12/2/2024
Qatar Charity (QC) has successfully implemented several income-generating projects in Pakistan’s three provinces—Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Sindh—benefiting over 1,000 individuals, including families headed by women.
These projects, which aim to empower local communities by providing sustainable income sources, include the distribution of sewing and tailoring machines, the setup of bakery businesses, and the provision of mobile cobbler shops. These efforts are designed to support the economic independence of beneficiaries, helping them improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities' development.
Under the income-generating projects, Qatar Charity handed over 77 sewing machines, including embroidery and overlock machines, along with necessary accessories to Qasar-e-Behbood, a government skill development institute for women in Muzaffargarh, Punjab.
Additionally, Qatar Charity distributed 28 sewing and tailoring machines in KP’s Charsadda district. In Sindh, 42 sewing machines were distributed across the districts of Sanghar and Khairpur, with 21 machines allocated to each district.
Moreover, Qatar Charity installed two fully equipped bakery setups at Qasar-e-Behbood, Muzaffargarh, Punjab. These bakeries are outfitted with complete baking systems, providing training and employment for local communities.
Besides, fully equipped mobile cobbler shops were provided to five skilled cobblers in the districts of Jhang and Muzaffargarh, Punjab. These mobile units, which are fitted with all necessary tools and materials for shoe repair, are designed to address the unique needs of cobblers who face difficulties with mobility and access to customers. The mobile shops enable the cobblers to reach many customers, thus enhancing their income potential.
Both government officials and beneficiaries express their delight with the implementation of the income-generating projects.
Ms. Abida Rehman, Manager of Qasar-e-Behbood, said, “I am very grateful to Qatar Charity and the donors for their support. The new sewing machines and complete bakery set-ups will create learning and employment opportunities for vulnerable families.”
Mr. Qaiser Khan, the Deputy Commissioner of Charsadda, and Ms. Afshan, the Principal of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Institutes, expressed their appreciation for Qatar Charity's efforts in supporting the local community, emphasizing the importance of women's economic empowerment.
Ms. Ajaib Khatoon, a 35-year-old widow living with her 4 children in a small town of Sanghar, said, ‘I lost my husband and my house in floods 2022. My livestock also died due to a lack of food and extreme weather conditions. I am thankful to Qatar Charity for providing the electric sewing machine, which enable me to meet my family needs.”
Mr. Ghulam Qamber, a cobbler, said, “We are deeply thankful to Qatar Charity for restoring our dignity. Now we have a respectable place to conduct our work."