“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Haashar Association embodies this philosophy, relentlessly empowering marginalized rural communities and creating sustainable socio-economic transformation. Established in April 2000 and registered under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, Haashar has evolved from its roots in natural resource management into a dynamic organization addressing multi-dimensional challenges. Guided by the vision of a society that conserves its resources sustainably while ensuring fair and equitable benefit distribution, and driven by its mission to catalyze lasting socio-economic change, Haashar’s initiatives in 2024 reflect its unwavering commitment to these principles.
Advancing Education and Livelihoods through CACEP Partnership
In collaboration with CACEP, Haashar Association made remarkable strides in education and livelihood support for marginalized children, particularly girls. The program disbursed over Rs. 3.4 million in 2024, offering financial stipends for education and livelihood needs. Beyond financial aid, the program focused on holistic development through mentoring, academic follow-ups, exposure visits, and community engagement activities such as Ramadan ration packages, Eid gifts, and breakfast sessions.
These initiatives supported children’s growth and strengthened family ties, fostering a respectful and nurturing environment. The program expanded to include 16 new children through philanthropic contributions, ensuring a broader impact. Transparency was maintained through quarterly updates to stakeholders, and evaluation methods such as photo voice and focus group discussions provided insights to inform policymakers. Haashar’s commitment to education and livelihoods underscores its mission of inducing sustainable socio-economic change and improving lives.
Building Resilience in Disaster-Prone Areas with Australian Direct Aid Program (DAP)
In 2024, Haashar Association, with support from the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), implemented an environmental protection project in Manoor Valley, District Mansehra, KP. This six-month initiative focused on disaster preparedness, land protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation to enhance community resilience.
As part of the project, Haashar formed and trained five Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs) and two Valley-Level Committees to empower local communities in disaster management. The project also addressed soil erosion by constructing three cut-off drains and stabilizing eight acres of land through tree plantation and bioengineering techniques. Flood protection spurs were built to safeguard infrastructure and farmland, while three irrigation channels were repaired to improve access to arable land.
In addition to these structural interventions, disaster management kits were distributed to raise awareness about collective action and natural resource management. The community responded enthusiastically, replicating key activities such as tree planting and rainwater diversion on their own. The project also significantly improved valley road accessibility and expanded cultivation areas, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility among the residents. Despite the culturally conservative setting, women actively participated in the project, reflecting Haashar’s commitment to inclusivity and gender empowerment.
While the project achieved notable progress, it also highlighted the need for long-term support to ensure sustainable impact. The community expressed the necessity for additional small-scale infrastructure projects and innovative livelihood initiatives to further enhance resilience and socio-economic development. Haashar remains committed to its mission of promoting sustainable resource conservation and equitable benefit distribution, ensuring that future initiatives continue to empower communities and address their evolving needs.
Insights from the End-Line Survey for Livelihood Improvement
In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Livestock & Dairy Development Department (Extension), KP, Haashar conducted an end-line evaluation of Livelihood Improvement through the Livestock Development Project (PLILD) in Hazara Division. Engaging 197 farmers across Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur districts, the survey assessed the impact of advanced livestock management practices on livelihoods. The evaluation revealed substantial achievements, including increased milk production, enhanced access to extension services, adoption of dairy techniques, and capacity building for farmers. However, challenges such as regional disparities in technique adoption, low vaccination rates, and pest management issues were identified.
To address these gaps, Haashar recommended targeted interventions, including pest control programs, refresher training, and improved outreach for vaccination and housing practices. Proposed initiatives such as model farms, biogas plants, and certified skills training for women farmers reflect Haashar’s vision of sustainable resource management and equitable development.
Commitment to Future Initiatives
Haashar Association’s achievements in 2024 exemplify its unwavering dedication to empowering rural communities through education, disaster resilience, and livelihood enhancement. Each initiative seamlessly aligns with the organization’s vision of fostering a society that conserves resources and ensures equitable benefit distribution. Building on this foundation, Haashar remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its impact in the years to come. The organization envisions scaling up education and livelihood programs for marginalized children, strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience through innovative environmental protection initiatives, and advancing livestock management practices to sustainably boost rural livelihoods.
