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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Until late 2021, then thirty-years-old Bilquis was a homemaker raising three children in the village of Sohaib Saand. Her husband works as a guard for a private school, which is approximately 5 kilometres from their home. Although a college graduate, she had been so occupied with raising her family that she believed she would never have the chance to pursue her true aspiration — becoming a school teacher. She recalls her own struggles in gaining an education, as the Saand community she belongs to continues to begrudgingly permit education for girls.

“I had to attend a school in Kunri town, and when people did not see me for a few days, they would claim I had run away from home,” says Bilquis. Fortunately, her family supported her, and she eventually completed college. Because of the challenges she had faced, she was determined to become a teacher in a girls’ school.

The lower secondary school (up to grade eight) in Sohaib Saand village was established in 1994. At that time, it offered classes only up to grade five, and even then, attendance was irregular. The dozen or so enrolled girls were rarely seen in class. Bilquis explains that mothers preferred to keep their daughters at home to help with household chores, rather than spend their limited resources on items like copybooks, pencils, and erasers. Furthermore, many parents questioned the point of educating daughters who would eventually marry and leave the family.

In 2021, with support from Act for Peace (AFP), Community World Service Asia (CWSA) hired Bilquis as a teacher at the girls’ school. Even before her official appointment, she had been urging mothers in her community to send their daughters to school. Now, with formal support, she became even more assertive in her campaign. She went door to door, reassuring parents that, in addition to the three male teachers, she was present at the school to support and protect their daughters.

Despite her efforts, challenges remained. Some mothers were so irritated by her persistence that they even threatened to physically assault her. But Bilquis’s crusading spirit was undeterred, and she refused to back down.

The initiative in District Umerkot aims to enhance access to quality, inclusive, and child-friendly education for marginalised children. The project is being implemented in close coordination with the District Education Department, Umerkot.

CWSA and AFP are directly supporting 4,000 students enrolled in 25 remote government primary schools located across three Union Councils — Kaplore, Sekhor, and Faqeer Abdullah. The intervention focuses on improving learning outcomes and student retention by strengthening school environments, promoting community engagement, and enhancing teacher capacity. A total of 15 locally qualified teachers — including 3 women and 12 men — have been hired to implement this initiative.

And so, from just twelve girls on the school rolls who rarely attended, Bilquis successfully managed to enrol ninety girl pupils. Of these, she reports that no fewer than seventy-five now attend regularly. With no other educated woman in the village to share the responsibility, it fell upon Bilquis to teach at both the Sohaib Saand school and the one in the neighbouring village of Haji Mian Hasan Shah. She divides her time equally between the two, spending a fortnight at each school. She proudly reports that in the latter school too — from zero — she now has ninety enrolled girl students.

The total enrolment at the schools where Bilquis teaches has reached 220 students, comprising 100 girls and 120 boys.

Bilquis recounts the story of Qamarunisa, a girl from the village of Hasan Shah, whose family forced her to discontinue her education after completing Grade Five. Being from the Syed community, they claimed that their daughters should observe seclusion upon reaching puberty. But Qamarunisa was determined to finish college and eventually join the army, inspired by the many young women she knew who were proudly serving in uniform.

Moved by the girl’s passion, Bilquis intervened. She pleaded with the family, assuring them that she would personally supervise Qamarunisa throughout her education. Her advocacy bore fruit — not only was Qamarunisa allowed to continue, but her cousin Isra was also enrolled. As of 2025, both girls are in Grade Seven and remain steadfast in their ambition to join the military.

These may be just two examples, but there are many other girls who also aspire to join the armed forces. In addition, there are those who dream of becoming teachers, doctors, and lawyers.

As the CWSA project approached its conclusion, there was a real risk that Bilquis would lose her position. Anticipating this outcome, CWSA had already formed a five-member advocacy group to ensure continuity. Comprising two women and three men — all influential and resourceful individuals — the group serves as a liaison between the NGO and government departments. Independently, the group also raises the necessary funds to pay Bilquis’s honorarium, ensuring that both her role and the education of the girls remain secure.

Both schools are now in the process of being upgraded — a direct result of the efforts of the advocacy group, which organised official visits to both institutions. The decision to upgrade was made in view of the growing number of pupils enrolled. As a result, the under-construction section of the Sohaib Saand school will expand from three to nine classrooms, while the Hasan Shah school will have a total of sixteen classrooms. This development will lead to the recruitment of additional teachers and the creation of a more conducive learning environment.

To enhance the teaching capabilities of schoolteachers, training sessions were conducted on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Positive Learning Environment (PLE) strategies, and multi-grade teaching methodologies.

Bilquis shares that the training she received in ECCE, PLE, and multi-grade teaching has been immensely helpful. “My students no longer want to leave school when the day ends — and that is largely thanks to the kit (these kits include learning materials for students, such as flashcards, various alphabet puzzles, building blocks, charts, and stationery items) we received as part of the ECCE training. It makes learning so easy and enjoyable for the children,” she says.

When asked about her greatest success, Bilquis does not hesitate. Three years ago, her daughter — now in Grade Nine — had expressed a desire to transfer to a better school. However, Bilquis and her husband, who earns a modest income, simply could not afford the higher fees. Thanks to her own earnings from this programme — which provides participants with a monthly stipend of PKR 20,000 — they were finally able to make the switch.

But Bilquis considers something else even more significant: girls in the village, who previously dropped out after Grade Five, are now continuing their education.

The very mothers who once threatened to beat her now express their gratitude. They are glad they allowed their daughters to remain in school, as these girls can now read labels on products, check whether medicines are expired, and even navigate mobile phone screens — simple skills that have brought real change. Rather than making costly phone calls, mothers can now ask their daughters to send a text message, saving both time and money. These unlettered mothers feel empowered by the presence of educated daughters in their households.

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As part of our integrated DRR and WASH project in Umerkot, newly constructed water supply schemes were officially inaugurated and handed over to local communities in partnership with government line departments. This symbolic and practical milestone not only marks the successful completion of the project but also ensures community ownership, long-term sustainability, and strengthened collaboration with local authorities.

Building Resilience Restoring Lives:

In 2024, Community World Service Asia, with support from CWSA Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, successfully implemented an integrated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project in the flood-affected villages of District Umerkot, Sindh.

This initiative empowered vulnerable farming communities to bounce back stronger from recurring floods by improving agricultural practices, restoring safe water access, and enhancing community preparedness. By combining climate-resilient farming techniques with essential WASH services, the project strengthened both livelihoods and long-term resilience across disaster-prone communities.

Empowering Communities Sustaining Futures

A major component of the initiative involved constructing over 6 kilometres of lined water channels, along with 12 strategically located water reservoirs. These infrastructure developments aim to optimise water conservation and management—crucial for sustaining agriculture in this arid and flood-prone region.

Harnessing Water, Harvesting Prosperity

As a result, more land is now under irrigation, increasing agricultural productivity by up to 60%, which contributes to boosting local food production and economic stability.

The project also supported the establishment of communal nurseries, which have been supplied with
agricultural inputs. The seedlings produced are distributed among community members to develop their own kitchen gardens, contributing to household-level food security and improved dietary diversity.

As a result, households are now more self-reliant in meeting their food needs while also improving their nutritional intake.

The ceremony underscored the community-driven nature of the project, with government representatives highlighting the importance of such initiatives in addressing critical regional challenges, including climate change and water scarcity.

Upon the successful completion of the project, the constructed schemes were officially handed over to the communities in the presence of relevant government departments, ensuring their sustainability and operational effectiveness.

Climate-Ready Communities

Community World Service Asia acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders—including the government, its partners, and the community—and reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and promoting community-led development.

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Mahli ji Bhit is a village situated approximately ten kilometres north of Kunri town in Umerkot district, predominantly inhabited by members of the Rind tribe of Baloch origin. Among the many families residing there are Babu and his wife, Lali, whose energy and eagerness to share their story are immediately evident. While their rapid manner of speaking may pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with the Sindhi language, their lived experiences tell a powerful story of resilience.

The couple has eight children—five sons and three daughters. Despite their economic challenges, Lali shares that having more sons is often viewed as a sign of wealth within their community.

Babu and Lali work as sharecroppers on five acres of land, along with two of their sons. In 2022, while much of Sindh was devastated by widespread flooding, the family’s crops—guar beans, millets, and mung—thrived in the Thar Desert. When the harvest was assessed in November, their share of the yield helped offset the recent loss of their only goat, which had died due to illness. The family was even able to purchase two goats to ensure a steady supply of milk.

This was rare prosperity, and having lifted a loan of PKR 45,000 (approx. USD 161) from their landlord, they wedded off their elder daughter in the hope that a good wheat harvest in March would help them repay. However, because of the landlord’s demand, they soon had to sell both newly-acquired goats to repay the debt. Babu and Lali recount that for a full year they were without a goat and had only black tea. Sometimes, if there were ten or twenty rupees to spare, they would purchase some milk for the luxury of milk tea. But that meagre amount paid for only a cup and a half of milk that could but slightly colour their tea.

If they were dreaming of having a goat in 2023, their hopes were dashed because they could not rent a tractor for ploughing in good time. Inevitably, late sowing made for a poorer harvest and they just about recovered their expense. They were fortunate to have one son working as a salesman in a store in Kunri who brought home PKR 12,000 (approx. USD 43) every month. This was, however, scarcely enough to feed ten people.

Once again anticipating a good harvest, Babu and Lali wedded their eldest son in the summer of 2024. Once again the wedding was on borrowed money and they were barely able to repay their landlord at harvest time. Their struggle persisted until they received the first instalment of CWSA’s Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), amounting to PKR 17,000 (approx USD 61). This timely support offered much-needed relief, particularly as the forty kilograms of millets they had retained after repaying their loan to the landlord lasted only two weeks. The cash assistance formed part of the ongoing project titled “Strengthening the Livelihoods and Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Communities in Rural Sindh – Phase 2,” implemented in Umerkot District, specifically in the Union Councils of Faqeer Abdullah and Sekharo. Supported by Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), the project aims to enhance the resilience of climate-affected rural farming communities by improving food security, livelihood opportunities, and community organisation in the face of natural calamities. A total of 460 households—216 men and 244 women—are being supported through five rounds of MPCA. The first and second tranches were disbursed in October and November 2024, with the remaining three planned for April, May, and June 2025, coinciding with the region’s lean agricultural periods.

A goat and the second round of the cash grant made life a little easier. It looked positively rosy when the goat bore a male kid. There was now half a litre of milk in the mornings for tea and an equal amount in the evenings that was used partly for tea and partly for the children. One wonders how many cups could ten persons have from half a litre of milk and yet be able to spare some for the children. But when one has spent a lifetime of such severity as this family, even a sip or two of milk is a luxury.

By the time these lines are read, Babu and Lali would have used up their third round of PKR 17,000 to purchase some food. As the cold weather fades into summer, they will hope they get the tractor in time for the ploughing and that the rains too keep a favourable schedule. If the harvest is good in November 2025, they will sell the kid they have in their courtyard, then hopefully, a healthy yearling. Altogether, they might be able to wed away another daughter without going under debt.

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Community World Service Asia, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) Punjab, successfully convened a three-day consultative session in O’Spring, Murree from May 16th–18th, 2025. The session brought together key government stakeholders—including Divisional and District Officers and the Director Admin of SWD Punjab—to collectively review and revise the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) related to NGO registration in Punjab. The objective was to streamline and harmonise the registration and renewal process, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to both government needs and civil society realities. Through structured discussions, presentations, and working group sessions, participants identified challenges in the current system and collaboratively drafted revised SoPs to guide more consistent implementation across the province.

The session, facilitated by Joseph Masih, Senior Technical Advisor at CWSA, was lauded for its participatory approach and practical outcomes. Government representatives appreciated the opportunity to critically examine policy gaps and contribute directly to procedural reforms. “Before this, no discussion session was held regarding any policy or rule framed by the department. There was a dire need to organise such sessions with grassroots stakeholders,” remarked Atif Ali, Deputy Director, SWD Mandi Bahauddin.

Aqsa Rafique Chaudhary, Deputy Director, SWD Punjab, Lahore, shared, “The consultation was real brainstorming and constructive. It remained focused and fully aligned with the session’s objectives.”

“We identified deficiencies in the SOPs and discussed key points—this session was very productive and relevant,” added Ghalib Abbas, Assistant Director from Murree. The feedback highlighted a collective desire for continued dialogue and engagement to ensure meaningful policy improvements and more effective collaboration between public institutions and civil society organisations.

Download Activity Report

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The humanitarian and development aid sector is at a turning point. Abrupt donor exits, shrinking funding, and shifting global priorities are forcing organisations to close programs, cut staff, and make urgent choices that reverberate across entire systems. But how are these transitions being experienced by those on the frontlines?

This practice paper, developed by Community World Service Asia with support from ACT Church of Sweden, captures the perspectives of over 450 aid professionals across the Global South. Drawing insights from a regional survey and a dynamic six-part webinar series, the paper elevates the voices often left out of global conversations on aid reform and accountability.

Through the lens of lived experience, it examines the ethical tensions, operational dilemmas, and urgent shifts shaping the sector’s future.

📌 Read the paper to explore what’s at stake—and what must change.

Download the full paper

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Over the past few years, Pakistan’s civil society landscape has faced increasing operational constraints. Shrinking civic space, regulatory restrictions, and growing mistrust between non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and state institutions have posed significant challenges. However, amid these complexities, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has emerged as a crucial ally for local civil society organisations (CSOs), forging a robust and productive partnership with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) across several provinces.

This partnership, driven by shared goals and strategic collaboration, has not only enhanced the capacity of CSOs but has also strengthened the role of the SWD in enabling a more responsive, transparent, and coordinated regulatory environment.

Further, the lack of effective project management, communication, and advocacy mechanisms has affected both the efficiency of CSOs and the government’s perception of them. In response, CSOs have begun enhancing their communication strategies and digital capabilities.

Against this backdrop, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) launched a three-year initiative titled “Strengthening Civil Society Organisations for Sustainable Development”. This comprehensive project encompasses a digital training programme, development of policy- oriented position papers, establishment of provincial help desks, and creation of a legal advisory cell. It also promotes regulatory compliance and encourages the formation of CSO coalitions for improved networking and advocacy.

Through this collaboration, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is fostering a civic environment where local civil society organisations (CSOs) can operate freely and effectively alongside communities to address social, developmental, and climate-related challenges. The project focuses on two key components: regulatory advocacy and digital capacity building for CSOs.

This initiative has contributed to strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks governing CSOs. More than 4,000 supported CSOs have successfully registered with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Social Welfare Department (SWD), or the Charity Commission. Key achievements include supporting Provincial Social Welfare Department in learning and exchanges on regulatory compliance and initiative to have uniform SOPs for NGO registration and renewal, the establishment of provincial help desks, a Legal Advisory Cell at CWSA, and the formation of CSO coalitions to drive sustained policy advocacy. Notably, at least 30% of the 11,050 participants engaged in this component are women.

The Digital Learning Hub, a product of this collaboration, has served as a cornerstone for building CSO capacity through a digital platform offering courses on quality, accountability, advocacy, and climate change adaptation. Over 70% of the 210 participating CSOs have reported improvements in their programmes following the training. The initiative also launched a digital resource library, mentorship programmes, and created national and regional linkages to broaden learning and collaboration. Women account for at least 30% of the platform’s 5,800 users, reinforcing the project’s commitment to gender inclusion.

Impact Across Provinces: Stories of Success and Transformation

Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa (KPK): Mr Fatmin Allah, Additional Director at the SWD in KP, detailed how the department scrutinises the registration and performance of NGOs. Out of 49,533 applications, 3,394 organisations were deregistered for failing to meet legal requirements such as annual audit submissions and executive body elections. The situation intensified when Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list, which mandated stricter financial scrutiny and led to the deregistration of a further 3,030 organisations nationwide.

The CWSA-SWD collaboration helped address many of these challenges. For instance, CWSA’s assistance in understanding complex compliance requirements supported many NGOs in maintaining their registrations. The partnership also opened avenues for dialogue and clarity on evolving regulations.

Mr Fatmin Allah pointed out that the SWD, with its established infrastructure and human resources, is well-placed to oversee NGO registration and compliance. He advocated for streamlining responsibilities between the SWD and Charity Commission to avoid duplication. Amendments have been proposed to the 1961–62 Ordinance— including police verification, education requirements for executive members, and language proficiency—to align with donor expectations and FATF criteria. These reforms await approval but were largely shaped through SWD’s enhanced engagement, supported by CWSA.

“There is an urgent need to address government misconceptions about NGOs, particularly around funding and staff lifestyles. CWSA’s awareness efforts are a very valuable step in correcting such misperceptions,” remarked Mr. Fatmin

Sindh: Mr Naqeeb Ur Rehman, Director Planning at the SWD in Sindh, underscored the tremendous benefits of CWSA’s support. Since the partnership began roughly three years ago, 6,500 NGOs have been successfully registered. The collaboration has introduced compliance guidelines and facilitated awareness sessions around the legal and procedural frameworks affecting CSOs, including the Societies Act, Charity Commission laws, and EAD procedures.

In the past, many NGO founders relied on private lawyers, resulting in incomplete or misinformed applications. Files were often delayed or ignored. CWSA’s intervention changed this landscape dramatically.

“A notable contribution is the Help Desk established in Sindh, equipped with laptops, a dedicated phone line, WhatsApp support, an online directory, and coordination resources,” shared Mr. Rehman. Launched on 6 March, this facility has become a vital hub for NGO assistance, supporting smoother registration and problem resolution.

Mr Rehman highlighted that CWSA also contributed to capacity building, especially in project cycle management. “Trainings organised in Hyderabad attracted participants from distant districts like Umerkot, Sumaro, Kunri, and Pithoro, reflecting the value and credibility of these programmes. Despite transportation challenges in interior Sindh, the turnout reinforced the significance of CWSA’s presence in the region.”

He concluded with a request for enhanced support and coordination among SWD departments across provinces, suggesting that a national-level learning forum could help bridge information gaps and create consistency in practice.

Punjab: The partnership in Punjab has been especially fruitful. Ms Aksa Rafique Chaudhry, Deputy Director of the SWD in Lahore, described how the relationship evolved with enthusiasm and mutual respect. With CWSA’s support, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) successfully established a Help Desk at its Lahore office, facilitating the registration of over 3,000 NGOs.

Additionally, CWSA’s advocacy efforts, awareness initiatives with NGOs, and specialised training programs for SWD staff significantly enhanced the department’s operational capacity, strengthening its ability to serve and coordinate with civil society organisations effectively. “These trainings enabled officers to effectively manage queries related to registration, compliance, and documentation. CWSA also transformed an unused store room into a functioning help desk, equipped with a laptop and data systems to better manage NGO records,” expressed Ms Chaudhry, appreciating this practical and impactful support.

She proposed several key recommendations to strengthen the partnership between government and NGOs. These included expanding specialised trainings—particularly on the 1961 Act and the updated 2022 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—to build shared understanding. She also emphasised the need for improved communication to address persistent misconceptions about NGOs, and encouraged greater resource sharing and coordination to avoid duplication of efforts. Lastly, she advocated for institutionalising regular training cycles every 4–5 years to ensure sustained learning and policy responsiveness among government officials.

At the Federal Level: Economic Affairs Division (EAD)

Mr Naveed Ali, Document Specialist at the EAD, acts as a vital bridge between the state and civil society. CWSA advocated for a help desk with the EAD to streamline the registration process and provide due guidence to the NGOs on regulatory requirements. Naveed was placed as ‘Intern’ under the CWSA project at EAD for data digitization. Through CWSA’s support, he manages the Islamabad help desk (also established under this collaboration) that has guided over 3,200 organisations through the EAD registration process. Despite complex documentation procedures—including project reviews, spot checks, and bank verifications—Mr Ali and his team have facilitated completion for approximately 1,200 organisations.

In addition to webinars and a training portal, a comprehensive FAQ section and phone support system were created to improve accessibility. However, Mr Ali highlighted challenges such as repeated or irrelevant queries—even at late hours. Still, he remains committed to his role, emphasising the satisfaction of helping marginalised communities thrive. As he put it, “Hum tou chahtay hain ke in logon ka choolha jalta rahay.” (“We want the stoves of these people to keep burning.”)

A Model for Collaborative Governance

The partnership between CWSA and the Social Welfare Department has proven to be a powerful catalyst in strengthening civil society across Pakistan. By building institutional capacity, improving regulatory frameworks, and promoting mutual trust, CWSA and the SWD have paved the way for a more inclusive, accountable and resilient civil society sector.

This success illustrates that even within a restricted civic space, constructive engagement and joint action can bring about meaningful, sustainable change.

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Rahman, a young boy living in Ghulam Muhammad Bhambhro village of District Khairpur, Sindh, is a participant of a healthcare initiative led by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and supported by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD). His story highlights the impact of accessible and quality healthcare for marginalised families.

Seven-year-old Rahman is Punhal and Heer’s second child. The parents live hand-to-mouth on 1.5 acres of fertile land with their four children. Their modest income and lack of resources make it nearly impossible to meet the food security needs of the family, let alone address emergencies. Rehman resides in the desert region of Taluka Nara, an area severely impacted by climate change. In May, June, July, and August 2024, the region experienced intense heat waves that further exacerbated the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

The family’s lives were upended when Rahman suffered severe burns after accidentally falling into a fire. The severe burns along his back were quite worrisome for his parents. With no savings and limited options, they took him to a private dispensary thrice, spending a borrowed sum of PKR 5,000 (approximately USD 18), but Rahman’s condition did not improve.

Desperate and running out of options, the family learned about the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Centre at Rural Health Centre (RHC) Nara Gate (in the same union council as their village). They met Khursheed, a staff nurse at the centre who carefully reviewed Rahman’s medical history and prescribed a new medication. For the first time, Rahman’s condition began to improve within a week. By the second visit, his parents were surprised by his swift recovery.

“We were worried about his health, but the free medication and quality care at Nara Gate helped him recover within just one week,” Rahman’s parents remarked. “We were struggling to afford treatment, but CWSA’s intervention saved us from financial ruin. Rahman’s recovery is a testament to their dedication and care.”

The family’s initial hesitation stemmed from their distrust of government healthcare facilities, often viewed as poorly equipped and understaffed. However, their experience at RHC Nara Gate changed these assumptions. The facility provided free treatment and delivered services with dignity and respect.
This positive experience inspired the family to advocate for the facility within their community. Rahman’s recovery encouraged others to trust and utilise the healthcare services at RHC Nara Gate.

Since CWSA revitalised RHC Nara Gate in March 2023, it has served as a lifeline for the community. The centre, operational five days a week from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offers essential services such as primary healthcare and MNCH programs. In partnership with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), CWSA has provided healthcare services and free medication to over 15,942 patients between August and October 2024, transforming lives in Taluka Nara.

Rahman has now recovered and is in good health. He has returned to school and enjoys playing with his siblings and friends in the village. His parents, once burdened with worry, now dream of a brighter future for their son.

“We want him to continue his education and build a better life for himself,” said his father with a hopeful smile.

Rahman’s story highlights the power of accessible, quality healthcare to save lives and restore faith in public systems. Owing to CWSA and its partners’ efforts, RHC Nara Gate has become a trusted resource for the community, embodying the promise of dignity, respect, and equity in healthcare. Families like Rahman’s now have hope that even in times of crisis, help is within reach.

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Under a shade, steel plates filled with warm, homemade meals wait for the children at around 11:00 AM on a hot summer day. Bananas and apples rest on the side, a rare treat for the students who eagerly gather for lunch. The aroma of freshly cooked roti (flat bread) and mixed vegetables drifts through the air as Soorma, one of the school cooks, ladles food onto each plate. Her daughter, Bhawna, watches eagerly—today’s meal, like every other, means more than just nourishment. It represents a new chapter in the village’s journey towards education and empowerment.

For years, Government Girls’ Primary School Ratnore lay abandoned, its doors closed in 2008, leaving most of the village’s girls without access to education. Ratnore is about 45 kilometres away from the main Umerkot city in Sindh. Cultural and economic barriers, coupled with the ever-present struggle against food insecurity, made it nearly impossible for families to send their daughters to school. However, that changed when Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with the support of Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D), stepped in. By reopening the school and launching a school feeding programme, they not only filled empty stomachs but also rekindled a thirst for learning.

Inside the makeshift school kitchen, Soorma kneads dough, sweat trickling down her forehead in the midday heat. She and another village woman prepare fresh meals daily, a task she wholeheartedly embraces, knowing her daughter and many others will eat well.

“My daughter Bhawna always wanted to study, but there was no school for girls here,” Soorma says, rolling out a roti before tossing it onto the hot griddle. “When the school finally opened, the lunch programme made it easier for us to send her. Now, she is happy, learning English, and dreams of becoming a doctor.”

Bhawna, a bright-eyed eight-year-old, echoes her mother’s pride. “I love coming to school! The food is always delicious, and I want to keep studying,” she says.

The school feeding programme also includes fresh goat milk every afternoon before lunch. Meena, a local goat owner, arrives early to deliver the milk, a task she has taken upon herself with unwavering commitment. She is among the 30 women from different households of the village who have received goats to support the school. In the evening, the owners use the milk for their families.

“I bring milk for the children every day because I want my daughter and all the other girls to grow up strong and educated,” she says. “Even if my goat’s milk runs out, I borrow some from my neighbours—this is my responsibility.”

For Meena, education is a family mission. Her eldest son is studying to become a doctor, while her younger children are also pursuing school. “We couldn’t study because of poverty,” she says, “but I will do everything I can to give my children a better future.”

Before the school feeding programme, many children had one meal a day or relied on simple meals at home—if lucky. Rabia, a student, recalls a time before school became part of her daily routine.

“When we didn’t attend school, we only had cow’s milk and a few vegetables like guar and chibhar,” she says. “Now, we eat a proper meal every day, and I enjoy studying.”

For her classmates Sapna and Raksha, the change is life-altering. “We come to school happily now, knowing we’ll get a good meal. Our health has improved, and more girls in our village are joining school,” they explain. “And we love biryani which is cooked once a week here and is very tasty!”

The impact extends beyond individual students. From January to December 2024, the project implemented in the Union Councils of Kaplore, Sekhro, and Faqeer Abdullah ensured that 450 students across three schools in Umerkot received nutritious meals. Parents who were once hesitant about sending their daughters to school now feel reassured.

“People in our village didn’t prioritise girls’ education before,” says a Village Management Committee member (VMC) member. “But when CWSA involved us, we offered two community halls to host the school. Now, 1201 girls are enrolled.”

The initiative has also created economic opportunities for local women. Besides Soorma, another village woman Dheli has been employed as a school helper, responsible for serving food and cleaning. The women are incentivised by being paid PKR 25,000 each. Even the government has collaborated—after the school reopened, the District Education Officer (DEO) provided an additional teacher from the village.

For too long, hunger and gender inequality kept girls out of classrooms. But through this programme, education and nutrition have become intertwined, breaking long-standing barriers. The meals provide more than sustenance—they offer a reason to attend school, a chance to dream, and a path toward independence.

As Bhawna finishes her lunch and wipes her hands clean, she runs off to join her friends, ready for the next lesson. In a village where education was once an afterthought for girls, the clang of steel plates and students’ laughter are sounds of change—proof that something as simple as a meal can redefine futures.

  1. On average, 95 to 100 girls attend the school. However, attendance tends to be lower during the seasonal crop harvesting period. ↩︎

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In a remote village in Umerkot District, Sindh, 45-year-old Zulikhan fights every day to provide for her eight children— aged between 17 and 5 years. With agriculture as their only livelihood, her family depends on a small four-acre plot of land. But as harsh climatic conditions worsen and resources remain scarce, the struggle to survive grows more daunting with each passing season.

The agricultural land that Zulikhan and her family cultivate generates an annual income of PKR 120,000 (approx. USD 428) from seasonal crops such as millet, cluster beans, and moth beans—planted once each year. However, this modest income falls far short of covering the family’s monthly expenses, which amount to PKR 25,000 (approx. USD 90). To bridge the gap, Zulikhan’s husband, Sohbdar, takes on additional work selling wood, earning between PKR 12,000 to 15,000 (approx. USD 42 to 53) per month. Yet, despite his extra efforts, the family continues to struggle to meet even their most basic needs. Their monthly expenses add up to a minimum of 20,000 (approx. USD 72) for food and PKR 5,000 (approx. USD 18) for necessities such as water, healthcare, and hygiene maintenance. And the expenses are usually more than this.

To support vulnerable communities affected by severe climate change impact and subsequent poverty and food insecurity, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with the support of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), launched an initiative titled, “Strengthening the Livelihoods and Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Communities in Rural Sindh, Pakistan” in June 2024. Lasting up until August 2025, the interventions under this project aim to enhance the resilience of these affected communities by improving agricultural and livelihood opportunities in the area.

A total of 460 community members from 15 villages across Union Councils Sekhro and Faqeer Abdullah were carefully selected for assistance based on strict criteria, prioritising large, agriculture-dependent families living below the poverty line. Among them was Zulikhan’s family, chosen to receive a goat to support long-term livelihood sustainability, along with PKR 17,000 (approx. USD 61) in cash assistance for food security, provided in October and November. To ease the burden of water collection, the family was also given water rollers, while kitchen gardening kits and high-quality seeds were provided to promote home-based food production.

As part of the initiative, Zulikhan and her family participated in comprehensive training sessions on agriculture, livestock management, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) to strengthen their resilience and improve productivity. Additionally, livestock vaccinations and deworming services were provided to ensure the health and productivity of their animals.

The kitchen gardening kit included essential tools such as a hand sprinkler, hand hoe, garden trowel, nets, and 50 grams each of seven different vegetable seeds, equipping Zulikhan and other families with the resources to grow fresh, nutritious food at home, enhancing both food security and self-sufficiency.

The cash assistance provided by CWSA has been a lifeline for Zulikhan and her family, helping ease their financial struggles. With the first installment, she prioritised purchasing essential groceries like oil, tea leaves, and sugar, ensuring her family had enough food to sustain them. Upon receiving the second installment, she saw an opportunity to create a more stable source of income by starting a small business selling goods, allowing her to cover her household’s daily expenses and work toward greater financial independence.

From the second instalment of PKR 17,000 (approx. USD 61), Zulikhan decided to invest in purchasing confectionery items at wholesale rates. Given that the village had only one shop, which often lacked essential goods, she recognised an unmet demand within the community. Seeing this as an opportunity, she made a strategic decision to start a small-scale business from her home, selling these items to her neighbours. Setting up a small shop just within her house, she was able to generate additional income while providing villagers with easier access to everyday necessities. This initiative turned out to be a strategic and rewarding choice, enabling her to set aside small savings while actively contributing to her family’s financial stability.

Meanwhile, Zulikhan continues to run her small home-based shop, earning between PKR 200 to 300 (approx. USD 0.70 to 1.70) per day. On average, she generates an additional PKR 8,000 (approx. USD 28) per month from this business. Despite her efforts and the support from the project, the total household income barely covers their essential expenses, but at least they are not in debt now.

However, with the support of Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), Zulikhan’s family has seen a significant improvement in their monthly income and livelihood. The combination of cash assistance, agricultural training, and resource distribution has provided them with the means to strengthen their food security and economic stability.

Driven by her unwavering determination to secure a better future for her family, Zulikhan is committed to growing her small business, ensuring they no longer struggle with daily household expenses. But beyond financial relief, this initiative has fostered a sense of empowerment, resilience, and independence within her household. It has given them not just the means to survive, but the confidence to build a more self-reliant and secure future—one where they can thrive with dignity and hope.

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