfully in the target area (District Swabi).

 

 

Under the SDGP, SESWA is working in advocacy, capacity building and research and in order to attain the ends, the organization established PWGs (Peasants and Workers Groups, both Male & Female) at the villages Mehr Ali, Spinkani and Yar-Hussain. The main activities being carried out include:

 

 

·      Social Organization at the grassroots

·      Monthly mobilization meetings

·      Capacity building programs

·      Campaign

·      Rallies

·      Exposure visits at the provincial level

·      Meetings at the UCs’ level

·      Focal Groups discussion

·      Talks

·      Discussions

·      Dialogues

·      Press briefings

·      Meetings with DLGs

·      Establishment of District Resource Centre at the HRD Centre SESWA

·      Networking at the District Level

 

Text Box: Mr. Arif Hussain donated his four canals landed property for the construction of Girls’ school at the village Mehr Ali, District Swabi Under the SAP-PK Project, SESWA established PWG, SABA in order to organize the farmers under one platform and to capacitate them to fight against various kinds of injustices, which have been affecting their lives since long. During a monthly mobilization meeting, Mr. Arif Hussain, member of the PWG, declared that he is cordially desirous to donate his land for the construction of a Girls’ school in the area. The decision by owner was warmly welcomed and praised by the PWG’s members and the common masses. Then in order to materialize the conceived plan, Mr. Amir Rehman, MPA, was contacted to start efforts for the construction of the school building. The MPA visited the area and met the PWG’s members and promised that he would try his best to include the plan in his next ADP. The decision will prove a milestone for the enhancement of female literacy ratio in the area.

 

 

 

 

The established Groups continuously strive for the uplift of the peasants and workers and also advocate various issues being faced at various levels.  The program manager, Mr. Nazeef and internees under his supervision have conceived such a sophisticated framework for the implementation of the project that not only the organization but the donor also in their reports commended their achievements, in an area where initially no one was even ready to talk about the establishment of PWG. The most difficult task was the establishment of female PWG at the village Yar-Hussain, where political leaders, religious segments and elites not only created obstacles in the way of the establishment but also openly opposed the process as being against the prevalent norms, customs and tradition. With progress, all the above mentioned segments were invited to see that the program was nothing to do with the customs or tradition but to bring the desired reforms in the lives of the depressed and marginalized farmers and peasants. Now it is really interesting to note that majority of the masses fully support the venture, which is an encouraging move for stepping ahead.

Recently during the planning workshop at the provincial office, the provincial office awarded highest marks to SESWA in recognition of accomplishing various assigned task and activities effectively and in time.