Seventh SWAT Rejuvenation
A recent visit to Kalam, arranged by the GOC, Upper Swat, for Ar. Yasmeen Lari culminated in a meeting with a group of 75 women. Issues discussed ranged from options of work to the establishment of community centres. From fashioning handicrafts to growing vegetables and collecting medicinal herbs, these women were ready to participate in activities that would generate income and ensure a better livelihood for their families.
Ar.Yasmeen Lari also visited the stunningly beautiful but isolated village,
Salatinr. 8000 feet above sea level, across the mountains from Buner, this remote region has one school that accommodates 200 boys only, while girls remain uneducated. Two GKG units are under construction while a package of land has been identified for the construction of a multipurpose unit to be used as an educational facility for girls and a communal assembly space for women. A packaging centre, similar to the Makai Tandoori Naan program in Hazara will be established providing the possibility of marketing the corn bread made by the women of Salatinr.
The target of completing almost a hundred houses a month is difficult to achieve in the difficult terrain of Swat with dispersed housing units and excessive traveling time. Yet, with the help of eager household members, dedicated artisans, and enthusiastic volunteers, almost 130 units are in various stages of construction, with almost 30 units having been completed. The following units are in hand: 22 in Marghazar; 7 in Islampur; 12 in Korey Camp; 15 in Korey Village; 1 in
Chuprial camp; 10 in Biha; 10 in Gwalrai; 2 in Fazalbanda; 10 in Dogalgai; 11 in Chatikal; 2 in Dadpani; 3 in Pir Kalay; 1 in Shirpalam; 1 in Barshirpalam; 1 in Kozshirpalam; 10 in Parthana; 2 in
Salatin; 5 in Naikot; 5 in Peshtonal and 2 in Roringer.
Distinguished visitors from the University of Glasgow, Dr. Peter Meadows, SQA, and Dr. Azra Meadows, OBE, accompanied Yasmeen Lari on a visit to Swat, where they met with Brig. Kazi and Brig. Umair.A review was carried out of HF work in Swat particularly the units undertaken under the Scottish Government grant. The grant supports construction of one-room units, however, it has been decided that a verandah and other facilities will be added by utilizing the funds raised by the Foundation in Pakistan.
During meetings between Lari and Chairman POF Wah, General Shujaat
Zamir Dar along with various POF Wah institutions, collaborations
between the organizations were d i s c u s s e d t o i m p l e m e n t H F ’s holistic approach for long term and sustainable interventions in Swat. The programme will be in continuation of HF’s Green KaravanGhar programme in order to engage communities particularly women and children in rehabilitation and development activities.
Documentation of heritage sites in Swat was also undertaken. Photographs were taken by Mr.Suhail Zaheer Lari and Mr. Saleem
Bukhari. The heritage documentation formed part of an early recovery plan presented to UNESCO.
Four batches of students of NCA, Lahore, have now completed their assignment and have done commendable work. Students were involved in various activities and were encouraged to interact with the local community. The student volunteers as well as HF teams have been provided outstanding security and facilitation by the Pakistan Army.
