Last year, we traveled to the Thar region of Umerkot to document the transformative impact of the Humanitarian Assistance, Early Recovery, and Development (HERD) Project, supported by Canadian Foodgrain Bank (CFGB) and Presbytarian World Service and Development. (PWS&D). Through our lens, we captured stories of resilience, hope, and progress. Six months later, we returned to the village to share the documentary with the very people whose lives it portrayed. The entire community came together to witness their own stories unfold on screen—a moment of reflection, empowerment, and collective strength.
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Hope in the Sands: Differently Abled Children Demonstrating Educational Excellence
Vicholo Par in Umerkot district is a very peculiar village. Of its 120 households, no fewer than 30 have children or adults with disabilities. Sometimes, a single household has two or three differently abled persons. Here, one can observe limbs that appear shortened, hands and feet with irregular shapes, or fingers that are absent. Strangely, despite it being a Hindu village, there is absolutely no inbreeding which is endemic among Muslims.
Although there is a school in the village, several differently abled children have been kept out of it. Bhoj Raj who does not know his age but seems to be about eight, suffers from a considerably shorter right leg with a poorly formed knee joint. He does not wear shoes and reaches school in about 20 minutes[1] by hopping on his good leg. When the hot sand burns his foot, he goes by cartwheels. Until he joined in Grade 1 recently, he remained home helping his mother with housework and feeding the family’s livestock while his five healthy siblings all attended school.
He says he never thought he could be in school until his playmates told him of the new equipment the school[2] had received. There were swings and a seesaw in the grounds and in class they had colourful cards and charts with pictures and names of birds, animals, fruit, and Sindhi, English and Urdu alphabets.
Government Boys Primary School (GBPS) Vicholo Par is supported by Act for Peace through the “Improving Health and Education Services in Migration-Prone Union Councils of District Umerkot” project. Schools selected for this initiative must meet specific criteria, including being fully functional government schools with at least two classrooms and teachers. Community World Service Asia (CWSA) prioritises the enrollment of girls and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project has enhanced this school by providing a multigrade teaching kit for educators, play-based kits for children to promote joyful learning, and teacher training under a positive learning program. Furthermore, the project has installed a swing to promote play-based education and supplied quarterly school materials to ensure a conducive learning environment.
As well as that, they were given materials to paint and draw. Learning had become so much fun since August 2024, they all told Bhoj Raj, that they did not want to leave school when time was up. Just months after he joined, the child wants to be a school teacher when he grows up. “I want to be a teacher so that after my duty in school, I go to every house with disabled children and give lessons free of charge,” he said.
Pato Bai, aged nine, is another student at the same school. She is the only disabled child among her four other siblings. Both her feet are shaped in a way that she walks on the outer sides rather than on the soles. As a child, walking had always been very difficult, but as she grew up, she learned to keep her balance with what nature had given her.
Pato’s mother says that though they live only 10 minutes’ walk away, she did not send her daughter to school because of her difficulty in walking. Also, the government teacher was rarely ever present[3] in school and children simply wasted their time. In her view, Pato was better off helping with chores around the house. She says that the new teacher, Raheem Das[4], being from the same village has been regular in attendance since he joined in March 2021 and the input from the idaro (organisation meaning CWSA) changed her mind. Seeing her daughter doing better than her other siblings, she is happy she changed her mind.
In August 2024, CWSA trained teacher Raheem Das deployed the Early Childhood Care and Education kit to make the classroom a fun place that Pato enrolled in. Her interest in learning is so great that even at home she had asked her siblings to tutor her and consequently was taken in Grade 3. She dreams of studying medicine so that she can prevent children being born with deformities like hers. And if there are any, her pledge to herself is that she will treat them free of charge.
When she does finish her degree, Pato will make a very artistic doctor because of her talent in painting and drawing. The school has several sheets of her artwork on display produced during a recent art competition in which Pato topped. Ever more commendable is the fact that the two students who topped in the games competition are both differently abled – Pato and Bhoj Raj[5].
[1] While other children cover the distance in five to 10 minutes.
[2] The total number of students enrolled is 95, consisting of 65 boys and 30 girls.
[3] The teacher was appointed from a distant village, faced health issues that hindered his regular attendance.
[4] The teacher has passed the government teaching test and has been teaching for four years. He is originally from the village itself.
[5] The teachers promote inclusive education by creating opportunities for all children, including girls, boys, and children with disabilities (PWDs). In remote areas lacking specialised institutions, the teacher works to support the inclusion of PWDs in school admissions and activities. Their efforts ensure equal participation for PWDs in sports, poster competitions, and other events, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling them to continue their education.
Weathering the Storm: A Family’s Quest for Stability in Umerkot
Latifan, a 20-year-old woman from Ramo Vehro, UC Faqeer Abdullah in Umerkot, lives with her husband, Yaseen Muhammad, and their three-year-old son, Umer. The household also includes her brother-in-law, his wife, and their three children, making it a family of eight living under one roof. Yaseen works as a daily wage labourer, earning PKR 500 (approximately USD 1.8) per day, though there are occasional opportunities where he earns up to PKR 1000 (approximately USD 7.2) for a day’s work. The family’s monthly expenses amount to around PKR 8,000 (approximately USD 28.7), covering essential grocery items such as wheat, sugar, tea leaves, and rice.
In 2021, a severe drought devastated Latifan’s village, destroying agricultural lands and decimating livestock. The family farmed on four acres of shared land, cultivating cluster beans and millet. However, the drought rendered their crops useless, leaving them in a dire economic state. The family faced a very challenging time but they have persevered and remained resilient.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with support from Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), initiated a Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance programme in the drought-affected regions of Umerkot. The initiative provided PKR 17,000 ( (approximately USD 61) per household every month for three months—September, October, and November—benefitting 460 households, including Latifan’s family. Their inclusion in the programme was due to their large household size, low income, and farming background. Upon receiving the first tranche of PKR 17,000, Latifan prioritised purchasing wheat for PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 36), with PKR 1,000 (approximately USD 3.6) allocated to land preparation expenses. The remaining PKR 6,000 (approximately USD 22) was spent on groceries such as lentils, rice, and tea leaves, leaving her with PKR 1,000 (approximately USD 3.6) in savings.
Latifan’s aspirations for the remaining instalments include repairing their home and purchasing a mobile phone to facilitate better communication. Her leadership skills are evident through her active participation in the community as a member of the Village Management Committee led by CWSA. As deputy president, she not only takes training sessions from CWSA’s women mobilisers but also shares her knowledge on cultivation and harvesting techniques with other women farmers in the community. Her confidence and proactive nature have made her a key contact for NGOs organising community visits.
The cash assistance programme has significantly improved the family’s living conditions, enabling them to afford three meals a day. Previously, they managed only one or two meals daily. The family’s meals now consist of a good breakfast, potato curry for lunch, and chapati (flatbread) with curry for dinner. They live in a modest two-room house shared between Latifan’s family and her brother-in-law’s household. Their combined livestock of seven goats—four belonging to the brother-in-law and three to Latifan—provides milk for household consumption, with additional milk sold by her brother-in-law, who earns PKR 200 to 300 (approximately USD 1) as a shepherd.
Despite these improvements, Latifan’s family continues to face hardships. The lingering threat of drought hampers agricultural recovery, and Yaseen’s fluctuating income barely meets their needs. A mounting debt of PKR 200,000 (approximately USD 720) weighs heavily on the family, accrued primarily from food purchases and medical expenses, including PKR 40,000 (approximately USD 144) for Latifan’s cesarean operation when her son was born. Health remains a top concern, particularly with her son being susceptible to common childhood illnesses like flu, fever, and cough, which could hinder his healthy growth. Additionally, her nephew’s sleep disturbances pose a further health worry. However, through hard work and payments made to the landlord, they have managed to repay PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 360) of the debt.
Latifan’s determination remains unwavering. Her family plans to use the forthcoming assistance to improve their land conditions, resume crop cultivation, and allocate PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 36) towards further debt repayment. With a vision for a more stable future, Latifan continues to lead her household and community with resilience, striving for financial independence and a sustainable livelihood amidst ongoing challenges.
Naveed Metlo: College Degrees for his Brothers
Naveed Metlo began working as a farm laborer before the age of 10, while still in Grade 4 of primary school. At the time, he was one of four brothers and three sisters, and the entire family toiled in the fields to secure enough food for survival. Struggling to make ends meet, their challenges deepened as the family grew with the addition of two more sons. Despite the burden of school and farm work in the afternoons, Naveed kept at it and successfully completed secondary school education in 2021.
“In our village Bakhshan Metlo of Khairpur, we were not paid cash for the work we did on a farm. Instead, at harvest time we were paid in grain. We sold some of it for cash while the rest fed our family. Sometimes it lasted the whole year until the next harvest, but mostly we ran out three months earlier,” recounts Naveed. He says in those days none of the siblings had any spending money because any cash in the home came from the sale of grain and was kept by the parents.
After completing his education, Naveed returned to his old work. In 2023, he heard of an initiative led by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and CAFOD1 for Over, providing technical training for suitable young men. The devastating floods severely affected Naveed’s village, damaging his house and completely destroying his family’s livelihood sources. As the family’s sole breadwinner, Naveed was identified among the flood-affected individuals when CWSA initiated the Skill Development Component. The selection process was carried out by Village Management Committees (VMCs) formed by CWSA, with the proposed participants’ list shared with the MEAL team for pre-verification. Following the verification, Naveed was selected to receive training in motorcycle mechanics. He completed a three-month training program along with a 15-day apprenticeship in the local market. After successfully passing the Trade Testing Board (TTB) exam, he received his course completion certificate. The three-month training was a cinch for a naturally gifted mechanic, especially because it brought him a stipend of PKR 550 (approx. USD 2) per day. This was the first pocket money the man had ever had. After the fourth week, Naveed apprenticed himself to a mechanic in town and spent his afternoons helping him and honing his skill further.
The ustad (master of the workshop) was a strange man, says Naveed. “As soon as I reached there, he would take off and disappear for the rest of the day. Gradually I began to realise the man did not have his heart in the work,” reports Naveed. But by the time he graduated from the training centre and joined his ustad, he had told Naveed that he was going to live in Karachi and Naveed could have the workshop to himself with some of the tools.
Naveed did just that and as one of the only two trained mechanics, he soon attracted good business. From nearby Kingri town, he purchased more tools on credit and his establishment soon gained the look of a well-established setup. That meant more business, he says. As of December 2024, he had repaid most of his loan of PKR 110,000 (approx. USD 395). On display, he had spare parts that turn over fast and because most repairmen in Ahmedpur do not keep such stocks, his outlet became the centre where people resorted.
“Spare parts are good business because profit ranges between 20 to 25 percent and currently I have a stock of Rs 80,000 [USD 287],” explains Naveed. Coupled with the tools and other accessories, his workshop is worth PKR 200,000 (approx. USD 718). To increase his earnings, his focus in November 2024 was on increasing his stock and display of spare parts.
So, what is it other than the fact that he is a trained mechanic that draws customers to his establishment? “First of all it is the outlook of my setup. Customers see I have spare parts and then my labour charges are about 25 percent less than other mechanics. Also, it is the respect I give my customers,” says Naveed.
Opening at 8:30 AM, he works for the next 10 hours. But sometimes when a wrecked engine comes in and the owner wants it done as soon as possible, he even has to work through the night. The earning in such cases is good and he goes home with a neat profit ranging between PKR 3000 to 4000 (approx. USD 11-14) rupees. A slow day still means that Naveed earns PKR 1500 (approx. USD 5). With this kind of income, it is easy for him to pay the monthly rent of PKR 4000.
He says being a motorcycle repairman also has bonuses. Used engine oil sells for PKR 150 (approx. USD 0.54) per litre, while old spare parts go for PKR 120 (approx. USD 0.43) per kilogram. Old brake shoes make the best sell at PKR 450 (approx. 1.61) per kilogram. “I save all the scrap for a month and make about Rs 10,000 [approx. USD 36] from its sale.” Though there are several other mechanics in the village, Naveed is doing good business because of the large number of bikes.
His natural mechanical talent keeps him from restricting himself to just being a motorcycle mechanic. In October, he borrowed a welding transformer from a friend who was not using it. “Welding is very easy to learn and I have taught myself,” says Naveed. If it goes well, he will return the borrowed machine and purchase a new one for his workshop. Before he got the machine, if there was any welding required for a job, he had to send the bike out to a neighbouring workshop. That costs money. But the way he has picked up the craft, it is clear that Naveed will soon be doing his welding with his own machine.
Asked what is the most satisfactory aspect of the work he is doing, he does not have to think hard. “I am paying for the education of my two youngest brothers. Every morning I bring them from the village to Ahmedpur for school and take them back for lunch,” says Naveed. He is very clear that while he has plans to expand his business with more spare parts, his real aim in life is to see that these two little boys get ahead in life with college degrees.
- Catholic Agency for Overseas Development ↩︎
Sabhagi’s Journey Toward Self-Sufficiency
Sabhagi, a 75-year-old widow, has endured a lifetime of hardship. She lives alone in her small mud house in the rural village of Dolat Laghari, in UC Dolatpur of District Mirpurkhas[1]. Since her husband Malhar passed away from a life-threatening illness four years ago, she has faced life alone, drawing on her unwavering strength to persevere. Her only son, now married, lives independently.
For years, Sabhagi worked tirelessly on a small agricultural plot of half-acre, cultivating crops with minimal tools. Farming at her age was physically demanding, and her earnings barely covered basic needs. She remains in debt, though the exact amount is unclear; her landlord maintains the records. Despite the hardships, she continues to toil in the fields daily, her hands worn from decades of labour but her spirit unbroken.
“I had no choice but to keep going,” Sabhagi recalled. “Farming is all I know—it’s what keeps me alive.”
Sabhagi doesn’t own the land she farms; it belongs to a landlord, and she works as a tenant farmer. The arrangement is typically a verbal agreement, where the crop yield or money earned from it is shared on a 50% basis between the farmer and the landowner. Through this, she earns an irregular income of PKR 300–400 (approximately USD 1-1.5) per day. Seasonal vegetables like carrots, onions, cauliflower, radishes, spinach, coriander, turnips, and tomatoes are grown on this land.
The rising costs of seeds, tools, and fertilisers left her struggling for years. However, her fortunes began to shift when CWSA provided essential agricultural inputs—seeds, fertilisers, and tools—and gave a PKR 15,000 (approx.USD 54) cash grant to ease her financial burden. She also received seven different kitchen gardening seeds and training in sustainable agricultural practices, which improved her farming techniques. Now, she expects to earn PKR 500–700 (approx. USD 1.8-2.5) from her kitchen garden. These vegetables will be fresher, healthier, and free from chemicals compared to those sold in the market.
The 2022 floods devastated her village and farmland. She was forced to live in a roadside shelter for six to seven months. Sabhagi faced financial losses, food insecurity, and an uphill battle to rebuild. As an elderly widow and a lone farmer, she continues to face numerous challenges, including physical strain, health concerns, and mental stress exacerbated by isolation and adverse weather conditions.
After taking part in a training on biological pest control methods, disease identification, and the use of organic materials, Sabhagi learned to make neem spray for pest control and compost using organic materials like vegetable waste and farmyard manure. These sustainable practices have improved soil quality and boosted crop yields. “The training was held in our village on October 3, 2024, saving us time and money,” Sabhagi shared. “The seeds and guidance have made farming more productive, and our families now enjoy better, healthier food.”
With newfound knowledge and resources, Sabhagi has noticed improvements in her yield. The kitchen gardening seeds—onion, cauliflower, coriander, radish, spinach, and turnip—have flourished. She uses compost and hand sprays to enhance soil quality and anticipates better crop production in the coming months. This initiative aims to encourage sustainable kitchen gardening practices, improve food security ensuring that households have access to nutritious food throughout the year by equipping farmers with the necessary skills and resources.
Under the Agriculture Support Project supported by Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), CWSA has made a difference in the lives of 899 farmers in Mirpurkhas, providing vital agricultural inputs and cash (PKR 15,000) for land preparation. Farmer selection was conducted through 68 Village Management Committees (VMCs), prioritising widows, people with disabilities, orphans, and families in need. The project spanned 95 villages across two union councils in Mirpurkhas between August 2023 and July 2024. Of the 899 participants, 635 were women, with 100 lead farmers[2] (70% women) receiving targeted support through a two-days training session conducted by a CWSA Trainer to promote community-level capacity building.
In 2023, the lead farmers participated in four comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions designed to equip them with specialised skills. These ToTs focused on Crop Selection, Soil Preparation, and Water Conservation Management, Agriculture Management Practices, Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management and Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM). Following its completion, the lead farmers returned to their villages to share their knowledge through localised training sessions in their native languages, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance. This cascading model empowered the broader farming community with practical techniques for improved agricultural practices.
As part of the effort to promote climate-smart agriculture, six fermenters were constructed in collaboration with lead farmers in Mirpurkhas. These fermenters serve as practical examples for farmers, demonstrating effective methods for improving soil health, enhancing organic matter, and increasing soil moisture retention. The fermenters are in the villages of Shahbaz Rangar, Sohbat Laghari, Chodhary Nizamuldin in UC Dolatpur and Yousaf Rajarr, Bhagat Meghraj and Raidhan Colony, UC Taju Khaskheli.
Today, Sabhagi smiles more often, her heart lighter with the knowledge that her hard work is finally paying off. “I’m no longer just surviving; I’m living,” she says. “The support I received has given me new energy and a belief that things can get better, even at my age.”
Her story highlights how timely interventions and compassion can transform lives. What was once a symbol of struggle—her land—now blossoms with hope and promise for a brighter future.
[1] Sindh, Pakistan.
[2] A lead farmer is a trained and experienced community representative who participates in Training of Trainers (TOT). After completing their training, they serve as role models, mentors, and extension agents, sharing knowledge with other farmers in their villages. They promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve crop yields, and work to enhance livelihoods within their communities.
From Soil to Steel: Mazhar’s Path to Mastery
Mazhar Hussain Qureshi, a young man from a small village named Hassan Qureshi, in Sindh’s Khairpur district, had spent most of his life struggling to make ends meet as an unskilled labourer. He worked 10 to 12 days a month, barely able to support himself and his family with a meagre daily wage of PKR 400-500 (approximately USD 1.44-1.8). Much like the rest of his community, his village had little economic opportunity beyond agriculture, and most residents relied on sporadic labour work on nearby farms.
The devastating 2022 floods in Khairpur severely impacted the community’s livelihoods, shelter, and agricultural activities, including crops and livestock. Mazhar’s family, reliant on daily wage labour, was among those affected, losing their home and income sources. In 2023, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) launched a livelihood recovery project to support flood-affected individuals. Mazhar was selected for motorcycle repair training based on specific criteria. These included being between 18 and 40 years old, having at least primary-level education, belonging to a vulnerable group, coming from a large family (seven or more members), being a daily wage worker interested in learning new skills, or being part of the flood-affected community. This initiative aimed to equip participants with sustainable skills to help rebuild their lives and restore their independence.
In April 2024, Mazhar training commenced at the Skill Development Centre in Sobhodero. A total of 450 graduates were enrolled in three-month batches at the Kingri and Sobhodero Centres, established in September 2023. Each centre offered three trades—electrical, motorcycle mechanics, and mobile repair—with 25 trainees per trade, totalling 75 graduates per batch. Over nine months, three batches completed their training from October 2023 to June 2024, with 150 individuals trained in each trade. The purpose was to train unskilled labour and flood-affected communities, enabling them to enhance their livelihoods.
Mazhar joined the program in its third batch, driven by the high demand for motorcycle repairs in his area and his interest in learning a skill that could improve his family’s financial future. Although he knew the basics of motorcycle repair, Mazhar’s time at the centre introduced him to new techniques, covering theory and hands-on training over six days a week. Mazhar’s commitment to the training program[hI5] [S6] was exceptional. He attended every session with discipline, encouraged by a daily transportation allowance of PKR 550 (approx. USD 2). Through his hard work, he earned the top position in his class, a proud achievement that marked his entry into the skilled labour population upon completion of the program and received a certificate from the Trade Testing Board Sindh, along with a specialised toolkit essential for his new trade. This acknowledgment of his abilities boosted his confidence and marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
CWSA and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the organisations behind the Skill Development Centre, saw Mazhar’s potential and extended further support to help him establish his business. He was awarded PKR 50,000 (approx. USD 180) in cash assistance, which enabled him to rent a small shop for PKR 5,000 (approx. USD 20) per month and buy necessary tools for his new venture. With this setup, he opened his motorcycle repair workshop, providing a valuable service for residents and creating a stable source of income for himself and his family.
“Before I joined the training program, I didn’t have the technical or business skills,” Mazhar reflects. “Now, I am confident, skilled, and capable of handling all technical aspects, managing my business, and understanding market and customer needs.” The training and support from CWSA transformed his ability to navigate the business world, from dealing with customers to managing finances. Mazhar now earns an impressive daily income of PKR 1,500-2,000 (approx. USD 5-7), far more than he could have made as an unskilled farm labourer.
Apart from Mazhar, 26 other graduates, nine from each trade were given a cash grant of PKR 50,000 (approx. USD 180). They were selected based on being top performers in their final exams, having sustainable business plans and feasible locations, and demonstrating a strong interest in establishing small businesses. Around 36% of the 450 graduates now work in the market either as skilled laborers or have set up small shops, earning daily incomes ranging from PKR 500 to PKR 1,200(approx. USD. 1.8 to 4.3).
As his business flourished, Mazhar didn’t keep his success to himself. He began training his brothers and other young people in his community interested in motorcycle repair to help them gain the same skills he had acquired. So far, he has trained three individuals who now assist him in the shop, and he takes pride in seeing them improve daily. “It feels good to pass on the skills I’ve learned,” he says, “and it’s rewarding to watch them get better in their work.”
Mazhar’s journey has had a positive impact on his entire community. His reputation for skill and reliability quickly spread, with residents trusting his work and frequently recommending his services. He is now a source of inspiration, showing others that with hard work, determination, and the right support, it’s possible to transition from struggling labor to skilled business ownership.
Looking ahead, Mazhar has ambitious plans to grow his business further. He envisions adding more services, such as selling spare parts and offering maintenance contracts for local businesses, to support long-term growth. He also hopes to hire more individuals from his village, allowing others to escape the cycle of poverty and contribute to the local economy. “My goal is not just to grow my business,” he explains, “but to create a space where others can learn, earn, and build better lives.”
Mazhar’s story highlights the impact of skill development initiatives on entire communities and the role of timely, yet sustainable support. Through his workshop, Mazhar is building a legacy of skill and self-sufficiency, proving that with access to training and resources, anyone can rise above their circumstances and thrive.
Hope on Wheels: A Mobile Health Unit’s Impact on Laali’s Family
Laali, 25, lives in the remote village of Sohbat Khan Laghari, UC Dolatpur, Tehsil Shujabad, District Mirpurkhas, where life presents daily challenges, especially for someone with a physical disability. Laali has lived with a syndactyly disability since childhood, where the fingers of one hand are fused. This condition significantly impacts her ability to perform daily household chores. She struggles with tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as cooking or using small tools, and finds it challenging to carry or lift items with one hand. Activities that require both hands, like buttoning clothes, tying knots, or lifting heavier objects, are particularly difficult for her, further compromising her ability to manage routine responsibilities. For years, accessing healthcare was an uphill battle, with the nearest medical facilities located far away. Laali often had to endure long, costly journeys, covering expenses for travel, doctor visits, and medicines, or waiting weeks for even basic medical attention.
Laali is married and a mother to two young sons, her eldest is four-years-old, and the younger is two and a half. Unfortunately, she cannot afford to send them to school due to financial constraints. Her husband, Ramesh, works as a daily labourer, earning a modest PKR 400-500 (approximately USD 1.5 to 2), while Laali manages their household chores. They care for four rented goats, owned by someone else, in exchange for free milk—a small but vital support for their family.
The nearest healthcare facility is located approximately 20 kilometres from Laali’s village. She visited it once last year when her elder child fell ill with respiratory illness but found the experience deeply unsatisfactory. Despite being a government hospital, she had to purchase medicines worth around PKR 2,000 (approximately USD 7.3) rupees from outside the facility and spend an additional PKR 1,000 (approximately USD 3.7) on travel expenses. The hospital staff were unresponsive and inattentive, and the treatment provided was ineffective as her child did not recover. That visit was both her first and last to the government hospital.
Laali has also sought help from a private health clinic, but the cost was significantly higher. The visit, which included transportation, doctor’s fees, medical tests, and medicines, amounted to PKR 3,500 rupees (approximately USD 13). To cover these expenses, Laali had to borrow money from her brother. She observed little to no improvement in her child’s health despite visiting both government and private clinics, leaving her deeply dissatisfied.
On August 15, 2024, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with support from Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), brought two mobile health units in different villages of Mirpurkhas under a humanitarian and early recovery project, eventually coming to Laali’s village which was a milestone for the community. For the first time, residents had access to a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who set up a temporary clinic offering free check-ups, diagnostic services, and treatment advice. On the first day, a total of 206 people attended the mobile health unit. Among them, 146 patients (49 women, 9 men, and 106 children) received medicines.
When Laali visited the mobile clinic with her family, she was met with warmth and understanding. The staff listened attentively to her concerns, conducted thorough examinations of her children, and provided medication to relieve their cough and flu symptoms.
As part of the CAFOD project, the mobile health unit continues to conduct daily free camps across flood-affected villages in District Mirpurkhas until 31 January 2025. Between September 2023 and October 2024, the unit provided free consultations to 62,279 individuals (31,875 women, 6,948 men, 11,291 boys, and 12,165 girls) across 412 villages. Additionally, 445 persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been facilitated, ensuring inclusive and accessible healthcare for all. The Mobile Health Unit ensures priority care for PWDs and pregnant women. They are not required to wait in the general waiting area but are attended to immediately by the doctor. The unit is equipped with wheelchair access for PWD patients, and in cases where commuting proves challenging for them, the doctors personally visit their homes, bringing essential medicines along.
Laali and her family also participated in the Health Awareness Session conducted by a Lady Health Visitor (LHV) and a social mobiliser (woman). The session covered topics such as family planning, malaria, skin diseases, and cold and flu prevention. “The LHV explained the benefits of a small family, and I feel more confident now, understanding that a smaller family means fewer expenses and the ability to afford healthier food,” Laali shared.
She also learned about the importance of health and hygiene, particularly handwashing before and after meals. Inspired by the session, she began implementing these practices, including washing hands after using the restroom. Laali noticed an improvement in her family’s health as a result of these changes.
“Dr Misbah (Woman Medical Officer) diagnosed us, and LHV Stella guided us on how to use the prescribed medicines. The service was excellent, and my whole family was satisfied,” Laali said. She expressed her gratitude and requested that the mobile health unit return regularly to their village for follow-up medical camps. She also suggested including nutritional support for children, as her family currently manages only two meals a day, typically consisting of wheat and local vegetables.
“This service was a blessing,” Laali said, her eyes lighting up with gratitude. “They treated me with kindness and provided care I never thought I could receive so close to home.” The visit not only offered medical support but also restored Laali’s sense of hope. For the first time, she felt truly seen and supported. The team guided lifestyle changes and follow-up plans to improve her family’s health in the long term.
Now, Laali actively spreads the word about the mobile health unit, encouraging others in her village to seek the help they need and benefit from the life-changing services.
Empowering Communities through Climate-Smart Agriculture
In the village of Sagiyon in District Khairpur Mirs, 38-year-old Malka has transformed her life and community. A mother of eight, Malka lives with her husband, Niaz Ali, and relies on farming on their two-acre agricultural land to provide for her family. While her husband earns a daily wage of PKR 400–500 (approximately USD 1.4-1.8) by running a small fruit stall in the village.
Until recently, she struggled with financial burdens, poor yields, and limited resources. But with the support of Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), Malka’s journey from a struggling farmer to a celebrated “Lead Farmer”[1] is a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Before receiving training from CWSA, Malka knew little about the harmful impacts of chemical pesticides and fertilisers on health and the environment. She also found herself stuck in cycles of debt, often needing to borrow money to cover sowing season expenses. In November 2023, with her dedication to improving her family’s life, Malka enrolled in CWSA’s Climate-Smart Agriculture training. She was one of the 20 women farmers participating in this session.
As part of the project, 900 women farmers from flood-affected communities in 40 villages of District Khairpur received agricultural inputs and a cash grant of PKR 15,000 (approx. USD 54) each to support land preparation. Among these, 120 women farmers (two from each village) were selected as lead farmers based on their enthusiasm for learning and willingness to share their knowledge with other farmers in their communities.
Malka learned essential skills through the training like composting and biological pest control methods that would allow her to cultivate healthier crops while preserving the environment. CWSA provided her with agricultural inputs, including two bags of wheat seeds, four bags of Urea fertiliser, two bags of DAP fertiliser, and a bag of CAN fertiliser, each weighing 50 kg. Additionally, she received a cash grant of PKR 15,000 to support her agricultural activities. She learned important techniques in crop selection, soil preparation, and water conservation management. She also gained knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices, integrated pest and disease management, as well as harvest and post-harvest management.
Applying her newfound skills, Malka planted wheat on her two-acre farm and achieved an impressive yield of 80-90 mounds—a substantial increase from the previous year’s 30-40 mounds, which had suffered due to devastating 2022 floods. This was a much-needed financial boost; Malka sold 50% of her wheat yield, earning around PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 360). She paid off previous loans with this income and saved for the upcoming crop season. She stored a portion of the harvest for her family’s consumption and set aside seeds for future planting, creating a sustainable cycle for her family’s food security.
“Before, we struggled to feed our family. The wheat seeds and training from CWSA have changed everything. Now, I’m not just a farmer—I’m a lead farmer, showing others what is possible,” Malka shares with pride.
Apart from this, Malka diversified her farm by starting a kitchen garden with seven vegetable varieties provided by CWSA in September 2024, including cauliflower, turnips, and spinach. The kitchen garden brought a steady supply of fresh vegetables, enhancing her family’s nutrition and reducing her daily vegetable expenses of PKR 250-300 (approx. 0.90-1 USD). This initiative became a model for other women in her community, encouraging them to grow their food and reducing dependency on market-bought produce.
Malka’s dedication didn’t stop with her success. As a “Lead Farmer,” she has taken on the role of a mentor, teaching other women in her village sustainable farming practices. She has trained seven other women farmers till now, imparting essential knowledge on water conservation, soil management, crop rotation, and organic farming. After adopting these eco-friendly practices, Malka’s mentees are also seeing improvements in crop yields, food security, and health. “When other women see what I’ve accomplished, they ask me how to do the same. I tell them that with the right knowledge and support, we can thrive together. Teaching others has been one of my greatest joys,” she says.
Malka’s success as a Lead Farmer has inspired over 45 farmers in her village to adopt sustainable farming practices and start kitchen gardens. Malka has strengthened her community’s resilience against food scarcity and financial instability by spreading knowledge and promoting sustainable agriculture. Her leadership has enhanced the role of women in agrarian communities by showcasing innovative farming techniques that have led to improved yields, inspiring others to adopt these practices. Malka’s journey exemplifies how women can leverage their skills and knowledge to drive agricultural development and make a lasting difference in their communities.
However, this path had its challenges due to limited access to land, agricultural resources, and financial services. But through persistence and support from CWSA, Malka tackled these challenges and paved the way for other women to take up leadership roles in agriculture.
Malka’s journey from a farmer with limited knowledge to a lead farmer and community mentor showcases the transformative power of education and support. Her story reflects the profound impact sustainable farming practices and community collaboration can have in building a stronger and more resilient future.
The farmer hopes to continue expanding sustainable farming and helping other women gain the skills and confidence to succeed. Malka’s dream is to build a resilient community where families thrive, free from the economic challenges they once faced. “My vision for the future of our village is to see every farmer—especially women—adopting sustainable farming practices that protect our land, increase our yields, and ensure food security for generations to come. Together, we can improve our economic conditions and create opportunities for our children to live better lives,” she reiterated.
[1] A lead farmer is a trained and experienced community representative who participates in Training of Trainers (TOT). After completing their training, they serve as role models, mentors, and extension agents, sharing knowledge with other farmers in their villages. They promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve crop yields, and work to enhance livelihoods within their communities.
Enhancing Humanitarian Impact: Sphere in Action
Quality and Accountability in humanitarian work are essential to ensure that aid effectively supports and empowers the communities it is intended to help. Community World Service Asia (CWSA) provides technical support and guidance to local humanitarian agencies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and across the Asia-Pacific region to enhance quality and accountability by applying the Sphere Minimum Standards.
In partnership with Concern Worldwide, CWSA conducted a three-day workshop from 21 to 23 February 2024, in Umerkot, Sindh, titled “Integrating Sphere Technical Standards in Project Cycle Management”. Eighteen participants enrolled in the workshop, including 12 men and six women. The training focused on enhancing participants’ understanding and skills in applying the Sphere Minimum Standards throughout different Project Cycle Management (PCM) stages. It aimed to explain the philosophy and approach of Sphere and guide participants in navigating the Sphere handbook to help them integrate the standards into the humanitarian project cycle more effectively.
Local and national humanitarian practitioners were equipped with the technical, management, and programmatic skills required to enhance the quality of their internal operations and improve their effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response through the three days. Participants gained a thorough understanding of Sphere’s core principles and learned how to apply the standards across key themes such as water and sanitation, health, shelter, and nutrition. They also worked towards developing skills in needs assessment, response planning, and program implementation following Sphere guidelines.
“As humanitarian workers and development practitioners, we are all familiar with the various stages of project management. However, this training was especially valuable for understanding the practical application of Sphere standards during the project design and implementation stages,” said Harris Najeeb[1], Manager of Networking and Partnerships at ARTS Foundation, who participated in the training.
ARTS Foundation is a non-profit, indigenous civil society organisation based in Sindh. It focuses on capacity development, action research, policy advocacy, and humanitarian response. The foundation’s current projects are centered on flood recovery and response, particularly on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
“The Sphere technical standards of WASH & Hygiene, have been particularly informative for me. After the training, I conducted a session on WASH technical standards, for my team of community mobilisers & hygiene promoters. We are now referring to the Water Supply Standard 2.1 (Access and Water Quantity), Excreta Management Standard 3.2 (Access to and use of toilets) and Hygiene Promotion Standard 1.2 (Identification, access to and use of hygiene items). Our teams are using these indicators while designing toilets for communities.”
Harris has also helped his team update the organisation’s Safe Programming Matrix document, incorporating protection principles, gender sensitivity, operational context, and environmental impact, all in line with Sphere guidelines.
Although ARTS Foundation has not yet initiated the Sphere or Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) accreditation process, they are keen to build their staff’s capacity on Sphere standards and integrate the Sphere approach into their grassroots community work.
Furthermore, participants acquired an understanding of accountability mechanisms, such as feedback and complaint systems, to promote transparency and community involvement. They also learned strategies to enhance coordination and collaboration with other humanitarian actors, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
CWSA remains committed to supporting local NGOs and civil society in strengthening their knowledge and capacity on Sphere, to enhance the overall effectiveness of humanitarian and development responses.
[1] Interviewee: Engineer Haris Najeeb, Advocacy, Research, Training and Services (ARTS) Foundation, Sindh, artsf.haris@gmail,com, (03343317352)
Lachhman’s Battle Against Climate Change’s Impact on Agriculture
Life has taken a harsh turn for Lachhman, a 26-year-old father of two in a small village in Union Council Faqeer Abdullah of District Umerkot, Sindh. His family of five—two young daughters aged eight and seven, his wife, and his mother—depend entirely on agriculture as their primary source of income. On their five acres of rain-fed land, they once grew crops such as cluster beans, moth beans, and millet, which thrived in good rainfall seasons. This brought a yearly income of around PKR 70,000 to 80,000 (approximately 288 USD).
However, for the past five years, irregular and increasingly unreliable rainfall has made this a once-stable source of income precarious. The crop yield from their land has fallen by 50%, and rising inflation has made survival incredibly difficult for the family. Their total household expenditure, almost PKR 10,000 to 12,000 (approximately 44 USD), has become nearly impossible to meet for the couple. As a result, the children cannot attend school—not just due to financial constraints but also because there is no school available in their village.
Recognising the challenges faced by agricultural communities like Lachhman’s, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) initiated a humanitarian project titled “Strengthening the Livelihoods and Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Communities in Rural Sindh, Pakistan”, supported by Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH). This initiative is specifically designed to support families whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and have been severely impacted by unpredictable weather patterns and climate change impact, in terms of a significant drop in their income. The project aims to enable these families to adapt and survive in these challenging and evolving conditions.
Lachhman’s family was selected to receive assistance under this project, as their livelihood was 75% reliant on agriculture, and their income had drastically decreased due to poor crop yields. Lachhman received Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), distributed through mobile cash transfers (Telenor mobile wallet accounts). On October 8, 2024, he received his first installment of PKR 17,000 (approximately 62 USD). A total of five installments of the same amount will be provided, totaling PKR 85,000 (approximately 306 USD), during the project.
This first installment was a lifeline for Lachhman and his family. With the money, he bought new clothes for his children and met other essential needs, such as groceries. The timing of this assistance was important, as his crops were not yet ready for harvesting[1], and the family had no other source of income. Without this support, Lachhman might have had to borrow money, causing further financial difficulties.
For the future, Lachhman is already planning to invest the next installment in a small tuck shop. He requires PKR 15,000 to 20,000 (approx. USD 54 to 72) to fulfill this dream. He hopes this new business will provide his family with a steady daily income of PKR 200 to 300 (approx. USD 1 to 2), while also benefiting other villages, as there is currently only one shop in the area. In the meantime, Lachhman has also started cultivating his land again, planting cluster beans on two acres, moth beans on one acre, and millet on the remaining two acres. He managed to buy the seeds even before he received the financial assistance.
“I am very thankful to the whole team at CWSA for this immense support. If I had to borrow from someone, it would have caused a lot of difficulties going forward,” Lachhman said gratefully.
The selection of participating families in the project began in late August 2024, and CWSA had started providing much-needed financial assistance to those most in need by October. Through these efforts, families can survive the economic hardships brought on by climate change and maintain their livelihoods in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
This initiative not only addresses immediate financial needs but also helps these vulnerable communities build resilience for the future. It helps reduce their suffering and survive challenging times with dignity. With support like this, families like Lachhman’s have hope for a more stable and prosperous future, despite the continuing challenges they face due to climate change and subsequent economic hardships.
[1] August is typically the harvest time for cluster beans and millet, but these had been severely affected
