1. Introduction
AWARE is committed to identifying innovative strategies and opportunities to foster growth in its target areas. The organization’s mission is to organize, educate, strengthen, and empower marginalized communities, enabling them to influence social, political, and economic policies and decisions. This work aims to establish a society rooted in social justice, equity, equality, and human dignity. Among its various initiatives, AWARE has extensive experience in vocational skills development, which has played a crucial role in enhancing income-generating opportunities for these communities. AWARE has significant achievements and innovative efforts in vocational skills development across seven districts in Sindh, Pakistan including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpurkhas, Dadu, and Badin.
2. Vocational Training Programs by AWARE:
AWARE has implemented several vocational training initiatives to empower women and provide alternative sources of income:
2.1 Handicraft Training
o Sindhi Cap Making: A two-month program was held at 4 centers, training 40 women to make Sindhi caps for income generation. More info
o Stitching, Cutting, and Designing: Training for 30 women in targeted villages to enhance their skills and create livelihood opportunities. More info
o Tharparkar Handicraft Training (2016-2019): Supported by TDH_BMZ, aimed at improving handicraft skills. Photos More photos
o Handicraft Kits Distribution (2014): Kits distributed to artisan women with the support of Muslim Charity. Photos
o AHAN Handicraft Training (2012): Training focused on enhancing handicraft skills. Photos 2. Pickle Making Training:
o Taluka Chachro (2024): Training aimed at women with kitchen gardens to make pickles from home-grown vegetables, addressing malnutrition and creating income sources. More info
o Previous Years: Training sessions in 2018 and 2014 also focused on pickle making. 2018 Photos 2014 Photos
3. Changing role of women
3.1 TBAs Training in District Tharparkar
o 2024: Conducted with support from TDH-BMZ. Details
o 2021: Conducted with support from TDH-BMZ.
o 2018: Conducted with support from TDH-BMZ. Photos
o 2017: Conducted with support from TDH-BMZ. Photos
4. Productive Assets Provision for enhancing livelihood opportunities
o Poultry for Livelihood and Nutrition: Poultry can significantly enhance both livelihoods and nutrition. The provided link outlines how poultry initiatives contribute to these aspects.
o Sewing Machines Distribution: Photos
5. Entrepreneurship Training and Small Shop Establishment for women
o 2021: Women received entrepreneurship training and materials to start small shops, alongside those trained in handicrafts. Link
o 2017: Previous initiatives included establishing small shops. Facebook Album 6. Smal Business income generating
6.1 Beauty Parlor Shop: Pictures
6.2 Repair of Tire Shop: Pictures
6.3 Small Retail Shop: Pictures Pictures Pictures Pictures Pictures Pictures Pictures
6.4 Trolley: Pictures Pictures Pictures
6.5 Chicken Shop: Pictures Pictures
7. Youth skills trainings for creating new jobs
7.1 Skill Training Centre: AWARE has established the Youth Skill Training Centre in Garario, Thar. This solar-powered facility aims to train youth to become valuable technical resources for employment in urban areas. Details
7.2 Ber Grafting: AWARE, with support from terre des hommes (tdh), organized Ber grafting training at the Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) in Umerkot. 24 local farmers were trained, resulting in 3,000 local Ber trees being grafted with the improved Gola Ber variety for better market and nutritional value. Details
7.3 Hatchery Training: Training provided to farmers on hatchery operation and maintenance, aimed at sustaining egg production and reducing external dependency. Photos
8. Training for Unskilled Persons
8.1 Drivers Training: Conducted at Mono Technical College Umerkot and village centers. Photos 8.2 Jali Making Training: Cement Jali Making training for 15 youths, funded by TDH. Details 8.3 Electric Fitting & Solar System Training: Details
8.4 Auto Mechanic: Training at Mono Technical College Umerkot with TDH-BMZ support (2018). Photos
8.5 Operators Training: Specialized training on solar panel operation and management, with toolkits provided. Photos Additional Photos
9. Livestock management training
9.1 CLEWS Training:
2022: Livestock management and disease prevention. Details
2017: Livestock management and disease prevention Photos
10. Farmers training for agriculture production
10.1Farmers Training: Maximizing production and increasing utility. Photos
10.2 Capacity Building of Farmer’s Association: Photos
10.3 Community Training on Site-Appropriate and Ecological/Organic Farming: Training 539 males and 386 females in drought-resistant and sustainable farming methods. Details
10.4 Strengthening Small Farmers: Reducing food insecurity, seed and tool kits, commercial vegetable garden establishment, post-harvest management training, and bio-fertilizer distribution. Documentary
11. Managing Natural Resources on scientific basis:
Seed banks, kitchen gardening with drip systems, livestock vaccination, and distribution of goats to widows. Seed Banks Kitchen Gardening Goat Distribution
12. Awareness Raising:
Kitchen Gardening Day, livestock management, intercropping, World Food Day, and farmers’ exposure visits. Details Photos
