Our commitment to empowering communities through vocational training continues to make a significant impact. Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as a group of 21 women from Afghan and host communities successfully completed a three-month certified vocational training program in “Bags & Pouch Making with Fancy Crafts” in District Haripur.
Celebrating Achievement and Growth
The closing ceremony was a proud moment for the trainees, who received certificates and toolkits to help them embark on their journey toward self-reliance. The event was honored by the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Haripur, representatives from the District Education Department, and community members who came together to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these skilled women.
The Impact of the IR&EG Project
This vocational training initiative is part of the “IR&EG” project, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan. The project has been instrumental in providing skill-based education to women, fostering economic independence, and strengthening community bonds. So far, 99 women have been trained in various vocational skills under this initiative, with Afghan women making up 48% of the participants.
A Step Toward Economic Empowerment
Vocational training programs like this equip women with practical skills that enable them to generate income and support their families. By fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, these initiatives pave the way for long-term economic empowerment.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and look forward to witnessing their success in the future. Together, we continue to build stronger, more resilient communities through skills development and empowerment.
On March 22, 2025, students from Afghanistan and Pakistan came together to celebrate World Water Day, highlighting the significance of fresh water conservation. The events, organized under the SRSP
IR&EG project and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan, took place at three schools: GPS Surya Khel (District Swabi), GPS Panian (District Haripur), and GPS Terai Payan (Peshawar).
The primary objective of these events was to raise awareness among children and community members about the importance of preserving and efficiently using water resources. Students actively engaged in various activities, including:
- Essay Writing Competitions – Encouraging students to express their thoughts on water conservation.
- Art Competitions – Showcasing creative representations of water sustainability.
- Debates – Discussing the importance of water management and conservation.
- Quizzes – Testing knowledge on water-related facts and global challenges.
- Transit Walks – Promoting water awareness within local communities.
These activities not only enhanced students’ understanding of sustainable water management but also encouraged them to become responsible advocates for water conservation within their communities.
By empowering young minds and fostering community engagement, these initiatives contribute significantly to the ongoing global efforts to protect and sustain freshwater resources for future generations.
Mental health. It’s a phrase we hear often, but do we truly understand its depth? It’s not simply the absence of illness, but a state of well-being where individuals can realize their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community. And sometimes, that well-being is disrupted. That’s where mental health counseling and psychosocial support services come in.
Many people think mental health counseling is just about talking. And while talking is a part of it, it’s so much more than that. It’s about healing from past traumas, understanding the root causes of our struggles, and ultimately, finding peace within ourselves. It’s about equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and build a stronger, more resilient sense of self.
This short video clip offers a glimpse into how psychosocial support services are making a real difference in the lives of people facing mental health conditions. It showcases how these services empower individuals to rebuild their lives, fostering hope and promoting recovery. These services can be a lifeline, offering a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and connect with others who understand.
The work being done in this area is crucial, and SRSP is grateful to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan, and the IR&G Project for their dedication to supporting mental health initiatives. By investing in these services, we’re investing in the well-being of our communities and empowering individuals to live full and meaningful lives.
Let’s break the stigma surrounding mental health and continue the conversation. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone.
#MentalHealth #Counseling #Healing #Understanding #Peace #PsychosocialSupport #RebuildingLives #EmbassyOfTheNetherlandsInPakistan #SRSP #WGFHS #IR&GProject #MentalWellbeing #YouAreNotAlone
A significant step towards improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women from Afghan and host communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been taken. In the village of Essa Khel, Peshawar, a group of 25 women successfully completed skills and vocational training on Adda work.
This achievement is part of the “Improving Resilience and Economic Growth of the Vulnerable Segment of Afghan Refugees in KP” project, generously funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan. The project has already trained a total of 99 women in diverse skills and vocational training programs, with an impressive 48% participation from Afghan women.
The culmination of the training program saw the District Social Welfare Officer and a Community Mobilizer from the Afghan Commissionerate distribute certificates and toolkits to the enthusiastic trainees. This tangible support will empower these women to utilize their newly acquired skills and contribute to their own economic independence.
By equipping women with valuable skills and providing them with the necessary tools, this project aims to enhance their livelihoods, bolster their resilience, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region. This initiative serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in empowering women and fostering inclusivity within communities.
#Empowerment #WomenEmpowerment #SkillDevelopment #VocationalTraining #CommunityDevelopment #AfghanRefugees #HostCommunities #KP #Pakistan #NetherlandsEmbassy
Surya Khel, a rural village in Nowshera district, faced significant challenges in accessing basic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. This was further compounded by the presence of both Afghan refugees and the local host community, both struggling with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation.
Recognizing this critical need, SRSP, in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan, implemented the “IR&EG” project. This initiative aimed to improve WASH infrastructure in Surya Khel by:
- Constructing sanitation schemes: Providing access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities for all residents.
- Installing hand-pumps: Ensuring access to clean drinking water for the entire community.
- Rehabilitating and improving WASH infrastructure at the Government Primary School (GPS) Surya Khel: Prioritizing the health and hygiene of children.
These interventions have had a profound impact on the lives of over 1,300 people, including 570 Afghan refugees and their children. By enhancing the overall health and hygiene conditions in the village, the project has contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for all residents.
Beyond Infrastructure: Fostering Social Cohesion
A key aspect of this successful project has been its inclusive approach. By actively involving both the host and Afghan communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the WASH infrastructure, the project has not only improved access to essential services but also strengthened social bonds between the two communities.
This collective effort has fostered a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, promoting greater understanding and cooperation among the residents of Surya Khel.
Conclusion
The Surya Khel project serves as a powerful example of how inclusive development approaches can effectively address critical needs while simultaneously promoting social cohesion and community empowerment. By prioritizing the needs of all residents, regardless of their origin, and by fostering active community participation, this project has demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive development.
Hashtags: #SuryaKhel #Nowshera #Afghans #hostcommunities #WASH #SRSP #Netherlands #IR&EG #sanitation #handpumps #GPS #health #hygiene #children #socialbonds #communitydevelopment #maintenance #infrastructure #inclusion #refugees
Overcoming Adversity Through Skill Development
Ahsan Ul Haq, a young man, faced a significant challenge at the tender age of four: contracting the polio virus. This unfortunate event left him permanently disabled, casting a shadow over his future. However, Ahsan’s spirit remained unbroken.
“With my disability, my life was a burden on me and my family,” Ahsan shared. “I felt useless and yearned to acquire skills to move forward and support my family financially.”
Recognizing Ahsan’s potential and determination, SRSP’s inclusive approach selected him for mobile repair training, aligning with his interests. After completing the three-month course, Ahsan’s life took a transformative turn.
“Now, I feel like I have a new life,” he exclaimed. “I am planning to establish my own mobile repair setup in the future.”
Yesterday, a ceremony was held to honor the achievements of 20 mobile repair graduates, including Ahsan. Each graduate received a toolkit and certificate, empowering them to embark on their professional journeys. This initiative was made possible by SRSP’s IR&EG project, generously funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan.
Ahsan’s story is a testament to the power of skill development and the transformative impact it can have on individuals with disabilities. By providing opportunities for education and training, we can empower individuals like Ahsan to overcome adversity, achieve their goals, and contribute meaningfully to society.
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