By: Shehneela Mazhar
Dotted with fruit orchards and verdant fields lies the valley of Quetta, where hope meets resilience! Our ASG grantee Afshan Baloch, hailing all the way from Quetta is scripting an inspiring tale of transformation under her community development project. Her project, “Program for Retention, Enrollment, and Protection in Schools and Access to Livelihoods (PREP-All),” is breathing new life into the lives of Afghan refugees and host communities in peri-urban Quetta.
Three-Day Training: Afshan has recently carried out a three-day training program under her grant which was a crescendo of passion and purpose, igniting the flames of change in the hearts of participants. PREP-All aspires to unlock the doors to education, retention, and protection for Afghan refugees and host community members, fostering a brighter future for all.
Day 1: Awareness Campaign in Kuchlak Refugee Camp The first session focused on conducting a compelling awareness campaign in the Kuchlak refugee camp. Participants learned effective communication techniques and how to deliver impactful presentations. Armed with presentation materials, they enlightened the audience about the significance of PREP-All in fostering long-term development for refugees and host communities. The session concluded with a Q&A, addressing queries and fostering engagement.
Day 2: Reward and Incentive Criteria Collaborating with PUAN-USEFP PITE and UNHCR, the second session established reward and incentive criteria. Participants explored various mechanisms, including financial incentives and educational resources, to motivate and support teachers and students. They also learned how to identify and support needy students, ensuring no one is left behind in their educational journey.
In addition to the training, Afshan created a Facebook page to raise public awareness, gather support, and share inspiring success stories related to the PREP-All program.
Day 3: Implementation Strategies and Monitoring The final day of the training emphasized effective implementation and monitoring of PREP-All. Participants delved into community engagement, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure a holistic approach. They were equipped with monitoring and evaluation tools to assess the program’s impact and make necessary improvements. Proper data collection and reporting procedures were also taught to ensure accurate documentation of program activities.
Conclusion: The 3-day training on PREP-All has been a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and passion of Afshan Baloch and the participants. The program covered crucial aspects, from raising awareness to establishing incentive criteria and implementing strategies. Participants gained invaluable insights into the significance of PREP-All and practical techniques to support teachers, students, and the wider community. Afshan’s initiative seeks to create a positive impact on education and livelihood opportunities for Afghan refugees and host communities in Quetta.
Through her relentless efforts and the collaborative spirit of the ASG program, Afshan Baloch is empowering communities and shaping a brighter future for Afghan refugees in Quetta. PUAN stands proud to support such transformative projects and looks forward to witnessing the lasting impact of PREP-All in the lives of those it serves.
