Human Development Foundation

Monthly Progress Report - August 2003

General Highlights

• Board meeting was decided to be held on September 26th at National Office Rawalpindi.
• New agreement with National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) regarding Education program in Mardan Region has been prepared and submitted to NCHD, which is expected to be signed in near future.
• HDF has signed new agreement with Khushalibank for next year (July 03-July 04). HDF will provide community mobilization services in Rahim Yar Khan Region. 60 new DOs will be formed.
• Community Physical Infrastructure (CPI) Phase-2 agreement with PPAF for the year 2003-2004 amounting 5.56 millions is under process and will be signed soon.
• Revised PPAF Credit Plan for the year Sept. 03-Sept.04, amounting Rs. 16.8 millions is currently under process before its submission for approval.
• Independence Day (14th August) was celebrated with enthusiasm in all the HDF regions. Education Cell arranged a special program in Islamabad Region in collaboration with the Regional staff. Chief Operating Officer, PM Education, Team Leader of Islamabad Region and other staff members attended the program. There was a gathering of about 300 including students, community members and teachers. Students delivered speeches and presented National Songs with love and passion. Students with outstanding performance were awarded with prizes and trophies. The function ended up with a resolve to fight illiteracy and make Pakistan a healthy and economically sound country.
• The Acting Regional Program Manager of Karachi Kachi Abadi represented HDF in a workshop on "Women Empowerment & Enhancement of Women Role in the Economic Development of Society". The workshop was organized by the "Working Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society" with the support of Ministry of Women Development. About 30 different NGOs, GOs, Semi Govt. MFIs and Educational institutions participated in the workshop. Dr. Saeeda Malik, Minister of Women Development Sindh and Ms. Nilofer Bukhteyar, Federal Minster of Women Development and Advisor to Prime Minster visited the HDF stalls, where community products were displayed and appreciated the efforts of HDF and the Community. This workshop was not only informative but also provided HDF staff with an opportunity to interact with other GOs, NGOs and like minded organizations.
• HDF Community Health Centers (CHCs) are effectively providing primary health care services in the remote areas. Many emergency cases are also handled by them. During this month an emergency case of a pregnant woman who had received an electric shock and brought in an unconscious condition was successfully handled by HDF CHC located in Village Kalya of Islamabad Region, saving life of the mother and the child.

Community Physical Infrastructure

• HDF had initiated about 128 projects so far with the financial assistance of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) among which 110 projects have been completed and 18 projects are in progress. The estimated cost of these 128 projects is Rs. 8.65 millions with the financial assistance of Rs. 6.65 millions from PPAF and community contribution of Rs. 2 millions in cash and kind.
• 96 Hand pumps against the target of 105 have been installed and 15 are in progress. 11 Watercourse Linings against the target of 12 have been completed and 1 is in progress. 3 Link Roads against the target of 4 have been completed and 1 is in progress.
• A Delay Action Dam (DAD) is under construction in Zhob Region. The estimated time to complete the DAD was 9 months period. Amazingly the field team completed 90% of the project in two and half months time with the practical involvement of community. Community has contributed more than Rs. 600,000/- in cash and kind so far.
• All the community physical infrastructure projects were identified and implemented through the Development Organizations. It is estimated that 2,093 households will be directly benefited having a population of 17,432 persons. It is also expected that more than 2,000 acres of additional land will come under cultivation once these Watercourse Linings and Delay Action Dam Projects are completed.

Linkages

• HDF got membership of Pakistan Reproductive Health Network (PRHN). PRHN is working with other member organizations to actively promote and strengthen Reproductive Health & Rights.
• HDF has applied for membership in Human Resource Development Network (HRDN). HRDN is working to enhance the professional excellence of its members through meaningful interventions by facilitating research, training and capacity building endeavors and sharing information, resources and expertise at the national and international levels.
• Successful meetings were held with DG Livestock Sindh regarding milk marketing of the program area. It will provide better market opportunities to micro-credit borrowers and strengthen the economic development program of HDF in Shamsabad Region.

Visits/Visitors

• The Governor Punjab visited the HDF Rahim Yar Khan Region, where it is working in collaboration with Khushalibank. The Governor visited two Development organizations (DOs) named Ittehad and Ittefaq (Village 113-P, Union Council Wahkhona). He encouraged the DO members and appreciated their efforts. He also asked District Nazim to implement Village Infrastructure Schemes through these Development Organizations in the area.
• Dr. Abrar Ali Syed ( one of HDF BoD members) visited Islamabad, Lahore and Mardan regions. He visited Child Friendly Schools, Community Health Centers and had meetings with HDF staff and community members. He appreciated their efforts and gave useful suggestions.
• PM-Finance visited Shamsabad and Karachi Kachi Abadi regions. He held interviews for Account Officers and also reviewed the Accounting and Financial System of the regions.