HANDS Updates January – March, 2023
Sumera Javeed
Public Awareness Campaign in collaboration with PARCO January 1, 2023
HANDS is committed to playing its role in protecting the valuable national asset oil pipelines through Community Engagement Program. In consideration of the importance of safety and security of communities living near Right of Way – ROW, HANDS with the support of Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) launched a public awareness campaign in different districts of Punjab, including Shaikhupura, Nankana Sahab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Muzafargarh. Under this initiative, the HANDS team is engaging communities through awareness-raising activities on health and safety, dissemination of messages through local FM radio and Cable Network, distribution of IEC material, and fixation of hanging banners at appropriate locations in the districts.
HANDS Floods 2022 Response Activities:
Distribution of Winterizations kits to Flood affected community of Lasbela, Balochistan January 6, 2023
Winter nights are difficult to survive for flood-affected families. HANDS distributed Winterization Kits (Blankets) in Lasbela, Balochistan among the 200 most vulnerable families.
Distribution of Roofing Kits to the Flood Affected community of Shaheed Benazir Abad with the support of Shell- Pakistan January 13, 2023
HANDS Shaheed Benazir Abad (SBA) team organized the distribution of 50 roofing kits among the community of vulnerable flood-affected village Khiyari Shareef District SBA funded under the Shell Project.
Provision of Shelter kits to the Flood affected people of district Dadu, Sindh Jan 6, 2023
Floods in 2022 were havoc for the people of Pakistan. It affected all of Pakistan and resulted in devastation. Sindh Province is among the worst-hit provinces in Pakistan. HANDS started its emergency response soon after the flood hit the country. HANDS in partnership with Shell provided roofing kits to over 50 flood-affected families in Dadu.
Distribution of Winterization Kits for Flood Affected people at district Sanghar on January 18, 2023
To counter the cold wave hitting Sindh, HANDS Sanghar team distributed winterization kits which included comforters, blankets and jackets to flood-affected communities donated by a generous philanthropist.
Distribution of Blankets for the flood affected community of district Uthal, Balochistan January 24, 2023
HANDS distributed blankets to help families including women, and children to stay warm during the freezing cold. This distribution was done at Uthal Balochistan to flood affected families.
Distribution of Winterization kits to the flood affect community of district Naseerabad, Balochistan January 27, 2023
Flood-affected families throughout the country faced great difficulty in surviving winter. HANDS in partnership with Bank Alfalah (Pvt, Ltd.) distributed blankets and winter kits to most vulnerable families in Naseerabad, Balochistan.
Distribution of Blankets at Chitral with the support of Bank Alfalah Pvt, Ltd on Feburary 24, 2023
Spreading warmth & hope to those in need. HANDS in partnership with Bank Alfalah distributed blankets to flood-affected communities in Chitral. Together, we’re standing with those who need it most.
Distribution of Winterization Kits at Skardu- Gilgit Baltistan on February 1, 2023
Flood-affected families throughout the country faced lot of difficulties including their survival in winters without winterized items. As all these have been swept away in the floods 2022. HANDS in partnership with Bank Alfalah (Pvt. Ltd.) distributed blankets and winter kits to most vulnerable families in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan.
Medical Camps:
HANDS Medical Camps at different villages of district Thatta January 17, 2023
HANDS Thatta/Sujawal team conducted medical camps in different villages which included ultrasound and family planning services. These camps were established for the flood affected people.
Medical camps for Flood affected People of district Ghotki- Sindh on February 3, 2023
Bringing hope and healing to the flood-affected communities with the collaborative effort of Population Services International and HANDS in the medical camp emergency response project. The medical camp was set up in district Ghotki- Sindh.
HANDS organized Family Planning Services Camps in Punjab on February 28, 2023
Conduction of Family Planning Services Camps in different districts of Punjab under the Noor-Call Project in collaboration with the Punjab Population Innovation Fund – PPIF
Medical camps by HANDS at six districts of Sindh March 27, 2023
Bringing essential healthcare services to those in need – HANDS Pakistan, in partnership with Asia Petroleum Limited, conducts 29 medical camps in 6 districts of Sindh to provide vital healthcare services to flood-affected areas.
HANDS Community Midwifery School at Jamkanda Karachi January 9, 2023
HANDS established a well-regarded community midwifery school at HANDS Hospital in Jamkanda in Karachi, the peri-urban area. This school is registered with the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC). A total of 545 midwives have graduated until now, 506 are from Sindh and 39 are from Balochistan. They are benefitting over 2.7 Million populations with mother and child health care services. Community Midwifery School train local matric pass females as midwife to provide antenatal, natal, and postnatal services, and also reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates through trained healthcare providers.
HANDS network of Independent Living Centers across Pakistan
HANDS supports the network of Independent Living Centers (ILCs). These include six ILCs cross Pakistan in Hyderabad, Islamabad, Multan, Skardu, and two Karachi.
HANDS is taking forward the Independent Living movement which is the international civil rights movement of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). These PWDs who lead independent lives in society, lead this network themselves.
HANDS in Partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM) working on Inclusive Eye Heath Services in Layyah- January 11, 2023
HANDS in partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM) is working on inclusive eye health services in Layyah, Punjab since 2019. The aim of the project is to contribute to the reduction of the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in Pakistan. The project focuses to improve the quality and access to inclusive eye healthcare in government health facilities in district Layyah.
HANDS as Education Management Organization- A Public Private Partnership Model with Government of Sindh January 14, 2023
The Government of Sindh has outsourced 20 schools to HANDS which are known as Education Management Organization (EMO) and are considered as part of our Public-Private Partnership model. The schools are located in Karachi, Larkana, Dadu, Sukkur, and Khairpur.
HANDS regularly enhances the management and administrative skills of both teachers as well as non-teaching staff of the EMOs by holding Continuous Professional Development sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to enrich the teaching staff’s content knowledge of the relevant subjects as well as to modernize the teaching and learning process. Training to enhance teachers’ pedagogical skills includes the use of tools, teaching methodology, and alternate learning mechanisms.
Building Back Better for the Flood affected Community of Sindh with the support of development partners on January 21, 2023
After the devastating floods of 2022, it was essential to build back better and in a resilient way for the flood affected communities of Sindh. HANDS being pioneer and a specialized organization in building disaster resilient houses conducted a 4-day training on lime stabilized soil construction for consortium partners including WHH, CESVI, TRDP and CDF. HANDS is the lead of the shelter technical working group of the consortium in the FCDO Flood Response Project.
Wheel Chair distribution for Persons with disabilities at Karachi on January 22, 2023
HANDS distributed wheelchairs and tricycles to Person with Disabilities (PWDs) among flood affected people in Kathor tent city, district Malir, Karachi.
USAID delegation visited HANDS Head office at Karachi on January 25, 2023
USAID Pakistan Delegation led by Mr. Michael Rossman (USAID Deputy Mission Director), Mr. Hafeez Samo (USAID Project Management Specialist), Mr. Adeel Ali (USAID Engineering Specialist), Ms. Sarah Pervaiz (USAID Mission Controller) visited HANDS Head Office and conducted a meeting with Chief Executive HANDS Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed and Head Office Team to discuss HANDS Interventions and review the progress of USAID’s Water Governance for Sindh Activity at Jacobabad- Sindh. Mr. Michael Rossman also planted a Gauva plant in HANDS premises.
CE-HANDS Dr Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed delivered session on Leadership Mindset 7: Develop intellectual skills for HANDS Staff from all districts on January 27, 2023
Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed delivered session on Leadership Mindset 7, which is on develop intellectual skills. This session was held for all the HANDS Staff across Pakistan. Intellectual abilities are pinnacle of human development. He said that most of eth mental growth is done under formal and informal education system. Shaping mind is very important and learning from both the education systems sharpens the mind.
Students from Dawood University – Karachi visited HANDS head Office at Karachi January 29, 2023
Students from Department of Civil and Architecture Engineering from Dawood University of Science and Technology (DUET) visited HANDS head office and observed the activities of different programs of HANDS. they were oriented on different programmatic areas of HANDS specifically Infrastructure Development Program.
Annual Corporate Awards Ceremony by HANDS and The I-Care Foundation on February 2, 2023
Commemorating the selfless efforts of our valued donors at the HANDS Pakistan and The I-Care Foundation Annual Corporate Awards, with the presence of our esteemed Chief Guests, Founder of HANDS Pakistan, Prof.A.G Billoo & Ms. Spenta Kandawalla, trustee from I-Care Foundation Pakistan, held at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi. Recognizing their contributions to the Pakistan Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Programs.
HANDS Stands in full solidarity with Kashmir February 5, 2023
HANDS stands in solidarity with fellow Kashmiris to show support and unity and to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
HANDS Stands in full solidarity with Earthquake victims of Turkiye and Syria, February 6, 2023
HANDS stands in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria after the deadly earthquake that hit on February 6, 2023, struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria.
At least 230,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed across 11 provinces in Turkey and at least 10,600 buildings have been completely or partially destroyed in northwest Syria. In Aleppo alone, around 3,500 buildings are damaged and need structural repair and 700 buildings are classified as unsafe.
Agreement Signing with World Bank and Sindh Government:
HANDS signed agreement with World Bank South Asia and Sindh Government February 8, 2023
HANDS in collaboration with World Bank South Asia and Sindh Government signed an agreement for the rehabilitation of flood affectees to rebuild over 276,500 houses of affected families. CEO HANDS, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed signed the agreement in the presence of His Excellency, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister, Pakistan, Honorable Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh, Mr. Najy Benhassine, Country Director, World Bank Pakistan, Mr. Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Secretary Sindh and many other important delegates and dignitaries. HANDS under this project will be working in Karachi, Hyderabad, Umerkot, Thatta, Ghotki, Sukkur and Kashmore districts of Sindh.
One-Day Project Inception Workshop under Sindh People Housing for Flood Affectees Project February 20, 2023
HANDS organized a one-day inception workshop under Sindh People’s Housing For Flood (SPHF) Affectees project. The SPHF team including Ms. Sadiqa Salahudin, and Mr. Najaf (Chief Operating Officer SPHF), participated in and led the inception workshop on behalf of SPHF.
Staff Orientation of SPHF project organized by HANDS at district Ghotki- Sindh, March 24, 2023
HANDS organized an orientation meeting of its project under Sindh People’s Housing For Flood Affectees (SPHF) at district Ghotki- Sindh. In this workshop ADC-II Majid Hameed, Deputy Director Social welfare department Khair Mohammad Kalwar, 36 Socio -Technical Assistant teams and 05 Supervisor teams participated.
HANDS Shelter Labs visited by World Bank Nepal Team and, SPHF teams on February 24, 2023
Sindh People’s Housing For Flood Affectees, World Bank and short-term consultants teams including Mr. Jatendra ( Low-cost infrastructure expert) from Nepal, along with other members had a meeting with the HANDS team regarding our approaches towards the low-cost shelters across different regions of Sindh & visited the village area for physical observations of shelter labs developed at HANDS head office.
Partnerships Recognition with CSR
HANDS Paid Thanks to its CSR Partners for their support to HANDS to help deprived communities of Pakistan in CSR Award event February 10, 2023
We are thankful to Ms. Ramlah Tariq (Manager of Sustainable Development) from Unilever Pakistan Limited, Mr. muhammad Arshad- Assistant Manager CSR at Toypta Indus Motors, Ms. Mehak Masood – Head of CSR at Artistic Milliners, Mr. Abdul Rahim Area Sales Manager- Bank Alfalah , and Mr. Salman Siddiqui – Head of CSR Sui Southern Gas Comapnay Ltd. who attended HANDS CSR award event and has supported our mission to bring aid and comfort to those affected by floods in Pakistan. Your generosity a positive impact on communities in need is truly appreciated. We are proud to have you as partners in our efforts with HANDS Pakistan and look forward to continued success in bringing hope to those in need. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey.
HANDS in partnership with Soorty CSR Built Shelters for Flood affected people in Sindh February 27, 2023
HANDS in partnership with Soorty CSR building shelters and hope for those affected by the floods & torrential rains in Thatta. Our partnership has made it possible to provide safe and sustainable living spaces for those in need.
Celebrated International Days 2023
HANDS celebrated World NGO’s Day 2023 on February 27, 2023
HANDS has made great strides in Community Development and Disaster Response in the past 43 years. It aspires to make even greater leaps going forward. On World NGO Day 2023 , we celebrate the countless NGOs around the world that work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our communities. Let’s recognize and appreciate their efforts in creating a better world for all. Join us in supporting their missions and making a difference today.
HANDS Celebrated International Women Day 2023
HANDS celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023. It is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. Imagine a gender-equal world. A world is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. We are empowering millions of women across the country through equal opportunities and support.
Learning Session on Operational Management with Helping Hands for Relief and Rehabilitation (HHRD) team at HANDS Islamabad Office March 9, 2023
Senior team members of Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) visited HANDS Islamabad office for the mutual learning opportunities on Operational Management by HANDS. HANDS Head office management team including Supply Chain, Administration, Finance, MER, Human Resource, Communications, Information technology was virtually connected through MS Teams. Head of Programs of all the respective departments delivered presentations and answered all the questions asked by HHRD Team. The whole management of HHRD was thankful and requested HANDS to have regular mutual learning sessions in the future.
HANDS Commemorated World Glaucoma week in collaboration with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), March 12-18, 2023
Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders, resulting in progressive damage to the optic nerve that produces characteristic visual field damage. It is estimated that around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide.
HANDS with the support of CBM Christian Blind Mission commemorated World Glaucoma Week 2023 in district Layyah from March 12 – 18, 2023. Awareness Seminar followed by Awareness Walks were organized in which Ms. Qudsia Naz Additional Deputy Commissioner Layyah, CEO Health Dr. Shahid Riaz, participated along with other stakeholders including representatives of COAVS, Department of Ophthalmology – Nishtar Hospital Multan, Special education, Social Welfare Departments, and social activists. The project team also conducted community sessions to spread information about glaucoma through an optometrist.
HANDS Celebrated World Water Day March 22, 2023
World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on 22 March that highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day raises awareness and inspires action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis. This year’s theme is “Accelerating Change” to solve the water and sanitation crisis. And because water affects us all, we need everyone to take action. That means You and your family, school and community can make a difference by changing the way you use, consume, and manage water in your lives.
HANDS organized an awareness walk and mega event conducted regarding the importance of water and accelerating change to solve water crises by HANDS in collaboration with USAID Pakistan in district Jacobabad. Key persons from different government departments and stakeholders participated, including Social Activists, Mohalla WASH Committee community people, and students. Participants emphasized and made commitment that families, school children and community can make a difference by changing the way Jacobabad citizens use, consume, and manage water in their lives.
MoU Signing:
MoU Signing between HANDS and Health & Population Welfare Department, Sindh February 23, 223
In a significant move towards improving healthcare services in Sindh, Mr. Rehan Baloch, Secretary of the Health & Population Welfare Department, Sindh and Dr. Sheikh Tanveer Ahmed, CE- HANDS, recently signed an MoU to launch Electronic Client Record (ECR) in three hospitals. HANDS is the first organization that signed an MoU with Population Welfare Department, Sindh.
MoU Signing between HANDS and Mashal e Rah Foundation Feb 6, 2023
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony held in Lahore on February 6, 2023 between HANDS and Hum Mashal-e-Rah (HMR) Foundation. CE HANDS Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed and Chairperson Hum Mashal-e-Rah Foundation Amnah Aftab signed MoU. The overarching aim of the MoU is to enable HANDS and HMR Foundation coordination in development programs for ensuring disability Inclusion and provide support & facilitation for expansion and enhancement of services through centers of Persons with disabilities.
Annual Awards Distribution Ceremony at HANDS Lahore office on February 9, 2023
Annual Award Distribution Ceremony held in Lahore on February 9, 2023 in recognition and appreciation to staff best Performance and Partnership Recognition Awards presented to partners to acknowledge their support while serving underprivileged communities of Pakistan. Representatives from PPIF, COAVS, PARCO, Punjab Forest Department, Fountain House and CBID network organizations for their participations and encouragements. Representatives from Civil Society organizations and Parliamentarians Syed Omar Sharif Bukhari PPP and Ms. Kanwal Pervaiz Ch. PMLN joined event and appreciate the HANDS team and overall efforts for the support of community development. This was the joint event of Layyah, Lahore and many others newly established districts in Punjab.
HANDS received shield from Pakistan Navy in recognition of its work in Floods 2022
Commander Coast Rear Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz (Hilal-e-Imtiaz Military) handing over the shield to Dr. Saeed Ismail Chairman HANDS, recognizes the valuable support during operation MADAD (Floods Relief-2022). The event took place at Pakistan Navy Central Mess Karachi.
HANDS Launched Meals Program for Flood Affected communities across Pakistan March 1, 2023
HANDS Pakistan, in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and PepsiCo Pakistan launched the Millions of Meals program to provide aid to flood-affected communities nationwide. Through this program, HANDS Pakistan and PPAF are working to distribute livelihood packages to those who need them the most.
Advancing food security in Pakistan has been a key factor in this PPAF and PepsiCo Foundation supported program, which has provided nourishing meals and hope to thousands of men, women, children and to Persons with disabilities.
HANDS CE Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed participated as Guest of Honor in International Conference on Integrated Flood Management at Mehran University-Sindh
Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed CEO HANDS participated as a guest of honor in International Conference on Integrated Flood Management under Changing Climate Scenario at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, Sindh
HANDS hosted a Carnival at HANDS Head office Islamabad March 12, 2023
HANDS Pakistan hosted a Carnival for its generous donors and families on 12th March 2023 at its eco-friendly Head Office in Karachi. The event acknowledged the tremendous support of HANDS Pakistan’s well-wishers and donors who have been the pillar in supporting HANDS Flood Response 2022 of over 6 Billion PKR. With the launch of Ramadan Campaign “Chalo Phir Se Muskuraein”, HANDS emphasized the aid still needed for millions of families’ rehabilitation after the devastating floods. The event consisted of numerous activities including the participation of celebrities like Waseem Badami, Nadia Khan, Minal Khan, Azlan Shah and others. Stalls of HANDS services gave a glimpse of our holistic approach towards development. We thank our donors for their active participation.
HANDS Senior Management participation in International Humanitarian Aid and Development exhibition at Dubai, March 13-15, 2023
HANDS Chief Executive Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Services Executive Mr. Anis Danish, Head of Department for Disaster management and Inclusion Mr. Raheem Marri along with other team members participated in Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Exhibition where they shared HANDS development experience and also conducted meetings with UN Climate Head and other officials.
Training on Transformative Leadership conducted by Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed on March 20-21, 2023
Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed CE HANDS conducted two days training for government officials on Transformative Leadership and the role of district disaster management authority. This training was held under the project “Strengthening Rural Communities in the Midst of multiple crisis- A cross sectional development approach to improve the livelihoods in Sanghar district”.
International Culture Day organized at Eastwood Academy in Southend-On-Sea, England on March 21, 2023
The Diversity Committee of Eastwood Academy in Southend-on-Sea, England has taken a step forward in supporting those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. The Committee organized an ‘International Culture Day’ in their school, celebrating the diversity of cultures represented within their community. Through this event, they collected donations towards the rehabilitation program for flood-affected areas of Pakistan, to support HANDS Pakistan.
HANDS Appeal for Zakat and Donations for the deserving communities of Pakistan in eth holy Month of Ramzan on March 22 2023
May this Ramadan bring you blessings anew, As we give to those in need, and renew, Our commitment to charity and zakat, To make a difference, and that’s where it’s at. Your donation can make a real difference in someone’s life. Join us in our mission to rebuild homes and create a better future for the people of Pakistan.
Pakistan Resolution Day March 23, 2023
Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, also Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic republic.
At the same time, let’s not forget our responsibility towards our flood affected countrymen.
Donate to HANDS to strengthen Pakistan.
HANDS Senior Management invited at TV Channel March 27, 2023
Mr Maqbool Ahmed Rahu, Chief HR, WASH & Education of HANDS Pakistan, was invited by City 021in their “Ramadan Meherban” program. Mr. Maqbool shared HANDS services since 43 years for the deprived communities of Pakistan. He also shared HANDS Relief and Rehabilitation work for flood 2022 affected communities of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and KP.
CE HANDS Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed delivered a webinar om Islamic Wealth Management: Wealth Purification through Zakat and Role of Shariah Compliant NGOS” March 30, 2023
Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed CE HANDS delivered a webinar to the faculty and students of IBA Karachi through zoom on “Islamic Wealth Management: Wealth Purification through Zakat & Role of Shariah Compliant NGOs” He discussed the significance of Zakat in Islamic wealth management and learnt about the role of Shariah compliant NGOs.