Karachi Rural Network
Karachi Rural Network (KRN) was formed by merging three networks including Malir Information Unit, Dastak and Gadap Forum in 2001. This merger was facilitated by two national CSOs, Health and Nutrition Development Society and Strengthening Participatory Organization to improve their accessibility and synergize their efforts for rural development in selected parts of Sindh. The network now works with a mandate to advocate for social harmony and human rights education in rural areas. It has 42 members from CBOs, teachers’ association and media affiliated organizations and an executive body comprising 15 members.
Being part of the Hum Qadam project, the organization has substantially benefited from the capacity building programmes of the project. According to the Network’s training participants and management, the trainings have helped them in enhancing their capacities to improve management of the existing projects and do better planning for new initiatives.
‘Taking inspiration from Hum Qadam training, the women participants mobilized resources to create a Women’s Development Organisation on 8th March 2011. It was formed with an objective to ensure women empowerment, raise awareness among women regarding basic education, develop their skills and help victims of domestic violence in the underprivileged localities. We aspire to undertake innovative projects particularly focusing on women empowerment through this development organization’.
Member Executive Committee- KRN
Another initiative taken by KRN is formation of a Youth Development Forum (YDF) to provide more opportunities for skills development of the youth. This forum has five members (of which three are women) from each union council. The YDF will establish a skills development academy to conduct programmes on English Language, communication, technical skills etc. This will help the youth to explore alternative career options in an area where opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and fishery are becoming less lucrative.