Community Conference in Shikarpur

To share, learn, connect and mobilize with others dedications and to creating a thriving and healthy rural community ,Sindh Rural Support Organization’s Shikarpur Office organized a “Community Conference” in the office of LSO “Sindh Surhan” in UC Sehwani and taluka Lakhi Ghulam Shah on February 20, 2017. The conference was attended by Community Leaders and CRPs from 11 different LSOs . Mr. Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar (Minister of Provincial Assembly Sindh PS-10) honoured the occasion with his presence. Other stakeholders like Mr. Tarique Tahir Mahar (Member of district Council Shikarpur), Mr. Muhammad Dawood Hakro (UC Vice Chairman), Mr. Muhammad Dittal Kalhoro (CEO-SRSO) , notables, media persons and SRSO official were also invited to inform them about the community level initiatives. The community leaders Ms. Mehnaz, Ms. Gulshad and Ms. Naseem shared the self-help initiatives taken by rural communities and also Local Support Organizations in their respective Union Councils. Mr. Abdul Latif Soomro(District Manager -Shikarpur) briefed the participants on the importance of population census 2017 and defined the role of our community institution, will be played in upcoming census. Mr. Rashid Hussain Bhatti (Manager Micro health Insurance Unit -SRSO) conducted a detailed session on importance of Micro Health Insurance coverage for communities while Mr. Niaz Ahmed Somro(Program officer GAD-SRSO) conducted a session on Gender and Development. Mr. Nisar Ahmed Pathan ( Manager Natural Resources Management -SRSO) delivered a session on importance of backyard poultry and kitchen gardening. He said that it is a income- earning opportunity for the rural women, if chicken are bred and raised properly , it will reduce rural poverty. Later Poultry Units (5 hens and one rooster) distributed among beneficiaries. “Vegetable Seeds Kit” for Kitchen Gardening along with literature were also distributed among poor rural women. Mr. Shahryar Mahar said that he has witnessed the positive change in rural communities and rural women are now more empowered and playing a more visible role after the interventions of SRSO in Shikarpur , district. As per request of LSO Network “Khushal” of taluka Lakhi , Mr. Shaharyar Khan announced a dedicated space for the establishment of office of LSO Network. Dr. Ghulam Rasool Samejo(Regional Manager-SRSO) shared the overall progress and achievements of the SRSO in the Region III (Shikarpur, Kashmore@ Kandhkot and Jacobabad). SRSO is implementing Union Council based Poverty Reduction Program (UCBPRP) in Shikarpur,Kashmore-Kandhkot and Jacobabad with the support of the Govt. of Sindh.

In the last but not least Mr. Muhammad Dital Kalhoro (CEO-SRSO) shared the outcomes of the Union Council Based Poverty Reduction Programme (UCBPRP) funded by the GoS. The Community Conference concluded with the vote of thanks and a hope that participants come away more informed, connected with a supportive community, and empowered to take on life with more dedication.