From Disaster to Development: SPO Raises the Question of Sluggish Response of Flood Disaster – December 9, 2011
“Global Financial and Economic Crisis, other ongoing global Crisis, Type of Disaster and Limited Media Coverage are main reasons for Sluggish Response by Humanitarian Community”Leading national and international NGOs representatives, donor organizations and civil society groups have expressed serious concerns over sluggish response of humanitarian community to the devastating disasters caused by floods and heavy rains in Pakistan specially in Sindh this year. The concern was raised at the roundtable conference arranged by the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) in Islamabad where participants said that thousands of people were still suffering from the lack of services and their basic needs were not being met in the affected areas because of the sluggish response by Humanitarian Community on one of the biggest disasters of current history. Donors, representatives of international and national NGOs, aid agencies, and leading figures from civil society, media said that Global Financial and Economic Crisis, other ongoing global Crisis, type of Disaster late Government appeal for international aid and Limited Media Coverage, are main reasons for Sluggish Response by Humanitarian Community. Ms. Neva Khan, Country Director OGB said, the funding to this disaster has been extremely sluggish, Aid efforts of the UN agencies, the Pakistani civil Society, the government of Pakistan and other humanitarian agencies are under threat as funds are depleting fast and news contributions are not coming in at a rapid pace. To date the UN appeal of $357 million is still only 37% funded. She said, beside Global Financial and Economic Crisis, other ongoing global Crisis, Pakistan faces several problems and challenges, i-e rule of law, problems with corruption, political tensions with neighbors and other countries. She said, we should join hands to support effected people and salute their spirit, their courage, their resilience, SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memon said, delayed appeal by the government, economic slowdown in Euro zone and US, lack of efficiency and transparency on part of government, like warm coverage by international media are considered as key reasons for the poor response by humanitarian aid community. He said, the government under estimated the scale of disaster and the appeal for international aid came too late when millions were already shelter less.Now, Sluggish response by humanitarian adds community is causing severe stress on relief Activities. He added. Director, NDMA Mr. Idrees Masud said Pakistan is facing climate change and Sindh has received unexpected rainfall. He said one of the reasons for international sluggish response was massive government response. He said Government has spent more than it spent last year. While talking about late appeal he said government first gathered the data than asked for the donation in certain areas. As Pakistan is prone to face more floods in future we don’t want to waste resources, we want permanent shelters not temporary shelters. He informed the civil society that NDMA has created gender and child cell specially. He said,government has changed disaster in to opportunity and named the given homes to women and used solar system . Civil society and media from Sindh stressed that bad governance was reason of this disaster. There was disaster with in disaster, media did not give proper coverage, government was not there for relief, they added.
Yakjehti Conference in SPO D.I. Khan
SPO D.I.Khan in collaboration with Daman Civil Society Network(DCSN),Dera Peace Council & Media aman Committee organized yakjehti (Solidarity) Conference with the objective to promote inter sect harmony in general & especially in Muharram & solidarity of all Civil Society stakeholders in peace restoration process. Religious scholars(Ulema) from shia, Sunni, Deobandi, Bralve & Ahle Hadees sect, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Trade Union, District level Political Leadership/workers, Print & Electronic Media, Peace activists/leaders, Chamber of Agriculture leaders, Transport Unions etc participated & committed to work jointly for peace restoration process in general & in Muharram in particular. All speakers acknowledged SPO role in peace restoration process & mobilizing different stakeholders for working jointly for this.At the end of Conference all leaders gathered at stage & showed Solidarity for continuing peace restoration struggle in D.I.Khan. Print & electronic Media covered the event with the full enthusiasm because this solidarity was initiated by Civil Society .
Dynamics of Team work – October 12, 2011
Dynamics of Team work Workshop by SPO for PSF professionals SPO and PSF have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for building the capacity of rural masses through promotion of science. A draft action plan has been chalked out for ensuring that the partnership built among both the organizations is vital and speak out the commitment towards achieving its goal. In this connection, a half day workshop of the mid level professionals from PSF was organized by SPO on October 12th 2011 at PSF auditorium, Islamabad. A group of approx. 25 participants from across four provinces talk through the essence of ‘Team Work’ in professional settings. The workshop not only imparted knowledge on the dynamics of team work essential for achieving a common goal but also commented on the various human attitudes and behaviors while working together. The imparted training was based on interactive learning approach where the participants were given the opportunity of discussion and group exercise. The Chairman PSF along with some senior members also attended some sessions of the workshop.
SPO and Science Foundation to Promote Science in Rural Areas – October 11, 2011
Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and Pakistan Science Foundation have decided to join hands to promote the science at the rural level around the country. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the theme of ‘Capacity Building of the Rural Masses through Promotion of Science” was signed in Islamabad on October 11th, 2011,between the two prestigious organizations. Addressing the MOU signing ceremony at the Pakistan Science Foundation building in Islamabad Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Social Sector Ms.Shahnaz Wazir Ali said that the PPP governments has always been supportive for science and bringing its benefits to masses. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhuto and Shaheed Benizar Bhutto always gave due importance to science and technology and present government is also following their footprints with the same vision.She said, Climate change is a reality for us and in order to face the challenges being posed it we need to promote the understanding and knowledge of complex world of science and learn how to save lives, livestock and crops from its affects. She hoped that this joining of hands by the SPO and PSF will serve the communities by mainstreaming scientific knowledge. SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memen said, the partnership among PSF and SPO is a step towards achieving sustainable development whereby both the social sector and academia would gain opportunity of learning new trends in science and technology. “Socialization of science will ultimately lead towards the economic development of the country” he said. Mr. Memon emphasized on the need for greater partnership between government, social and private sector to meet the challenges faced to this country. He said biggest challenge faced by the country was the menace of fundamentalism and only promotion of science has the potential to replace the blind faith with wisdom and enlightenment. Chairman PSF, Dr Manzoor H. Soomro while addressing the ceremony said his organization was working with other organizations that have networks and outreach in rural communities to take science out of laboratories and bring it to people. He hoped that this joining of hands with SPO to reach far flung areas will be fruitful. He said established in 1973 through an Act of the National Assembly, PSF is premier agency for the promotion and funding of scientific research and popularization of science in Pakistan. Chairman SPO Board of Directors Dr Tufail Ahmed said that SPO wants to promote culture of scientific thinking especially in rural areas, as we want to initiate rational thinking and decision making which is necessary for sustainable development. Dr.K.K Nagata, Director/Representative UNESCO-Pakistan termed the partnership as groundbreaking event for making science work for masses. She opined that in this knowledge based age science is the key for development of persons as well as of society. She said, Pakistani people are highly talented but their potential needs to be recognized and acknowledged. She said this partnership is a step in that direction. Pakistan is a country where approximately 63% population is residing in the semi urban and rural areas. Although the rural areas are serving as the backbone of the country’s economic development, the population there is deprived of the essential knowledge and skills complementing basic science education and its linkage with the development scenario of the country. This deficiency results in inadequate professional growth within the country leading to country’s low economic development or raising poverty. The partnership between SPO and PSF is an effort to contribute in bridging this knowledge gap in the rural communities. SPO is one of the leading National NGOs that is working in 40 districts across the country including AJK on the thematic areas of democratic governance, social justice, peace and social harmony, emergency and disaster response. The organization has successfully created a group of ‘social change agents’ through the formation of Civil Society Networks throughout the country where the organization is geographically and thematically present. These change agents lead the whole process of capacity building and awareness among the grassroots tiers upto the top by advocacy at policy level on social issues.
Promotion of Science: PSF and SPO to sign MoU for Capacity Building of the Rural Masses
Round Table Forum on Sustainable Development for Sustainable Peace – 23rd September 2011, Karachi
Continuing bloodshed with increasing frequency and intensity, and unrest in Karachi has been a cause of alarm for every Pakistani for a long time. To focus attention on the pervasiveness of the loss of human life and mayhem in this city SPO has organized the Round Table Forum on ‘Sustainable Development for Sustainable Peace’ in Karachi on 23rd September, 2011. Speakers in a conference stressed the need of shifting current paradigm of security state, zero tolerance for weapons, dialogue , fair civic governances, respect to diversity are need of the time to achieve Sustainable Development. They were speaking at the Round Table Forum on ‘Sustainable Development for Sustainable Peace’ in Karachi arranged by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Introducing the theme of forum Naseer Memon, Chief Executive SPO, welcomed the participants. He said the forum on sustainable peace is timely as it is in line with SPO’s program of peace and social harmony. He said, we think Karachi peace is essential for prosperous Pakistan. Presenting the paper: Karachi’s Violence: Dualities and Negotiations. Mr. Haris Gazdar, said Karachi violence has ethnic and political reasons. Political parties have stable support bases among ethnic groups and localities, and this is not as bad as it might appear. He said, political parties can overcome violence through dialogue. In his detailed paper he elaborated through data that all parties are over performing in elections. He also suggest for economic growth in Pakistan to benefit from Sindh’s resources there will need to be agreements among diverse political constituencies. Senator Hasil Bazenjo said that violence in Karachi started in 80’s and now it becomes a monster. He said, violence in Karachi has been sponsored, till the end of this sponsorship, violence cannot be curbed. “Violence in politics being faced by the citizens was started by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), which was supported by the State. JI is a baby of General Ziaul Haq that developed the policy of violence in politics as ‘Al-Zulfiqar’ first started the use of Kalashnikovs.Afterwards, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was weaponised by the State institutions as after the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), the State, thinking that it will lose control in Sindh, patronised MQM and expanded it.” Bizenjo was of the view that unless the State withdraws its support of violent politics, the issue of Karachi cannot be resolved. Presenting his point of view, Senator Dr. Abdul Malik stated that our main political parties do compromises. In Karachi they have divided the areas. He said through electoral process we will be able to gain peace. Well-known poet and intellectual Fehmida Riaz opined that alliances can be an answer to the Karachi situation as politics have become ethnic-based. “The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), MQM and Awami National Party (ANP) are on the same page as they do not support religious or sectarian violence or thoughts,” she added. “The State allowed some parties to become armed and it should now stop this game.” Mr.Jami Chandio said the issue of Karachi should be dealt as a provincial issue and developmental progress should not be focused there while diversity should be respected.“The burden on Karachi can be reduced if other cities are developed as diversity has become unfortunate for the city. The tendency for political hegemonies should be ended. The MQM has made Karachi hostage through violence and wants its monopoly. Following the MQM, other groups have also started working on the same pattern,” he claimed. Renowned writer Amar Sindhu shared that violence is the result of dictatorships but this situation is more than violence. “This is fascism. We are facing urban and religious fascism and to control this we have to have political dialogues,” she pointed out. Abrar Qazi said that the establishment and the civil-military bureaucracy are the root-cause of the violence in Sindh. “Political parties are working across Pakistan, but why is the situation different in Karachi and why are other political parties not allowed to work?” he asked. Journalist Mazhar Abbas termed the current violence as a planned conspiracy to sabotage democracy and political system. “If the Pakistani establishment does not stop violence, peace will not come. After the MRD, the agencies thought that feudal were protesting against the army, that is why they wanted to stop the political process,” he added. “At that time student union elections were not allowed because they wanted to de-politicize the system. The Inter-Services Intelligence has divided the political forces. What is going on in the city now is also a part of de-politicizing the society as Karachi has become ungoverned.”Anchorperson Naseem Zehra was of the view that every person is putting the blame on the establishment but the establishment should not be more important or powerful than the political parties and the parliament. “Despite bad governance, the credit goes to the PPP government for engaging all political forces and introducing a new trend of politics,” she said. Faisal Subzwari of the MQM said that before 1986, every hand was extended to kill the people of Karachi but it was stopped as terror is not a solution of every issue.“The MQM has supported the electronic voters system. It is not possible that the MQM reverts to the Mohajir Qaumi Movement,” he added. Subzwari hoped to get good response in Punjab with passage of time. He stressed the need for police comprising locals in cities and also accepted that bad people could be present in the MQM. Former Minister and writer Javed Jabbar on his concluding note said: for sustainable peace security agencies should be impartial, zero tolerance for weapon, fair civic governance, cultural infrastructure, respectful development are nessary . He termed the current ‘Peace is only possible by human development. Ending his speech on optimist note Jabbar urged civil society to involve in peace process.
Provincial Dialogue “Role of District Education Monitoring Committees for the betterment of schooling facilities in Sindh” August 25, 2011 at Karachi
Mr. Sadiq Memon, Provincial Minister Prisons Sindh, Madam Sadiqa Sallahuddin, Director of Indus Resource Center Karachi and renowned educationist and development expert, Mr Shahzeb Kakar, Deputy Secretary (Schools) Education & Literacy Department Government of Sindh, Mr. Qurban Ali Memon, Chairman District Education Monitoring Committee Matiari district and Naveed Shaikh, Deputy Program Manager, Reform Support Unit Department education and Literacy, Mr.Ellahi Bakhsh, Regional Program Manager, SPO Karachi, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Baloch, Regional Head SPO Hyderabad, Ms.Raheema Panhwar, Program Specialist SPO Karachi spoke on the occasion. Representatives of SPO’s network organizations working in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Matiari, TM Khan, Thatta, Badin and Karachi districts also participated in a large number. The programme started with recitation from Holy Quran. Then the participants introduced themselves. Objectives To present findings of the surveys in front of legislators, civil society organizations, media and related education department to explore working possibilities for promoting education/schooling rights in Sindh To design recommendations to share with related government departments and legislators Ellahi Bakhsh Baloch Regional Program Manager SPO Karachi Introduced the core programme of SPO and its intervention in Sindh province. He shared the objectives of the event and said SPO focuses on the Local Government Ordinance 2001 in which it was decided to ensure the community participation in all the activities and interventions so that target can be achieved. About the survey conducted from three districts, he said they tried to collect information at community level to learn their education and health status. SPO prefers to work with the local communities, legislators and other stakeholders from these three districts to participate in the program to understand the status of Primary Schooling facilities in their respective districts and take the issues to proper forums, but unfortunately they are that much active in this regard. We believe that without participation of these communities we could not achieve targets, he added. Ghulam Mustafa Baloch Regional Head, SPO Hyderabad Presented findings of the survey conducted by SPO with the help of community organizations in three districts Badin, Tando Mohammed Khan and Matiari, focusing on government-run primary schools raised the issues of the facilities for local community living in these districts. He said the survey shows unsatisfactory performance of staff, unnecessary political interference, resources limitations and anarchy that has affected the role and performance of primary schools in the province of Sindh. The survey shows huge deficiency in required basic drinking water, toilets, teaching aids, furniture and fixture, etc, in these surveyed schools. According to the survey all the 206 units (45 government primary schools in Badin, 81 in Matiari and 80 in Tando Mohd Khan District) are housed in building owned by the Sindh Government. Bathroom facility in the 140 (68 percent) is available while the remaining 66 units (32 percent) are without this facility. The 60 percent bath rooms were found in somehow working condition where as remaining 40% bathrooms were not in working condition.The survey reveals that drinking water facility is available in 107 (52 percent) units while the remaining 99 units (48 percent) are without drinking water facility; the available water is not good for drinking even. The playgrounds facility in 101 units (49 percent) was found available but not in good condition while the remaining 106 units (51 percent) were without this important facility. It was observed that 66 percent units are having minimum required furniture and out of which only 60 percent are in satisfactory condition while in other 34 percent units no minimum required furniture is available for the students and teachers.The availability teaching aids in 43 percent units was found satisfactory while in the remaining 57 percent units were without teaching aids. As regards the electricity is concerned it was observed that in 27 percent units there is no facility available and where the facility is available do not have sufficient fixtures to meet the requirements of the school. The availability of Aya/Masi and Chowkidar was also found in a very pathetic condition. This required staff is presently available in only 62 percent units while the remaining 144 percent units lack this facility. The teaching staff is not attending in the most schools but those who are attending schools their punctuality and 100 percent attendance is still questionable. While talking with district level education department officials they mentioned that absenteeism of teachers, low performance of available staff, political interference, limited resources and limited role of district in decision making are the major problem they are facing.Ghulam Mustafa thanked DevCon, HANDs, SHEDO and community organizations for their help in different districts. He linked the poverty the main cause of deteriorating education in areas, which are socially marginalized specially girls, having no access to the basic schooling facilities. In the research findings it was pointed out that staff is appointed but their attendance is questionable. Ghulam Mustafa said during the focus group discussions the district officers pointed out that staff remains absent. Their performance is unsatisfactory. Mr. Sadiq Memon Provincial Minister Prisons Appreciated the way SPO is working but most of the NGOs are just inviting minister and taking their pictures in the event and getting more funds and they are not answerable to anyone. He said the present schooling arrangement cannot deliver because there is one room multi grade teaching approach which is not good, in west they are not in harry to open new schools as we are doing here without planning and rational. Sadiqa SallahuddinChief of Indus Resource Center and renowned educationist and development expertShe appreciated SPO team for its survey of three districts and presenting findings with recommendations. She said 80 percent school facilities are available in papers and in shap of buildings but there are gaps in service delivery. Community perception exists in the findings, which shows that there is lack of coordination between the government and community people. The government and those organizations working on promoting education do not have ownership on these ignored government primary schools. She asked “why we are not finding its solutions. Education is human right which the
Public-Private Partnership for Socio-economic Development of Country – August 2011
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) have joined hands to improve livelihood of the people through collaborative programmes. The MoU of this partnership will be signed shortly among both the partners to carry forward this initiative. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro and SPO Chief Executive Mr. Naseer Memon here the other day at PSF. PSF Member Science Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Member Finance Mr. Rizul Islam and Chief Scientific Officer Ms Farhat Rajpar were also present. They discussed in detail a number of joint ventures including identification of core areas for mutual cooperation, initiation of inquiry-based science education under Pak-French joint programme La main a la pate for girls, arranging trainings and workshops for capacity building of the poor and rural communities for their improved livelihood. PSF and SPO mutually agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed shortly. Ms Isma Sana, Programme Specialist, SPO and Mr. Abdul Rauf, Senior Scientific Officer (SSO), PSF were nominated as focal persons to liaise for finalization of the MoU and chalking out mutual activities. Joining hands by PSF and SPO will be a good example of public-private partnership for poverty eradication and socio-economic development of the country through non-formal science education and capacity building. PSF established in 1973 through an act of National Assembly and working under the Ministry of Science and Technology is a premier agency for the promotion and funding of scientific research and popularization of science in Pakistan. It undertakes a number of science popularization activities including science caravans (mobile science exhibitions), establishment of science centers, museums, herbaria and planetaria, strengthening of the laboratories of the government high schools in rural areas, organization of science and technology fairs and expos, preparation and distribution of science posters for schools, organizing science poster, essay and quiz competitions, holding popular science lectures, donation of popular science magazines and scientific books to schools, universities and research and development organizations and teacher training workshops on inquiry based science education. SPO is a non-profit company registered on January 15, 1994. SPO has diversified to cover the emerging issues in the particular socio-economic and political context of Pakistan. Currently, SPO’s core areas are democratic governance, social justice and peace and social harmony. In addition, SPO has a component of special projects that deals with disasters and emergency situations, such as earthquake in Azad Kashmir, floods in Pakistan and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Human rights lies at the heart of SPO’s core programme of democratic governance, social justice and peace and social harmony in society. The core programme aims at nurturing democracy, justice and peace in the state and society through capacity building, action research, awareness raising, advocacy, policy dialogue, dissemination of information and literature, mobilization of communities, developing partnership with local organisation and encouraging and supporting peace movements.
Ray of Hope for 2011 Badin floods survivors -SPO response to 2011 Badin floods
From August 11-13, Badin district received around 400 mm of precipitation that ultimately played havoc with daily life in the district. LBOD and other channels were over flowing. LBOD drain was breached at several locations that caused inundation of a number of villages. So far 4 deaths have been reported by the local authorities. More than 3,500 houses have been damaged and 80% of cultivated land has been wiped out resulting loss of livelihood of poor communities. Approximately, 4 hundred thousand people have been directly affected by this situation. District government initially set up 58 camps on safer places which have the capacity to accommodate 15,000 IDPs. Immediate Response: SPO organized a rapid assessment visit from Karachi office on 13th August 2011. SPO team visited the area and with the help of partner organizations, women groups and networks completed the process of rapid assessment. On the recommendations of this assessment report, it was decided to extend some support to affected communities in UC Seerani. SPO management allocated a modest sum of Rs. 150,000 for the initial support. DAMN (a partner organization) office bearers helped in distributing the food packs at two different locations. In Biddo food packets were distributed to 21 families of two villages. The other distribution point was at Panjah Mori where food packets were distributed among 63 families of 6 villages. Moreover, water purification items (Musafa) for 100 families collected from Badin Development Organization were distributed among communities in 6 villages with complete usage instructions.