Songs of sustainability: Children of the Indus
Keehal community enjoys a better standard of living, thanks to PPAF.
A scene at the village of the Keehal community. PHOTO: TAIMOOR FAROUK/EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
When Haseena Malik speaks out for the downtrodden, her words flow restlessly in sharp contrast to the calm demeanor of the Indus at Dera.
She is passionate, she is fiery, she is articulate. In this area, this unmarried native is a force to be reckoned with.
Malik, 65, wears many hats. A school teacher and social worker, she is also the coordinator for a non-government organization called SERVE Pakistan’s livelihood enhancement programme and works for the betterment of the indigenous Keehal community settled on the banks of the river.
“I am childless. The Keehals are my children,” says the spinster.
Now, her efforts have begun to show. SERVE’s partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in July 2010 has helped the cause immensely.
The programme aimed high – the goal was to provide sustainable livelihoods to the 190 households that form the small community. Under the funded project, it was decided that an initial sum of Rs30,000 would be spent on each beneficiary. With this in mind, common interest groups of 30 to 40 members were formed to provide a safety net.
“We personally asked each and every individual what he or she wanted to do. Groups were formed according to the enterprises chosen by them,” says Malik, her eyes sparkling.
With a happy lilt in her voice, she cites the example of Muhmal Bibi, a mother of two, who was given sheep. Not much later, she sold the sheep to buy a cow. Now, Bibi supports her family by selling milk. She has also bought two riverboats, which she rents out for supplemental income.
Non-linear professions are also supported by the programme. Beneficiary Majnoo, who longed to become a professional singer, was financed to release his album. Today, in addition to royalties, he also receives compensation for singing at social gatherings.
“We also introduced him to a Radio Pakistan producer who invited him to sing on a Seraiki program!” says Malik.
Although there are positive strides, this community has seen its fair share of hardships during recent years.
Seated on a charpoy, braving the summer heat, Malik recalls how the people had to resort to beggary and prostitution not too long ago. In addition to having no religion or education, the Keehals also had uncommon practices and traditions that made them outcasts of society.
“There was a norm where, after marriage, a Keehal man would live with his wife at her house,” she says. “Instead of working, the man gave his wife a begging bowl.”
Today, thanks to the PPAF and efforts of people like Malik, over 50 per cent of the households are in a position to have land ownership rights. More than 30 children are enrolled in schools and the maternal and infant mortality rates have dropped significantly.
In more ways than one, these people now have a identity, a presence, says Malik, as she proudly points to the political banners and flags displayed on the ramshackle dwellings.
“Even politicians are now focusing on them [the community] as they are registered voters,” she says.
Clearly, the Keehals that were once outcasts are no longer looked down upon.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2013.
When Haseena Malik speaks out for the downtrodden, her words flow restlessly in sharp contrast to the calm demeanor of the Indus at Dera.
She is passionate, she is fiery, she is articulate. In this area, this unmarried native is a force to be reckoned with.
Malik, 65, wears many hats. A school teacher and social worker, she is also the coordinator for a non-government organization called SERVE Pakistan’s livelihood enhancement programme and works for the betterment of the indigenous Keehal community settled on the banks of the river.
“I am childless. The Keehals are my children,” says the spinster.
Now, her efforts have begun to show. SERVE’s partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in July 2010 has helped the cause immensely.
The programme aimed high – the goal was to provide sustainable livelihoods to the 190 households that form the small community. Under the funded project, it was decided that an initial sum of Rs30,000 would be spent on each beneficiary. With this in mind, common interest groups of 30 to 40 members were formed to provide a safety net.
“We personally asked each and every individual what he or she wanted to do. Groups were formed according to the enterprises chosen by them,” says Malik, her eyes sparkling.
With a happy lilt in her voice, she cites the example of Muhmal Bibi, a mother of two, who was given sheep. Not much later, she sold the sheep to buy a cow. Now, Bibi supports her family by selling milk. She has also bought two riverboats, which she rents out for supplemental income.
Non-linear professions are also supported by the programme. Beneficiary Majnoo, who longed to become a professional singer, was financed to release his album. Today, in addition to royalties, he also receives compensation for singing at social gatherings.
“We also introduced him to a Radio Pakistan producer who invited him to sing on a Seraiki program!” says Malik.
Although there are positive strides, this community has seen its fair share of hardships during recent years.
Seated on a charpoy, braving the summer heat, Malik recalls how the people had to resort to beggary and prostitution not too long ago. In addition to having no religion or education, the Keehals also had uncommon practices and traditions that made them outcasts of society.
“There was a norm where, after marriage, a Keehal man would live with his wife at her house,” she says. “Instead of working, the man gave his wife a begging bowl.”
Today, thanks to the PPAF and efforts of people like Malik, over 50 per cent of the households are in a position to have land ownership rights. More than 30 children are enrolled in schools and the maternal and infant mortality rates have dropped significantly.
In more ways than one, these people now have a identity, a presence, says Malik, as she proudly points to the political banners and flags displayed on the ramshackle dwellings.
“Even politicians are now focusing on them [the community] as they are registered voters,” she says.
Clearly, the Keehals that were once outcasts are no longer looked down upon.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2013.