Projects on the Go - Girls Reading to Succeed

Progress Report on Projects on the Go (Takhleeqi Sawaari) 

Projects on the Go (Takhleeqi Sawaari) initiative, has been operating in schools since 2020 it has recently launched in the communities from June 2023. We have made significant strides in empowering women and girls with valuable skills and creating opportunities for their economic upliftment.

Project Description

Projects on the Go is a multifaceted program that operates in the following phases; It begins with a thorough needs analysis, followed by interactive demo sessions, and eventually leads to product development, business model mentorship, and entrepreneurship classes. Our unique approach includes a mini motorcycle-driven vehicle version after the main PoG Bus Lab, equipped with instructors, toolboxes, and materials, to navigate through narrow streets in communities and reach the women who need our support.

Achievements

To date, we are proud to announce that approximately 75 women and girls have enthusiastically signed up for the program in the following communities in just a months time: 1. GOR-2 2. Nisar Press 3. Kabotur Pura 4. Ghalib Market 5. Bali Trust Shadmaan 6. Canal Park (Upcoming in Library) The response from the community women, including Rabia, Sumaira, Naheed, and Rukhsana, has been exceptionally positive. The impact of the program is evident in their lives, as they have acquired new skills and experienced a sense of contentment and happiness. These skills are not only benefiting the women directly but also positively impacting their families and the broader community.

Notable Skills

The women have showcased exceptional talent and dedication, mastering a diverse range of skills, including:
1. Weaving
2. Embellishing on canvas
3. Jewellery making
4. Doll making
5. Truck art
6. Crafting with recycling materials
7. Creating plaster of paris pots
8. Making lanterns from recycling materials

Feedback

The feedback from the women participating in the program has been heartwarming. Here are some comments we received:

- Rabia: "This program has given me a purpose and a way to contribute to my family's income. I feel proud of the skills I am learning and I am really hopeful that in the near future, these skills will make be financially independent."

- Sumaira: "The mini motorcycle-driven vehicle version is a brilliant idea! It made it so easy for us to access the program and learn new things."

- Naheed: "I always wanted to start a small business, and this program is helping me realize that dream. The mentorship sessions are invaluable."

- Rukhsana: "Learning how to create beautiful crafts has boosted my confidence. I can now imagine a brighter future for myself and it will also help me decorate my own house"

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the overwhelmingly positive response, we acknowledge the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged women in allocating sufficient time due to domestic responsibilities. To address this, we are actively working with the community to explore flexible scheduling options. There was another challenge of where to carry out the activities as the streets aren’t a proper place to sit because of traffic and ongoing distraction so we have rented a house for 2 hours every morning in the community we are visiting and this is also financially supporting the women who rents us a room from their house.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand the program in August to the following schools with our big bus:
1. DOA School Center Number 9
2. Two schools with CARE adopted Govt schools (details shared with Umair via email)
3. Govt Pilot Girls High School Wahdat Colony
4. Bali Memorial DHA

Conclusion

Projects on the Go has made impressive progress in uplifting the lives of women in various communities and schools. We are committed to making continuous improvements and ensuring the sustainability of the program. Our online platform for selling their products and the revenue-sharing model (60% to the girls and 40% reinvested) have proven to be successful in providing economic opportunities.

We are immensely grateful for your continued support, which has been instrumental in the achievements of this initiative.