Quarterly Progress Report of  EPS
April-June 2006

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
             Under this programme come the natural resources of the region. They include water bodies (like River Swat and its tributaries), forests and wildlife, agriculture and livestock, and minerals. 
             EPS realizes that all spare of life especially school children need to be sensitized for the protection of the environment and its natural resources. Besides involving the school students of Swat in plantation campaign, this year on the eve of World Environment Day (5th June), Environmental Protection Society organized a speech competition for the students of private schools of district Swat in collaboration with Swat Serena Hotel and Private Schools Management Association of district Swat.  Topic of the speech was “Who is Responsible for Environmental Degradation of the Region”. Students from all over the district participated in the program and displayed banners and play cards that contained different massages regarding wise and sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment. Students from private schools of Babuzai, Barikot, Matta, Khwazakhela and Kabal tehsils spoke on the topic. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded to students on the basis of performance.
 
SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
             The programme is meant for the physical and social development of the area. In the physical domain it strives to act with communities in their endures to reduce pollution, with the government to frame laws about planned settlements and other constructions. On the social side it intervenes in the integration of social issues for physical development as well as in the conservation of historical art and architecture of the region. Following are the activities carried out under this program area.
All the physical activities of EPS and its projects are the major responsibility of TU-EPS. During this quarter the TU conducted the following activities.

Analysis of Watsan Allai District Batgram
             The team of Technical Unit visited the affected area of Allai in district Battagram. The objective was to analyze the damage to the water supply and sanitation system by the last October high magnitude earthquake. The EPS team analyzed the damage and made a comprehensive report of water sanitation situation in the area.

Preparation Shangla Map
             EPS projects- MOHIM and HIWAD are in progress in the four highly affected union councils (Shang, Maira, Dhandai and Kormang) of Shangla District by earthquake in collaboration with CARE International in Pakistan.  On the request of the project Coordinator, the Technical Unit based on the information provided by the project prepared     map of the project area for  effective and smooth functioning of the projects.

Preparation of Swat Map 
             The Coordinator, Marie Stopes Society, Swat approached EPS for the preparation of map of district Swat. The Technical Unit evinced keen interest and prepared a comprehensive map of Swat and pointed out the areas where MSS is intervening.
 
Measurements of Elum Track
             EPS under its project (CARE) improves the track from Marghuzar to Elum village. To prepare technically sound design and workout the estimates, Technical Unit conducted survey of the track, took levels at all important points and prepared topographic map of the track. The unit prepared a detailed design and cost estimates of the track for further execution of physical works.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD) AND EDUCATION
             EPS runs its HRD program without any external support and imparts trainings to village organizations (VOs) both on charge as well as free of charge on demand basis. After formulating the RM Strategy, the HRD Program of EPS fully contributes to the goal and so far made a sound profit for the society. Progress during this quarter is given below.

Trainings on Basic Skills Development 
             The HRD section of EPS organized training on Basic Skills Development (BSD) for the Target Group Organizations TGOs formed by Conservation and Rehabilitation of Elum Valley Forest (CARE) project of EPS. The training was of six days duration that continued from April 5 to April 10, 2006. Sixteen activists from TGOs of Elum valley acquired the training. The different areas/topic covered during the training are: concepts of development, organization structure and its characteristics, constitution development, communication skills, coordination and financial management.
             The second BSD training was organized for the CBOs formed by the Social Organization Unit Lower Swat under EPS from May 3 to May 5, 2006. Seventeen participants of as many CBOs were trained during the three days training.

Livestock Extension Trainings
             Besides the BSD training EPS organized two training of five days duration each on Social Mobilization in Livestock Extension for Veterinary Assistants of Livestock and Diary Development Department of Lower and Upper Dir. The first training was organized for the Livestock Assistants of Livestock and Diary Development Department Lower Dir from May 15 to May 19, 2006, while the second was organized for the Veterinary Assistants of Livestock and Diary Development Department Upper Dir from May 29 to June 2, 2006. Twenty-five Veterinary Assistants were trained during both the training events.   The trainings covered different components i.e. development, communication, organization, social mobilization in livestock extension, artificial insemination and poultry management. Reports of the training have been compiled and sent to the stakeholders.
 
POVERTY ALLEVIATION
             EPS is concerned with the poor economic conditions of the people of the area and do, what it can, in its compass to help improve the situation. All the activities of the society contribute in one way or other to poverty reduction in the area. Beside all these activities EPS has the Poverty Alleviation Program, which directly responds to poverty reduction. In this quarter no prominent activity has been carried out for poverty reduction as the program of micro-credit has been stopped due to delays in recovery. Survey in Saidu Sharif and Shagai has been completed to reinitiate micro-credit program with the female strata of the region. In addition to micro credit program following initiatives have been taken that contribute to poverty reduction. 
             EPS maintained its contacts with the friends from Netherlands who provided financial support during first phase after the earthquake when EPS had focused on distribution of relief goods. During the reporting period EPS management again held a series of meetings with Mr. Arie, Miss. NA Van Hoven, Mr. Richard and Miss. Nelly- four respectable citizens of The Netherlands. They provided cash and cheque amounting Rs.220, 000/= to support the poorest households in reconstruction of their houses. They along with EPS team visited the affected people in Matta and Khwazakhela tehsils and three such houses were identified. The EPS team then collected data in detail and worked out the estimated cost on repair of these houses. The mechanism to compensate the identified effected people has been conceived, which would be shortly implemented.
             Environmental Protection Society initiated signature campaign for Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) on June 5, 2006. The campaign aims to raise awareness among the people about Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and mobilize them on the issues of inflation and livelihood improvement. Dozens of people from different walks of life, i.e., Zilla Nazim, Tehsil Nazim, other elected members, government officials, students, teachers, lawyers, community activists, representatives of CBOs , NGOs have  registered themselves as supporters of the campaign while putting their signatures on 30 feet long banner bearing MDGs and slogans to address the aforementioned issues. The banner has been displayed at EPS office. The signature campaign will continue for indefinite period.

 EPS PROJECTS

Formation and Finalization of YPO for the Next Phase
             After completion of the first phase of the project (July 2004 to March 2006) a joint workshop of all IPRP partners was held at PTDC Hotel Saidu Sharif Swat on 2nd and 3rd May 2006 for review of the previous year progress and planning for for the next nine months phase (1st April, 2006 to December 2006). Apart from two of the R & D and five social mobilization partners, Executive directors of the implementing NGOs also participated in the workshop. The objective of the workshop was to design and plan activities for the next phase. Mr. Khalid Hussain project coordinator IPRP and Miss Tauheed Gul HID Coordinator of IPRP facilitated the workshop. During the two days sessions of the workshop, a nine monthly plan was developed for all partners and submitted to IPRP for final approval.

Collective Sale
             Two events for collective sale of medicinal plants were organized by the project in Madyan. The first event was organized on April 19, 2006, while the second was organized on April 25, 2006. In the first event sixteen collectors of medicinal plants and in the second event thirty-seven collectors participated. Aims of this activity were to enhance bargaining power of the collectors, secure maximum price for MAPs and build marketing competence of the MAPs collectors. The sale of medicinal plants in Madyan market yielded a handsome amount as compared to the price in local market.

Establishment of Vegetable Demonstration Plots 
             A demonstration plot of off-season vegetables such as pea, turnips, beans, carrots, Bard Rak, Ginger and Kalwangi has been established in Mandal Dag with a female activist.  Good germination percentage (80%) has been recorded in turnips, radish and carrots while pea, beans and ginger germinated poorly (20-30%). The activist has been given the necessary equipments for caring the plot such as Kurpa, small diggers and water sprinkler. The plot is located adjacent to the road that leads to the upper villages of the valley; and catches the eye of every passerby during their daily errands.

Exposure Visit of Collectors to Madyan Market
              An exposure visit for 12 collectors was arranged to Madyan market where they were provided an opportunity to know market dynamics, and species of medicinal plants having market value but currently not collected for earning due to lack of awareness. Collectors took keen interest and were very excited as they observed some new things in the market. The activity imparted knowledge to collectors to diversify their base and source of plants collection and  get the pressure of over collection reduced on a few species, (morels and viola).

Developing TGOs Profile
             During the quarter, project staff conducted various meetings with TGOs members and identified their priorities, explored their strengths, weakness and collected baseline data about 12 male TGOs. Around 21 visits were made to the project area for TGO strengthening as well as data collections for the profile. The profile will provide key information about TGOs, for the project to capitalize over their strengths, mitigate their weakness and minimize the threats and explore ways to lead them towards self-management by adopting livelihood program of the future.

Distribution of Improved Collection Tools 
             Collection tools designed by the project for sustainable collection of medicinal plants  containing three different tools such as a long handled sickle, a digger, a scissor and a cutter; were distributed among 5 TGOs. The tools are   fit for the collection of bulbous, rhizomatous, flowering and leafy medicinal plants parts.

Validation of IK (Indigenous Knowledge)
             Hakims at Community Resource Center as envisaged a source to be used for the validation of indigenous knowledge regarding validation of traditional herbal recipes recorded during the IK survey, are busy in validation. A recipe prepared from Korai (Berberis lyceum) has been proven efficacious through validation on know patients of Rheumatoid arthritis. Other recipes are under validation and the outcomes will be released as soon as validation is completed.

Workshop on Environmental Education
             A one-day workshop on “Environmental Education” was held on 6th May 2006 at PTDC hotel Saidu Sharif arranged by IPRP for its partners in which the long awaited package of environmental education developed by Alif Laila was displayed and distributed among the partners. Project Coordinator and Social Organizer of PROMPT project represented EPS in the workshop. The session went on through general introduction of Alif Laila (A Lahore Based NGO working on education and text book development for children studying in Non Formal Schools), display of short stories books, some interesting games for children, puppet show, brochures and pamphlets to be used for awareness raising on conservation of natural resources by the partners in their target areas. The partners, at the end of the session, were advised to submit demand for the package as per their needs.

Training on Disaster Management 
             Mr.Barkat Ali, Social Organizer PROMPT project –EPS attended a one-day workshop, arranged by CBRM Bunir held on 9th June 2006 in which all IPRP partners participated. The session was about the basic tools and strategies to be used as preemptive measure by the implementers in disasters such as floods, hurricanes, cyclones, and earth quick and other natural calamities. The partners were oriented to the precautionary measures through group works followed by presentations. Important handouts and certificates were rewarded to the participants at the end of the session.

Experience Sharing Workshop 
             As mutually decided that all R & D partners of IPRP arrange experience-sharing workshop on quarterly rotational basis. This time BMWO arranged the workshop on 13th May 2006 at their office in Malakand in which all partners made presentation on quarterly progress and strategy for the next quarter. PROMPT team represented progress of their project.
All partners mutually shared their experience and thus got benefited from the experience of others. Next experience sharing workshop will be arranged by PROMPT project of EPS tentatively in the first week of July after consultation with IPRP.

Exposure visit to Nepal arranged by IPRP  
             An exposure visits to Nepal was arranged by IPRP from 26th March to 3rd April for all its partner organizations. Chairman EPS and Social Organizer PROMPT project represented EPS. ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountains Development) served as host organization. The purpose of the visit was to share experiences and lesson learnt in a cross-cultural environment and bring back advanced concepts of natural resource management for effective implementation in the respective project areas of the implementing organizations. The consolidated presentation on behalf of all IPRP partners was made to the DG ICIMOD by the male TGMO of PROMPT project. The visitors also visited some historical places, organic farms, training centers, demonstration and conducted detailed discussion with communities working with ICIMOD. EPS prepared the visit report and circulated and submitted to IPRP.

Orientation Session of TGO on YPO
             A gathering of community group’s organizations was arranged on 23rd June 2006 by the project in which the entire target groups, Hakims, nobles of the area and Chairman EPS participated. The team presented performance and progress of the previous phase and activities to be initiated during the next phase. Target groups members shared their views, experiences with the project and gave inputs in the form of suggestions and comments for effective implementation in the days ahead. Chairman EPS also awarded collection tools kit to the two TGOs members. Detail report of the proceedings will be submitted soon.

Training in Apiculture 
             A three days training on apiculture was organized in collaboration with Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Directorate at the Community Training Center of Forest Department at Baghdherai Swat. Aim of the training was to enhance capacity of the target groups in honeybee keeping and income generation. Six representatives of as many TGOs of the projects acquired the training. The training covered different topics i.e., honeybees rearing, honey extraction methods, improvement in products of honeybees.  Mr. Ibrahim of Agriculture Research Station facilitated the training.

B) Protection of Freshwater Resources around Mingawara City (PFWR Project)
             On February 1, 2006 Environmental Protection Society (EPS) entered into an agreement with United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for undertaking the project on “Protection of Fresh Water Resources Around Mingawara City”. It is a three years project financed by the Global Environment Facility/Small Grant Program (GEF/SGP), implemented by UNDP on behalf of the three GEF Implementing Agencies – UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank. Under the project the Mingawara Sanitation Scheme as devised by EPS would be revised and phased out according to current standards and requirements, launch advocacy campaign to mobilize the TMA Swat and/or PHED Swat, Provincial Government and donor agencies for implementation of Mingawara Sanitation Scheme, facilitate public private partnership for solid waste management and enhance capacity of the community organizations, local government and PHED Swat for the protection of freshwater ecosystem. Although the project was signed in February 2006, but due to delay in transfer of funds and office establishment the project activities have been started in March 2006. In this report activities of the project for four months duration i.e., March to June 2006 have been included, details of which is given below.

Office Establishment 
             The coordinator was to be appointed from the beginning, while the GIS Specialist from the last month of the second quarter of the project life. Because of shortage of civil engineers in the market the civil engineer was appointed in June 2006. Moreover, UNDP released the mutually agreed funds about one month after signing the agreement that is why the activities started with a delay of one month. The following is the progress against the planned activities.

Inception Workshop 
             EPS organized a one day workshop on March 13, 2006 in Swat Serena Hotel. The Nazims and Naib Nazims of the nine union councils of the city, community members, local activists, officials from concerned line department, Mr. Fayaz Baqir of UNDP participated in the workshop. Mr. Jamal Nasir Khan, Zilla Nazim Swat was the chief guest, whereas, Mr. Fazal Rahman, Tehsil Nazim Tehsil Swat chaired the occasion. 
             The workshop comprised of two sessions. The first session was based upon information dissemination.  All the participants were briefed about the partnership between EPS and UNDP GEF/SGP. Aims and objectives of the project and role of the stakeholders during execution of the activities was explained. The activities planned by EPS to reach the project goal were also explained in detail. Different questions and suggestions regarding strategy, set forth by the participants, were noted.
             In the second session group work was carried out. To make the activity more fruitful three groups were formed. Each group set forth certain recommendations and then presented through the respective group leader. Presentation of each group was followed by questions and answers and open discussions. The recommendations so finalized from the participants provided base for the preparation of yearly plan of operation. Report of the workshop is finalized and is ready for circulation.

Initial Contacts about Satellite Images of Mingawara City 
             The project held initial contacts with different agencies and departments either to hire their services for getting the images or collect relevant information. The department/agencies so far contacted in this regard are: SUPARCO Islamabad, WWF- Pakistan, NESPAK Lahore and a private firm at Islamabad. The SUPARCO cannot provide the images at one meter resolution, whereas, the NESPAK has shown agreement to acquire the required images from Geo-Earth without charging any commission. This process will be followed up in the coming quarter.

Individual Meetings with Elected Members/other Stakeholders in the City
             The project held individual meetings with the nazims and naib nazims of the nine union councils of Mingawara city, Hotel Association, Traders Union and association of industries one by one. In the meetings information about the project and situation of the city with focus on freshwater resources have been discussed with each individual in detail. They all showed keen interest in the project activities and declared the project as big asset for the city. They all assured their full cooperation in the execution of the project activities. The formation of city forum will be formed and made functional during the next quarter. This forum will also select members for steering committee.
    
Extension Material about the project
             Because of the late recruitment of the project coordinator the promotion materials were not published but work on its preparation is on and will be completed within the next two weeks.

Visibility Sign Boards about the project
             Order is placed for the preparation of the signboards and will be ready within a few days time.

Survey on Solid Waste in Mingawara City
             As one of the objectives of the project is to facilitate public private partnership for solid waste management in the city, EPS involved four of its interns in solid waste survey in the city.  A questioner was designed wherein, beside other necessary information quantity, type and proportion of solid waste generated in the city was worked out. One percent sample size of the total population was taken and the survey was conducted randomly. The data so collected has been analyzed and the required correlation worked out. Report of the survey is in progress.

Linkages with UET Lahore
             The project contacted the final year students of City and Regional Department of University of Engineering and Technology Lahore who were conducting different surveys to prepare master plan of the two union councils of Mingawara City as their academic requirements. EPS facilitated the students to the possible extent in providing relevant information about the city. The project also convinced the students and the professor accompanying them as advisor to assign such a research topic to any two of the students that is useful for the city, the project. They are agreed to do research work on the formulation of Planning and Zoning guidelines for Mingawara City. EPS in turn will facilitate them in term of technical guidance, boarding, lodging and documentation. The students will be on board till mid July.

C) Mitigation Operations for Heath Issues among Migrants (MOHIM)  Project Shangla 
             Environmental Protection Society is in contract agreement with CARE International in Pakistan for carrying out health relief activities in four earthquake hit union councils of district Shangla.

Formation of Community Organizations 
             Twenty-two community organizations were formed on male side and twenty-three organizations on female side during the quarter under review.
Besides organization formation three advisory committees have also been formed on male side one each in Maira, Kormang and Dandai for the effective and smooth functioning of the project clinics.

Promotion of CHVs 
             During the period from April to June 2006 twenty-nine female Community Health Volunteers were identified by the female staff of the project from five female communities against the set target of 20. The number exceeded because the aim was to select suitable ones for the training. 

Training of Volunteers
             The project organized extensive training programs of a weeklong duration one each for male and female community health volunteers. The trainings covered different topics i.e, first aid, nutrition, public health, curative health, vaccination, reproductive health and family planning. Manual on basic health issues and diseases and their treatment along with CHV Kits was distributed among the CHVs.

Establishment of Tent Clinics
             The project established ten clinics during the first quarter in the target area. However, as per instructions from CARE International in Pakistan these clinics have been relocated in tents. For this purpose tents were erected at specified sites in the target area. Besides relocating the existing clinics two new tent clinks were established by the project.    

Medical Camps
             The medical staff of the project organized eighty-eight medical camps in the four union councils of the project area during the quarter. During all these camps four thousand two hundred and seventy six patients have been treated and medicines provided to them. These include nineteen hundred and seventy seven male and two thousand two hundred and nine female patients. Out of these, eleven patients have been referred to Besham Civil Hospital and Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals.
Beside medical camps, awareness raising sessions regarding health were organized at community level both for male and female communities.

Identification and Training of TBAs
             During the period April to June 2006 forty Traditional Birth Attendants TBAs were identified. Out of the forty identified TBAs twenty eight have been trained in safe child delivery and family planning. Certificates and TBAs kits have been provided to the trainees.

Linkages Development 
             The project has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with district health department, administration of District headquarter Hospital at Alpurai, administration of Besham civil hospital, Marie Stopes Society district Shangla, Marie Stopes Society Swat and Dr. Abdul Basir of Khwaza Khela Swat.
             Beside the MoUs the project has developed good relationship with local government representatives, government line departments and other organizations working in the area for the effective and smooth functioning of the project.

D) Household Level Interventions of Women Awareness in Decision Making (HIWAD) Project  Shangla
             The Environmental Protection Society is in contract agreement with CARE International in Pakistan for carrying out activities for house level interventions for women awareness in decision making. This is aimed at empowering the local female folk of district Shangla.

Gender Sensitization Sessions
             Gender sensitization is one of the major activities of the project. This is aimed at sensitizing all the relevant stakeholders on gender issues and building their capacity.  
             In this regard a gender sensitization session was organized for the project staff. All the staff members attended the session. The Project Coordinator facilitated the session. 
              Another program on gender sensitization was organized for representatives of local government institutions, government line departments, lawyers, teachers and elites of the project area in Alpurai. Mr. Altaf Hussain Khattak facilitated the session.
              The third program on gender sensitization was organized for project activists, representatives of CBOs, NGOs working in district Shangla. Mr. Altaf Hussain Khattak and the Project Coordinator facilitated this session. 
             The project also organized four sessions on gender sensitization for the women organizations of the target area. The Gender Coordinator HIWAD project facilitated all the five sessions organized for female activists.

Organizing Women in Small Groups
             For the effective and smooth functioning of the project the female staff has formed twenty-one groups of women in the project area. These include six groups each in Dandai, Maira and Shang union councils, two in Lahore and one in Kormang union council of district Shangla.

Vocational Trainings
             For enhancing and polishing skills of the female folk of the target area, the project imparted cutting and sewing training to seventeen women from the villages falling in the union councils of Maira. 
              Another training was organized for twelve female activists from union councils Dandai. Services of a professional consultant were hired for imparting training. During these trainings as a whole 29 female activists acquired the trainings. This will boost their skills and would enhance their income. 
             Training in Embroidery also started on June 28, 2006 and will last for a week. In the said training 13 female activities will be trained.
 
Identification of Volunteers for Emergency Response Groups
             82 volunteers were identified in 4 union councils of District Shangla for Emergency Response Groups.

 E) CARE Project  

JFMC Meeting 
             The CARE project organized a meeting for the formation of Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) in Hotel White Palace on May 30, 2006.  Coordinator, Social Organizer and Field Supervisor CARE project attended the meeting. Representatives of the TGOs and WPCs formed by CARE project also attended the meeting. Representatives of Forest department Swat were also present on this occasion. Participants of the meeting discussed ways and means for the protection of forest in Elum valley and provided different suggestions in this regard. Names for the JFMC were selected.

Ecotourism Assessment 
             Mr. Saad Tariq Saddiqi, General Secretary of Alpine Club of Pakistan along with the , Executive Director EPS; Coordinator; Social Organizer and, Field Supervisor CARE project   visited Elum of the CARE project area for assessing Ecotourism potential in Elum valley on April 14, 2006. They inspected and analyzed the proposed camping site near Halaksar locality of the project area where the CARE project would construct a camping house for tourists. The visiting team also held meeting with the local TGO,
  On April 15, 2006 the General Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan shared the out line of the study, possible outcomes and finding of the visit with the Chairman and Executive Director EPS. The study was further clarified and refined. The Alpine Club will produce the draft report of the study

Tourism Exhibition 
             The district government Swat organized a tourism exhibition at Landakay entry point to Swat from June 25 to June 30, 2006 with a view to attract national and international tourists to Swat. EPS established a stall in the said exhibition for the promotion of tourism. Brochures of EPS and its were put on display in the exhibition.

EU UNDP Mission Visit 
             Mr. Michael Dale and Mr. Imran Ashraf of EU-UNDP, along with DFO Forest Division Swat, Assistant Director HRD Forest and Community Development Officer, Forest visited village Amlook Tall of the project area on April 12, 2006. They held a meeting with the local TGO. The Coordinator CARE project informed the community about the purpose of the mission visit for the extension of the project. The participants exchange views regarding possible measures for conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources of the area. Mr. Michael Dale emphasized the need for conservation of the forest in the area.  The community members thanked the visiting team and informed them about the developmental activities undertaken by CARE project in their respective villages.

Distribution of Fuel-efficient Stoves
             During the reporting period the project provided ten fuel efficient stoves to as many communities of Marghuzar Cham.. The community organization of Marghuzar Cham has earlier recommended the names of the persons to receive these stoves.

F) Strengthening Democratic Governance Program (SDGP)
             EPS entered into an agreement with South Asia Partnership (SAP) Pakistan for the implementation of Strengthening Democratic Governance Program in the three union councils namely Islampur, Saidu Sharif and Butkara of district Swat. Following are the details of activities carried out under the project during the period under review.
 
SDGP Orientation 
             Mr. Nasir Ali, Coordinator held a meeting with staff of SAP Pakistan Peshawar office on May 6, 2006 at their office in Peshawar. Representatives of other partners NGOs from NWFP also attended the meeting. The participants discussed the methodology, the activities to be carried out under the and the expected outcomes of the project. Ms. Nusrat Ara, Head of SAP Pakistan Peshawar office elaborated the aims and objectives of SAP Pakistan and the representatives of the NGOs were briefed about the details of the project.

Formation of WPGs 
             Meetings were held with target groups to apprise the community members of the program and the formation of Peasant Workers Groups. Detail of the activities carried out is as under.

             Three meetings one each in Saidu Sharif, Islampur and Butkara Union Councils were organized on June 15, 16 and 17, 2006 respectively. Large number of peasant workers and councilors of the three union councils attended the programs. Coordinator EPS briefed the participants about the activities to be taken under the Strengthening Democratic Governance in Pakistan in collaboration with South Asia Partnership Pakistan. In these meetings the participants provided different suggestions about improvement in the governance system of the country. In all the three meetings Peasant Workers Groups (PWGs) were formed in the target union councils.

Monitoring Visits

Inauguration of District Resource Center (DRC)
             EPS under the SDGP project established District Resource Center (DRC) in its office. It will provide necessary information to peasants, workers, minority members and women representative and will build their capacity on amended LGO 2005. Mr. Shoukat Yousafzai (HRDO), District Swat inaugurated the center in the presence of government officials, representative from civil society organizations, members of District Focal Group (DFG) and Peasant Workers Groups. Ms Naeema Malik and Mr. Alla Noor represented South Asia Partnership (SAP), Pakistan on this occasion. 

SOU Lower Swat

Meeting with Minister Science & Technology
             A meeting was organized with the Provincial Minister for Science and Technology in the Circuit House Kabal Swat to explore ways and means for opening the closed government schools in the far-flung areas of the region. The Team Leader SOU lower Swat attended the meetings. Project Director, Manager, Gender and Development and Executive District Officer (Education) district Swat were also present on this occasion. It was decided that the EDO would submit a detailed report to the Project Management Unit regarding the close government schools. The PMU after analyzing the report would look into the feasibility of opening of the schools.

Community Development

Initial Contacts 
             The Male Social Organizers of the SOU Lower Swat made thirty initial contacts with male communities of the target area making the total contacts since the inception of the project three hundred and twenty one. Similarly the Female Social Organizers carried twenty initial contacts with female communities thus making the total contacts with female communities one hundred and ninety.

Formation of Organizations 
             During the reporting period forty-one village organizations and women organizations have been formed by the male and female Social Organizers of the SOU Lower Swat respectively.

Volunteer Saving  
             The VOs and WOs of the SOU target area make regular savings in their monthly general body meeting. They deposit the saving in their own PLS account in any scheduled bank and report to the SOU on regular basis. During the period under review the VOs and WOs made Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 1200 savings respectively thus making the total saving Rs. 6,36,931 and Rs. 56,687 respectively for males and females.

TBAs Training 
              Under this component, Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) trainings were organized in collaboration with District Health Department Swat. Fifty-one female candidates were trained as TBA. Similarly eighty-seven female activists of the project area successfully completed TBA refresher courses.

Computer Training 
             One hundred and fourteen female candidates successfully completed computer training organized by SOU lower Swat in Government Polytechnic Institute Panr Swat. The certificates distribution ceremony was organized at Pakistan Austrian Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PAITHOM). Provincial Minister for Science and Technology awarded certificates to the successful candidates on the completion of the training.

Cutting and Sewing Training
             Seventy-five female activists of the Women Organizations formed by SOU lower Swat acquired cutting and sewing training organized by SOU lower Swat.

Natural Resource Management

Demonstration Plots 
             Under the NRM component the SOU provided forty maize demonstration and seeds multiplication plots to progressive farmers of the SOU target area through Agricultural Department Swat.

Livestock Development 
             Under Agricultural Livestock and Natual Resource Management component nomination of progressive farmers for four Bulls, six Bucks, and nine Rams have been finalized by the Male Social Organizers with assistance of Livestock Production Officer of the SOU. These will be handed over to the nominated farmers in the next quarter. 
             In addition ninety-seven bags of concentrate feed and one hundred and seven mineral blocks were provided to the farmers nominated by the VOs. This activity aims at raising awareness among farmers to promote livestock management best practices.
During the quarter under review sixty female activists were imparted poultry entrepreneurship training. Hundred poultry birds to each trainee would be provided soon. Besides poultry entrepreneurship training fifteen male activists were trained as Livestock Extension Workers in Agriculture Husbandry in Service Training Institute Peshawar.

Honey Bee Keeping 
             Twenty male activists of the SOU target area were trained in Honey Bee Keeping training in Agricultural Research Station Mingora.

Medical Camps 
             Three medical camps were organized one each in Shawar, Kabal and Kokrai in collaboration with Health Department District Swat. Professional doctors and paramedics facilitated the camps. A good number of patients were treated and free medicines were provided to them during the camps.

Community Managed Infrastructure 
             The technical staff of the SOU carried out initial feasibilities of four Jeepable tracks, two micro hydropower schemes, one spring based water supply, twelve tube well irrigation, four dug well irrigation, ten gravity irrigation and one water storage scheme.
 Furthermore, detailed physical surveys of four Jeepable tracks, two micro hydropower, three sanitation, two hand pumps, one spring based water supply, fifteen tube well irrigation, two dug well irrigation, eight gravity irrigation and one water storage ponds were carried out. PC-1 of three Jeepable tracks, two sanitation schemes, two hand pumps, thirteen tube well irrigation schemes and one water storages schemes have been completed.
 Beside this two Jeepable tracks, two sanitation, twelve hand pumps, five spring based water supply, ten tube well irrigation, one lift irrigation, one dug well irrigation and ten gravity irrigation schemes are at different stages of completion.  

Social Organization Unit Upper Swat

Community Development 
             The Male Social Organizers organized awareness raising programs in thirty villages. Similarly the Female Social Organizers organized fifteen awareness-raising program during the quarter under review. During these programs, objectives, components, criteria and process of the project were explained to the communities.

Formation of VOs/WOs
             During the quarter April to June 2006 the Male Social Organizers formed twenty village organizations in the villages of Jandulbela, Koo, Spinioba, Bandai, Qilla,, Serain, Jukhtai, Mushkum, Luqmanabad, Landay Kass, Berarai, Mashkomai, Malakabad, Brakho Miandam, Kamalpur, Salehabad, Shaheenabad, Nawbahar and Shahid Baba.
 Similarly the Female Social Organizers formed fifteen women organizations in the villages of   Gulibagh, Nale Qilla, Shamak, Aryanai, Fatehabad, Binkot, Goronai, Landaykass, Qilla Dherai, Salanda, Kulalai, Guldherai, Mankar, Kot and Manpetai.   

BSD Training 
             The Social Organization Unit Upper Swat organized two Basic Skills Development Trainings one each for village organizations and women organizations of the SOU target area. As a whole forty participants twenty each from village organizations and women organizations attended the trainings.

CBOs Conference 
             The SOU Upper Swat organized two CBOs conferences one each for village organizations and women organizations of the SOU target area. A good number of representatives of village and women organizations attended the conferences.

Natural Resource Management
 
Livestock Development 
              The Livestock Production Officer, Female Veterinary Assistant and Social Organizers organized fourteen Livestock Field days in the project area. These include nine field days with Village Organizations and five with Women Organizations.
 Beside the livestock field days the SOU provided hundred bags of concentrate feed and one hundred and fifty blocks of mineral feeds to the village organizations of the SOU target area. 
             In collaboration with Livestock and Diary Development Department Swat organized three poultry entrepreneurship trainings in Charbagh, Khwazakhela and Madyan. During these trainings as a whole fifty nine female activists nominated by the Women Organizations formed by the SOU. Hundred poultry birds would be provided to the trainees for the development of poultry entrepreneurship. 
             In addition the SOU provided fourteen wheat demonstration plots to the progressive farmers of the target area.

Community Managed Infrastructure 
             The technical staff carried out technical feasibilities of four spring based water supply schemes, eleven hand pump based water supply schemes, three each of sanitation and micro hydro power schemes, five irrigation schemes and one feasibility of Jeepable track. So as a whole twenty-seven technical feasibilities have been carried out.
             Apart from technical feasibilities the engineers carried out eighteen detailed physical surveys of different schemes during the quarter under review. These include physical surveys of nine spring based drinking water supply, two sanitation schemes, three micro hydropower schemes and four irrigation schemes. 
             Design and cost estimates of two spring based and ten hand pump based water supply schemes, one each of micro hydropower and sanitation schemes and five of gravity irrigation schemes. 
             In addition forty-three CMI schemes were completed during the period under review. These include twenty-three hand pump based water supply and four spring based water supply schemes, eight gravity irrigation schemes, one tube well irrigation schemes, one Jeepable track, five micro hydropower schemes and one sanitation schemes have been completed.

Gender and Development 
              The Social Organization Unit Upper Swat organized one cutting and sewing and one tie and die training for the female activists of the target area. The cutting and sewing training was organized in Madyan in which fifty-two female activists participated. The tie and die training was organized in collaboration with Social Welfare Department Swat in which forty-six female candidates participated. 
             The Women Development Organization Shahgram organized tailoring training program in the village. The SOU facilitated the training by arranging sewing machines for the training.  
             Under the component, the SOU organized Traditional Birth Attendant TBAs training in basic and refresher courses in Basic Health Unit Kishawra, and hospitals of Kalam and Madyan in collaboration with district health department Swat. Twenty-one female activists of the SOU target area acquired the TBAs training while eighty-two candidates attended the TBA refresher courses. TBA kits and allowances were awarded to the successful trainees. 
             The SOU also facilitated admissions of eight female candidates in Lady Health Visitor (LHV) training in Nursing School Saidu Sharif Swat for twenty-four months training.
Besides training the SOU in collaboration with health department district Swat organized four medical camps one each in Ganajer, Shinko, Mankyal and Utror localities of the project area. Professional doctors and paramedics facilitated the camps. More than thirty two hundred patients were treated and medicines were provided to them.