Thanks to a € 43 million loan granted to the Pakistani Government, the Poverty Reduction Program (PRP) has been an effective intervention from 2013 to 2021, in 38 Union Councils of KP and Baluchistan Regions, in partnership with dozens of local organizations and NGOs. The program aimed to implement development projects for improving community infrastructure, basic educational and health services, and enhancing economic opportunities through direct support to numerous grassroots communities.
NIGHAT
In the heart of Ayun, Nighat Kosar, a young lady born into a struggling family, faced the harsh realities of financial hardship. With her father unemployed, the challenge of making ends meet loomed large over the household. However, amidst the adversity, a ray of hope appeared in the form of the PPR Skill Transfer Program.
Having heard about the program, which aimed to empower women through skill development, Nighat seized the opportunity to enroll in the Fashion and Dress Designing trade. Over a concise yet intensive 2-month course, she honed her skills, emerging as a proficient designer with a passion for creating beautiful garments.
The program didn’t stop at imparting knowledge but provided Nighat with essential tools of her trade – a sewing machine, scissors, measuring tape, iron, and other materials. Equipped with these resources, Nighat ventured into the world of fashion, transforming her newfound skills into a source of livelihood.
In no time, Nighat’s craftsmanship gained recognition within the village, and orders for her creations poured in. The demand for her work not only brought financial stability to her family but also resonated as a beacon of economic empowerment within the community.
The impact of the program extended far beyond its duration, with Nighat’s newly acquired skill continuing to be a source of income even four years after completion. Her success story became a testament to the sustainable results achieved through the PPR Skill Transfer Program.
The local community rejoiced in Nighat’s accomplishments, grateful for the opportunity provided by AKRSP’s intervention. Nighat, now a symbol of empowerment, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support that not only changed her life but also contributed to the economic upliftment of women in Ayun. The stitching success of Nighat Kosar stands as a shining example of how a well-crafted intervention can sow the seeds of lasting positive change.
FATIMA
In the remote village of Ayun UC in Chitral, resides Fatima Alam, a resilient woman facing the challenges of poverty. Her aspirations for her daughter’s education seemed distant due to financial constraints. The lack of resources cast a shadow over the realization of her daughter’s dream to pursue a degree at the university.
In this moment of despair, Fatima discovered a beacon of hope – the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and its transformative initiative, the Community Livelihood Fund (CLF). Aware of the fund’s commitment to uplifting the underprivileged, Fatima approached AKRSP with a plea for assistance, presenting her daughter’s educational aspirations as a beacon of hope for the family’s future.
AKRSP, recognizing the potential for positive change, swiftly approved Fatima’s request, granting her a loan of 30,000 rupees. This financial lifeline opened doors for Fatima’s daughter, allowing her to enroll in the university’s BS Zoology program. The impact of this intervention reached far beyond a single educational opportunity; it marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
As the days passed, Fatima’s daughter not only completed her education but also found herself contributing to the same organization that had believed in her potential – AKRSP. Engaging in an internship program, she became a testament to the success and sustainability of the Community Livelihood Fund.
The success story of Fatima Alam and her daughter echoes the broader impact of the CLF initiative. It has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of numerous individuals, offering a pathway out of poverty and enabling dreams to flourish. AKRSP’s intervention through the CLF fund stands as a shining example of how strategic support can break the cycle of poverty, empower individuals, and build resilient communities for a brighter future.
BAGHI
In the beautiful village of Krakal, nestled in the Kalash valley, Baghi Gul, a determined young lady, faced the challenges of poverty that gripped her family. Engaged in handicraft work with her mother- in-law, they aspired to turn their craft into a sustainable source of income. However, the lack of access to affordable raw materials and the burden of family expenses weighed heavily on their aspirations.
In the midst of uncertainty, Baghi Gul learned about the AKRSP PPR program, a beacon of hope for underprivileged families in the area. With a dream in her heart, she approached AKRSP, laying bare her struggles and sharing the vision she had for a brighter future. Recognizing her potential, AKRSP embraced Baghi Gul’s dream and, in turn, established the Kalasha Handicraft Center for a Common Interest group in Krakal village, Bumborate.
Baghi Gul, along with eight other women, was provided with training and essential raw materials to fortify their craft. What was once a modest home-based venture
transformed into a vibrant display center adorned with exquisite handicrafts. The impact was not limited to Baghi Gul alone; the eight women associated with her began crafting at their homes, contributing to the display center.
The success of the Kalasha Handicraft Center transcended the boundaries of individual triumphs. Baghi Gul’s income soared, elevating not only her living standards but also those of the eight women she collaborated with. The center became a hub of creativity, unity, and economic empowerment.
The ripple effect of AKRSP’s support was evident in the positive transformation of these families’ lives. Together, they formed a testament to the success of the PPR program in uplifting the underprivileged and fostering sustainable change. Baghi Gul, now a proud entrepreneur, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for AKRSP, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in turning dreams into reality and uplifting the spirits of many struggling families in the Kalash valley.