Current Projects

Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) is a leading rights-based non-governmental organization in Pakistan, dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities and strengthening local systems for sustainable development. Our current portfolio of projects spans multiple sectors — including education, health, climate resilience, gender equity, nutrition, water and sanitation, humanitarian response, and socio-economic development. These initiatives are implemented in partnership with government bodies, UN agencies, international NGOs, local institutions, and the private sector to deliver scalable, inclusive, and impact-oriented outcomes.

Through evidence-based programming and community engagement, SPO enhances access to quality services, builds institutional capacity, and promotes equitable opportunities for marginalized populations across Pakistan.

Below is the list of projects currently being implemented by SPO in Pakistan:

List of Current Projects

Project Briefs (Current Projects)

1. First Emergency Response for Pakistan Anticipatory Action Pilot under Education Can’t Wait (ECW)

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled “First Emergency Response for Pakistan Anticipatory Action Pilot under Education Can’t Wait (ECW)” with the support of UNICEF. The project started on June 2, 2025, and will conclude on May 31, 2026, and is being implemented in Sindh Province, covering the districts of Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad.

The objective of the project is to strengthen school-level preparedness and early emergency response through anticipatory actions in the education sector. Under this initiative, SPO is supporting schools to prepare for and respond to emergencies by enhancing safety planning, evacuation readiness, and protection of learning materials, particularly in high-risk areas.

SPO has developed 31 School Safety and Evacuation Plans and identified 62 safe spaces for evacuation and secure storage of learning materials. In high-risk schools, SPO has provided mud, mud bags, plastic sheets, and plastic bags to mitigate emergency impacts, covering four schools in Sukkur and three schools in Dadu. Additionally, 37 Parent Teacher School Management Committees (PTSMCs) have been reactivated to strengthen community engagement and local-level preparedness. The project is being implemented in collaboration with UNICEF as part of the Education Can’t Wait Anticipatory Action pilot, contributing to improved emergency readiness and continuity of education in vulnerable districts of Sindh.

2. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Programme 

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Programme” with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The programme started in 2025 and is ongoing, and is being implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Districts: Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi, Malakand, Buner, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, D.I. Khan, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Lower Chitral, Upper Chitral) as well as in Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

The objective of the programme is to strengthen state institutions and enhance community resilience to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), promote women’s empowerment, and expand equitable opportunities for women, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. Through a multi-sectoral approach, SPO supports the strengthening of GBV coordination mechanisms across intervention areas, including the establishment of provincial GBV task forces, service mapping, and institutional capacity assessments of health facilities, police units, shelters, and GBV courts. These efforts contribute to the development and updating of survivor-centred referral pathways and strengthen accountability, community engagement, Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), grievance redress mechanisms (GRM), and capacity building for service providers, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, especially women and refugees.

SPO is establishing and operating Women and Girls Friendly Spaces (WGFS) to provide Afghan refugees and host communities with access to GBV information, psycho-social support, life skills development, and service linkages. In KP and Punjab, SPO leads extensive community outreach and capacity-building initiatives for service providers, emphasizing domestic violence laws, women protection frameworks, and GBV/SEA-sensitive communication. The programme also supports the operational continuity of state-run GBV helplines in Punjab and Islamabad through human resource facilitation and the integration of disability-inclusive approaches to ensure broader accessibility. In addition, SPO implements a Media Fellowship Programme at national and provincial levels to strengthen ethical communication and reporting on GBV and child marriage. Through strong monitoring, visibility, and technical support systems, the programme ensures quality, accountability, and sustainability, contributing to a more inclusive, accessible, and rights-based ecosystem for GBV prevention, response, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services across Pakistan.

3. Foundation Assisted Schools (FAS) Program

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled ‘Foundation Assisted Schools (FAS) Program’ in collaboration with the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF). The project began on June 1, 2017, and is ongoing in the target districts of Sukkur and Jacobabad in Sindh.

The primary objective of the project is to enhance educational facilities and opportunities for underprivileged children. By facilitating the enrollment of both girls and boys in FAS schools, the program aims to promote accessible education across Sindh. SPO established an Audio-Visual Room, equipped with LED screens and tablets, to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment for students. Furthermore, learning materials and classroom development initiatives have been implemented to improve the overall educational experience.

To ensure sustainability, the program introduced alternative energy solutions through the installation of solar systems, providing a continuous and eco-friendly power source for schools. Due to its exceptional performance, the English Model School Gaheja in Shikarpur was entrusted to SPO, resulting in a marked increase in enrollment.

4. Promoting Private Schools in Rural Sindh (PPRS) Program Middle and High School (SMHS) Program

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled Promoting Private Schools in Rural Sindh (PPRS) Program with financial support from the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF). The project started on June 1, 2019, and is currently active, targeting the districts of Sukkur and Jacobabad in Sindh.

The primary goal of the project is to enhance the quality of education in rural Sindh by providing comprehensive capacity development for teachers in IT, English, Math, and Science. This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills and resources to deliver an inclusive educational experience for students. In addition, SPO is supplying essential learning materials and implementing classroom development initiatives to create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.

SPO is also working towards promoting sustainability within these schools by installing solar systems and other alternative energy solutions, reducing dependency on conventional energy sources. To further support inclusivity, school uniforms have been distributed among students, fostering a sense of equality within PPRS schools.

5. Middle and High School (SMHS) Program

SPO successfully implemented its project titled Middle and High School (SMHS) Program – SEF with the support of the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF). The project started on July 1, 2021, and concluded on June 1, 2022, and was implemented across eight schools in the districts of Sukkur and Jacobabad, Sindh.

The objective of the project was to bridge the gap in post-primary education and increase enrollment by fostering a thriving learning environment for young students, especially from marginalized communities. The project aimed to promote inclusivity by providing free textbooks and supplementary learning materials, focusing on both writing and interactive learning skills, and enhancing facilities to support a comprehensive educational experience.

SPO facilitated significant improvements in the learning environment, prioritizing basic amenities such as safe drinking water, well-maintained toilets, and hygiene practices. Scholarships awarded by the Abdul Qadeer Khan School System in Islamabad recognized two students from Chook Lashari School and one from Dargahi Warayo School for their achievements. Additionally, Telenor Pakistan supported the program through resource mobilization, providing IT equipment to enhance digital learning at SMHS schools. Renovation efforts included refurbishing school buildings, installing doors and windows, and repainting, creating a welcoming and well-equipped space for students and teachers.

6. Adolescent and Adult Learning and Training Program (AALTP) – SEF

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled ‘Adolescent and Adult Learning and Training Program (AALTP)’ with the financial support of the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF). The project began on June 1, 2017, and is currently ongoing, targeting the districts of Sukkur, Shikarpur, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpurkhas, and Jacobabad in Sindh.

The goal of the project is to provide accelerated primary education for vulnerable adolescents and impart basic functional literacy skills for adults who missed the opportunity for formal education. Additionally, each participant completes a certified Skills Development and Vocational Training course, equipping them with diverse skills that enhance human capital and contribute to socio-economic growth.

SPO provides free textbooks and learning materials, focusing on the development of writing and learning skills. Basic facilities within educational institutions, such as safe drinking water, cleanliness, hygiene, and well-maintained toilets, have also been improved. Furthermore, audio and video rooms have been established in AALTP schools to enhance the learning experience. Through this initiative, SPO continues to support the holistic development of its beneficiaries, fostering educational growth and resilience in these communities.

7. Public Schools Reorganization Program – PSRP Phase II

SPO is implementing its project titled “Public Schools Reorganization Program – PSRP Phase II” as an implementing partner of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) under the PSRP-II education sector. The project commenced on August 16, 2025, and will conclude on May 31, 2026, with a total duration of one year, and is being implemented in Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab.

The objective of the project is to ensure access to free and quality education in public schools through institutional strengthening and compliance with PEF standards. Under this initiative, SPO is supporting schools to meet required school improvement guidelines, enhance teaching practices, and strengthen assessment mechanisms to improve student learning outcomes.

SPO has ensured access to quality education in 21 public schools by complying with PEF standards and operational requirements. The project focuses on improving teaching quality and classroom learning environments, as well as ensuring effective student assessments to strengthen overall learning outcomes. Through this intervention, SPO is contributing to improved governance, accountability, and education quality in public schools in Rahim Yar Khan in collaboration with the Punjab Education Foundation.

8. Establishment and Operationalization of Non-Formal Education Centers

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled “Establishment and Operationalization of Non-Formal Education Centers” in partnership with the Directorate of Literacy and Non-Formal Education, Government of Sindh. The project commenced on April 1, 2025, and will conclude on September 31, 2027, with an overall duration of 2 years and 5 months, and is being implemented in Jacobsabad and Kashmore districts of Sindh.

The objective of the project is to provide access to education for out-of-school children through the establishment of Non-Formal Education (NFE) centers, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. Under this initiative, SPO is facilitating learning opportunities for children who lack access to formal schooling by creating community-based education centers close to their homes.

SPO has established 80 NFE centers across Jacobsabad and Kashmore and enrolled 2,808 learners in these centers. To ensure the delivery of quality education, 80 tutors have been hired and trained. Additionally, 10 NFE centers have been established specifically in the riverine areas of Kashmore to address educational access challenges in difficult geographic conditions. By creating localized learning spaces, the project reduces the need for long-distance travel and makes education more accessible for marginalized children. The project is being implemented under a public–private partnership model with the Government of Sindh, contributing to improved literacy and learning outcomes in vulnerable communities.

9. Treatment of TB Patients through Direct Observation Treatment Service (TB DOTS) – Mercy Corps

SPO is successfully implementing the ‘Treatment of TB Patients through Direct Observation Treatment Service (TB DOTS)’ project with the support of Mercy Corps (Global Fund), aimed at addressing the pervasive threat of tuberculosis (TB) in the targeted districts of Balochistan, including Sibbi, Pashin, Jaffarabad, Kech, Panjgur, and Lasbela. The project started in January 2024 and will conclude on December 31, 2026.

The project’s objective is to enhance TB treatment and early detection, with a focus on reducing transmission rates and improving patient outcomes. SPO has introduced advanced diagnostic equipment to ensure faster and more accurate TB diagnoses, facilitating timely interventions. Additionally, the project targets the management of drug-resistant TB strains, implementing specific treatment protocols that have shown success in reducing these cases.

SPO has worked to strengthen the healthcare workforce by providing comprehensive training for healthcare professionals in TB diagnosis and treatment. This capacity-building effort ensures the sustainability of TB control measures in the region.The project also focuses on raising public awareness to reduce the social stigma associated with TB and encourage early symptom recognition. Through these efforts, more than 25,000 individuals have been reached, significantly reducing household and community transmission rates. This collaborative initiative contributes to lasting public health improvements in Balochistan, ensuring the sustainability of TB control efforts and improved health outcomes for the population.

10. Digitalization of TB Data to Support the Scale-up of Private Provider Engagement for TB in Pakistan – Mercy Corps:

SPO is successfully implementing the ‘Digitalization of TB Data to Support the Scale-up of Private Provider Engagement for TB in Pakistan’ project partnership with the Pakistan TB Control Programme. This project, which began in January 2022 and is set to conclude in December 2024, targets the districts of Sibbi, Pashin, Jaffarabad, Kech, Panjgur, and Lasbela in Balochistan.

The objectives of this initiative are to strengthen the engagement of private health providers in TB care, enhance the capacity of local health facilities to report and manage TB cases, and improve the overall efficiency of TB control efforts. SPO focuses on ensuring accurate and timely reporting by integrating case data into the District Health Information System (DHIS2). The project also involves distributing Android tablets to health teams for efficient data collection and providing training to new DHIS2 users to ensure comprehensive data entry and management.

SPO has facilitated the registration of TB cases into DHIS2, ensuring proper training for users, and strengthening disease surveillance systems. SPO’s efforts have improved reporting timelines and case management capabilities, ensuring a more efficient response to TB in the target districts of Balochistan. These initiatives are key to improving the overall TB control strategy in the region.

11. Public Rest Room Facilities in Pakistan’s Coastal Highway to Support Tourism, Hygiene/Sanitation, Environmental Protection & Economic Growth Initiatives

SPO is successfully implementing its project titled “Public Rest Room Facilities in Pakistan’s Coastal Highway to Support Tourism, Hygiene/Sanitation, Environmental Protection & Economic Growth Initiatives” with the support of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). The project started on April 1, 2025, and will conclude on March 31, 2026, and is being implemented along the Sindh and Balochistan Coastal Highway. The total project duration is one year, with an approved budget of PKR 47 million.

The objective of the project is to improve public hygiene and sanitation services along Pakistan’s Coastal Highway while supporting tourism development, environmental protection, and local economic growth. Through this initiative, SPO aims to establish clean, safe, and well-maintained Public Restroom Facilities (PRFs) using a self-sustaining operational model that integrates community engagement and income-generating opportunities. The project contributes to better public health outcomes, enhanced traveller experience, and the promotion of sustainable infrastructure in coastal areas.

SPO has completed the feasibility study for the project and has initiated the hiring process for the construction firm. The main proposed restroom locations include Nani Mandir, Kund Malir, Ormara Zero Point, Pasni Beach, Gwadar Zero Point, and D-Baloch Cross. At each location, four restroom units will be established — two for women and two for men — to ensure gender-sensitive access to sanitation facilities. Through these interventions, SPO is strengthening WASH services along the Coastal Highway and supporting community-inclusive and environmentally responsible solutions in Sindh and Balochistan.

12. AAWAZ – II – DSP – British Council

SPO is successfully implementing the project titled ‘Aawaz II Programme’ in collaboration with the British Council. The project is being carried out in the districts of Khanewal and Vehari in Punjab.

The main objective of the project is to increase access to quality education for underprivileged children in these marginalized districts. The project also focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment by offering educational resources, skills training, and improving infrastructure in local schools. Additionally, it aims to empower community members by involving them in the educational process and raising awareness about the importance of education for all.

SPO, in collaboration with the British Council, is working to achieve these objectives by organizing training sessions for teachers, providing educational materials to schools, and supporting community-based initiatives to raise awareness about the significance of education. Through these efforts, SPO seeks to improve the educational outcomes and life opportunities for marginalized children in Khanewal and Vehari, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive educational system in Punjab.

13. AAWAZ – II – Resource Partner – British Council

SPO is successfully implementing the ‘Aawaz-II-Resource Partner’ project, in partnership with the British Council across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The project started in April 2023 and is set to conclude in September 2026. It is being implemented in various districts of Punjab, including Sialkot, Hafizabad, Shaiwal, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Vehari, Okara, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura, as well as in KP districts such as Malakand, Nowshera, Lower Dir, Buner, and Abbottabad.

The main objective of the project is to develop and revise capacity-building documents, including manuals, handbooks, IEC materials, and papers for learning activities. The project also aims to support the translation and editing of program documents. Additionally, it focuses on providing high-quality facilitation through the deployment of expert trainers to conduct training-of-trainers (ToTs), orientation sessions, learning forums, and various community engagement activities. These activities target women, men, youth, and communities to promote sustainable community development.

SPO is actively supporting the deployment of a team of skilled facilitators to lead these initiatives and mentor community facilitators within partner organizations. The organization’s efforts are geared toward building local capacity and ensuring effective knowledge dissemination, empowering community leaders and stakeholders to drive positive change. Through these interventions, SPO aims to foster stronger community participation and enhance the overall impact of the program in both Punjab and KP.

14. Restoring Dignity, Reviving Hopes – Pakistan Flood Response 2025- NCA

SPO is successfully implementing the “Restoring Dignity, Reviving Hopes – Pakistan Flood Response 2025” project in partnership with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA). The project officially commenced on September 15, 2025, and is scheduled to run until February 15, 2026. This initiative is registered under project number P2963 (PID # 122045-2) and is supported by the NORAD SPA Flexible Funding (G1585) with a total grant of 2,881,821 NOK (approximately 78,673,701 PKR).

The objective of this project is to meet immediate humanitarian needs for crisis-affected populations. This includes providing essential services in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Non-Food Items (NFIs), and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). Additionally, the project utilizes Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to allow affected individuals to meet their own prioritized basic needs. The overarching goal is to ensure that people affected by the crisis have access to protection and assistance that is appropriate and relevant to their immediate circumstances.

SPO’s contributions include the diligent identification and mitigation of project risks, the maintenance of sound financial management principles, and the implementation of robust protection measures. In accordance with the Protection against Harassment of women at the Workplace Act, 2010, SPO is responsible for taking swift action on any concerns regarding sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse (SHEA). SPO’s work ensures that the most vulnerable populations receive life-saving assistance, helping to restore dignity and revive hope in the aftermath of the floods.

15. Model Village – Restoring Dignity through Safe and Resilient 100 Housing – OGDC

SPO is successfully implementing the “OGDC Model Village” project in partnership with Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). The project officially commenced on September 1, 2025, and is scheduled to run for a period of one year until August 31, 2026 total financial support of PKR 199.84 Million.

The objective of this project is to provide relief to vulnerable and underprivileged communities through the establishment of a model village at Uch, District Sohbatpur, Balochistan. This includes the construction of one hundred (100) permanent, disaster-resilient homes along with a community hall Both for men and women), a Masjid, and a Children’s Park. The project also aims to improve basic infrastructure by providing solar-powered electricity, provision of boring water and Nadi filters for water treatment, including horticulture and pathways to strengthen the socioeconomic conditions of the local population.

SPO’s contributions as the project implementer include conducting comprehensive need assessments, mobilizing the local community for construction through social mobilization, and ensuring the formation of inclusive Village Organizations (VOs) to promote sustainability. Additionally, SPO is responsible for the procurement of vendors, active monitoring of the implementation process, and maintaining compliance with safety, regulatory, and legal obligations. SPO’s work ensures that the most marginalized groups, including women and people with disabilities, are empowered to participate in and lead their own development initiatives.