Seyide Direk
Collective Actions for Secure Living: Crowdfunding Academy Sparks Progress
Advocacy, Research, Training, and Services (ARTS) Foundation was founded in 2008 by three friends from diverse backgrounds who shared a vision of making positive changes in Pakistan focusing on helping vulnerable groups. ARTS Foundation is all about making a real difference. But it's not just talk; they're putting their mission into action with different projects such as providing vocational training for women. These trainings boost their job opportunities and independence.
"Prominent global organizations are receiving donations to implement projects instead of the local organizations, which poses a very challenging situation for them'' Shehzadu, the head of the Foundation says, echoing the sentiments of many local organizations within the development sector. But it's a challenge that ARTS Foundation has embraced fully, as Shehzadu and his team tirelessly work to reshape the narrative.
In 2022, the ARTS Foundation joined the Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy in Pakistan, leveraging their past crowdfunding experiences to address this challenge. The Academy was implemented in partnership with the Pakistani Impact Design agency - Cirrus. ARTS's past encounter with crowdfunding was through their association with GlobalGiving which eventually shaped their choice to join the Academy. As Shehzadu puts it: ‘’The Academy has a strong impact. It's a great milestone for us: it made us able to think logically and design effective projects from inception to execution," highlighting the importance of the Crowdfunding Academy in enriching their understanding of navigating the digital landscape. They saw the Crowdfunding Academy as a gateway to embracing the digital revolution, a tool to open doors, secure funds, and report with precision.
As they ventured into this new era of digital empowerment, little did they anticipate how crucial these skills would become in the face of challenges. The organization, active in various areas, including disaster response, played a key role when Pakistan faced a challenging decade marked by recurring floods mainly in the region called Sindh.
Houses submerged in floodwaters in Mirpurkhas District in 2022
The region Sindh faced a massive flood in 2011, affecting areas like Hindu Pass and submerging the fourth-largest city, Mibukas, for a month. Subsequent floods hit in 2020 and the last one in 2023, affecting locals greatly in terms of displacement, property damage, and economic devastation.
In the aftermath of the devastating floods, the lives of the families were forever changed. The once vibrant community found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of displacement and the struggles that accompanied it. The authorities, facing an overwhelming number of affected families, allocated a single room to large families like the Khans, who were accustomed to living in close quarters due to cultural practices rooted in poverty. With a mere 1000 square feet provided for each family, usually accommodating 3-5 individuals, the challenges became more pronounced.
The families were given the privilege of two rooms, but this came at the cost of shared facilities such as a toilet and kitchen. The floods had forced 472,168 people out of their homes, leaving them without proper shelter and basic necessities.
A man who lost his home due to flood
The shortage of fuel for cooking exacerbated their plight, pushing them to rely on makeshift solutions like plastic bags for coverage. The absence of washroom facilities posed serious concerns for hygiene and privacy, especially for the women in the community who were apprehensive about their security. The majority of the population heavily depended on agriculture and cattle-keeping for their livelihoods. The financial burden resulting from the destruction caused by the floods left them in a state of despair, with some tragically losing their lives.
In this ongoing crisis, local organizations are crucial, directly reaching affected communities, emphasizing the essential role they play, thereby highlighting the urgency for a more efficient and localized humanitarian response system. In response to these pressing challenges, ARTS Foundation developed a project that aimed to reconstruct the houses in flood-affected areas that they refer to as “resilient houses”.
Story of the ARTS Foundation to help restore villages after the flood
The project idea emerged from the skills and knowledge they acquired during the Academy which highlighted the importance of designing an impactful project that is feasible, innovative, and impactful. For this life-changing project, the Foundation secured $96,455 through an online crowdfunding campaign and the funds received from Islamic Aid. These resources were allocated to construct 43 resilient houses offering shelter to around 350 people.
Recovery of Village Khemshi Kalhi
To address the persistent threat of flooding, a proactive measure was taken and as a result, the houses were elevated to a sufficient height above ground level to mitigate the risk of flooding, with strong foundations designed to withstand floodwaters. The construction materials used were locally sourced and environmentally sustainable, ensuring both affordability and long-term resilience. Additionally, each house was equipped with a rainwater harvesting system to address water scarcity issues in the area.
Family Standing in front of the newly built lavatory
Solar panels were also installed to provide a sustainable source of electricity. However, these houses were more than just shelters; they were a tapestry of resilience, a testimony to sustainability, and a sign of self-sufficiency. Local hands, strong and willing, labored in the construction process, imbibing skills and livelihood.
The story of ARTS Foundations illustrates the strength of commitment, bouncing back from challenges, and daring to make a difference. Whether it's changing policies or responding to disasters, they've made a path full of positive changes. With crowdfunding, the organization will keep empowering individuals and shaping a better future.
Learn more about ARTS Foundation´s work and support them.