Our Updates
SCF awarded for two years partnership with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund –PPAF in District
Sindh Community Foundation has been awarded to implement two years PPAF funded “Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience” Project in two (2) Union Councils, namely “Garho, Bijoro” of District Thatta. The project is aimed to achieve the outcomes of; Restoration of basic social services, Increased climate resilience of communities through restoration/retrofitting of critical community physical infrastructure. Improved income and food security of communities by innovating and providing assistance to selected households for climate resilient livelihoods practices, and green electrification. Enhanced knowledge and capacity of communities, government systems, and policymakers to promote climate resilient planning and development to evolve local leadership following a gender mainstreaming approach.
SCF celebrates International Labor Day
Sindh Community Foundation in collaboration with Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, Feed The Minds and Indigo Textile organised a workers’ convention titled “Social justice and decent work for all” in Matiari. More than 200 women cotton workers, district administration, labor department, social welfare, women development, growers and media attended the workers conventions. The speakers at the programme said that warmer climate was creating hardships for around one million cotton workers, 90pc of whom were women, in the hot weather. They called for ensuring decent working conditions and challenges for workers in textile industry and said that legislation for women agriculture workers needed to be implemented in letter and spirit. They said that farm workers did not receive health compensation from grower and demanded health cards and insurance for workers. The government should run mobile health clinic during cotton picking season so that women could receive first aid, they said.
Team from the Directorate of Literacy and Non-Formal Education (LNFE ) visited SCF’s Suhaee Literacy centers
A team from Sindh’s Directorate of Literacy and Non-Formal Education (LNFE) recently visited two “Adult Literacy Centers” for cotton picker women in Meho Machi and Hashim Mallah villages, Matiari district. The centers are established by Sindh Community Foundation (SCF).
Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Director of LNFE, was impressed by the women’s dedication to learning. He commended Javed Soz Executive Director of SCF, and his team for their dedicated work.
Dr. Shaikh spoke to the learners, emphasizing that literacy combined with skill development empowers them to find better jobs, achieve financial stability, and gain economic independence; all crucial aspects for women in rural communities. He encouraged them to keep learning and develop life skills that will improve their lives, their families’ lives, and their communities as a whole.
SCF conducted Gender Transformative Approach for coastal communities
The Sindh Community Foundation, in collaboration with the SURMI project of Pathfinder International, organized eight two-day training workshops focused on the gender transformation approach. A total of 242 participants, both female and male, from various villages in the Thatta district, took part in these sessions. These workshops were designed to educate two separate batches of community members on gender norms, stereotypes, and their impacts on the lives of women and men. The training aimed to foster positive behavior towards women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to access better health and social services. Ms. Sumera Ahfaq from Pathfinder International led the training sessions. Other facilitators included MB Khaskheli from Pathfinder International, Ms. Humera Ali (Project Manager – SURMI- SCF), Irshad Junejo (MEAL Manager), and Niaz Muhammad (Program Coordinator from Sindh Community Foundation). Representatives from various government departments, including social welfare, women development, population welfare, health, education, and local NGOs working in health, gender-based violence, and social development, participated in the certification ceremonies.
SCF receives recognition for its untiring work on literacy for women cotton workers
It’s a great moment for us to receive such recognition from our partner, appreciating our efforts for literacy rights to protect women cotton workers. This recognition gives us more power and inner motivation to continue our unending journey. It’s a joint effort of both partners towards a common goal of enlightening lives through literacy, a cause rarely addressed,” said Javed Hussain, Executive Director, Sindh Community Foundation, Pakistan. As a result, 1,009 women are now aware of their labor, social, and economic rights, as well as working conditions, following the recently launched Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Protection Act of 2019. Additionally, 10 sessions have been conducted for 300 new members on negotiation, bargaining skills, and fair wages. A total of 359 women successfully attended and completed six months of basic literacy training, with an attendance rate consistently high at 90%. The women expressed their enjoyment and satisfaction with the sessions, stating that the skills they acquired are highly relevant and applicable in their daily lives.
SCF signed Letter of Understanding Directorate of Literacy and Non Formal Education , Education department Govt of Sindh to train 3000 women cotton workerse
Sindh Community Foundation has signed Letter of Understanding with Directorate of Literacy and Non Formal Education, Education and Literacy department Government of Sindh to train 3000 women cotton workers in Matiari and Sanghar districts.
Javed Hussain executive director Sindh Community Foundation has said in his statement that SCF is very much committed to narrowing the female literacy gaps improve literacy ration in rural areas of Sindh. The targets under the LOU will contribute in increasing the literacy status of women in the province. He further added the literacy and education plays very vital role in the human development as well nation’s development. The literacy will help women cotton workers for fair wages and decent working conditions. Mr. Javed expressed further that SCF is very much committed to create more opportunities for women cotton workers whom we are working with decent work and fair labor justice. The literacy component was the need of the women cotton workers and we are thankful to pour partners initially Feed The Minds UK to support for pilot project literacy for rights where along with decent and labor rights protection training we provided literacy training to 359 women cotton workers from 10 villages of district Matiari. We are thankful to our partner AVPN to expand this model in 30 villages to reach women cotton workers.
Dr Aftab Sheikh Director, Directorate of Literacy appreciated the efforts for literacy programs in rural areas of Sindh, such joint efforts will upscale the female literacy ratio in the province. SCF was also awarded a shield of appreciation by The Directorate of Literacy and Non Formal Education for the efforts of women literacy in rural areas.
Additional director Manzoor Uqaili and Deputy Director Muhammad Waseem, Niaz Muhammad of SCF were present at the signing ceremony.
