Shehersaaz, accomplished yet another milestone by successfully concluding its PROGRESSIVE program, for which a ceremony was held in Rawalpindi. This included a formal handing over of Rainwater Harvesting Units to 18 government schools-a new benchmark toward climate-resilient and eco-sensitive learning spaces.
This occasion brought together officials from the education department, school principals, project teams, and community partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate this milestone. The CEO, District Education Authority Rawalpindi, Tariq Mehmood appreciated Shehersaaz for being a strong advocate of sustainable education through strengthening school-level resilience via practical community-centered solutions.
Project Manager Dr. Beenish gave an insightful overview of the PROGRESSIVE initiative within the project PUCCAR. She explained how each Rainwater Harvesting Unit was designed, installed, and integrated within school routines for better water security and increased environmental awareness among students and teachers alike.
A dynamic question-and-answer session with on-site engineer Abdullah further highlighted technical processes, key challenges, and the collaboration that shaped the success of the program.
The Disaster Risk Reduction component in the PROGRESSIVE program is very robust, preparing the students for real-life challenges. Specifically targeted trainings in first aid, solid waste management, and care for the environment have equipped the students with the skills to segregate wastes, produce compost, and establish kitchen gardens in their respective schools. All these activities give hands-on practice to the students while building a culture of responsibility, preparedness, and climate consciousness.
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with principals of the 18 participating schools was the defining moment of the ceremony. This is where each school formalizes its commitment to maintain the systems provided and takes full ownership of all components contributing to its transformation into a PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL.
The program, which is implemented in partnership with UN Habitat and the Adaptation Fund, comprises far more than just water-related solutions-it involves urban farming and energy-efficient measures, too, thereby transforming schools into active hubs of both resilience and sustainability.
It was followed by the 29th anniversary celebration of Shehersaaz, which marked almost three decades of leading sustainable urban development and community-based climate action. PROGRESSIVE reflects the unwavering vision and capability that constitute Shehersaaz's success. Combining innovation and collaboration to engage with communities, Shehersaaz further shapes smarter, safer, and more sustainable cities for future generations.
As part of our ongoing (Project for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience-PUCCAR) Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities Shehersaaz in collaboration with Rescue 1122, recently conducted a pioneering certified training session on Basic First Aid, marking a significant stride in disaster risk reduction.
Over three days May 2nd to May 4th, 2024 students and teachers from the Govt. MC Girls High School Ratta Amral, were equipped with crucial skills in communication, safety protocols, bleeding control, and CPR. These workshops play a pivotal role in empowering communities with lifesaving techniques and fostering a culture of preparedness. Such training sessions are indispensable as they not only enhance individual capacity but also bolster community resilience in the face of emergencies. By imparting knowledge on immediate response measures, they enable individuals to take proactive steps in mitigating risks and providing timely assistance. Moreover, these workshops foster a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging participants to become agents of change within their communities. Thanks to Rescue 1122 and their Master Trainers for their amazing practical and interactive training sessions which were truly an exciting learning experience. These Trainings shall continue and Shehersaaz will keep providing the opportunity to other Public/Govt School in Rawalpindi in order to prepare the students and teachers to be well equipped while dealing with emergencies.
In a world fraught with uncertainties, the importance of first aid training cannot be overstated. It serves as a cornerstone in building a safer and more resilient society, where every individual is equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis. Through such initiatives Shehersaaz take strides towards a future where lives are safeguarded, and communities stand united in the face of adversity. We are thankful to our donor Adaptation Fund and UN-HABITAT for providing us the financial support in making a positive impact in our communities and be prepared for any unforeseen emergency.
International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 at Government Associate College for Women
The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDRR) is a global observance held every year on October 13th. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, with the aim of promoting a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts, progress, and innovative approaches made towards reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities worldwide.
This year’s theme for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 revolved around "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future"
Inequality and vulnerability to disasters are interconnected: disparities in accessing essential services like finance and insurance leave the most vulnerable exposed to disaster risks, and when disasters occur, they worsen existing inequalities and push the most vulnerable deeper into poverty. It underscores the urgent need to invest in disaster risk reduction strategies, enhance community engagement, and strengthen disaster resilience to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in the face of increasing climate-related disasters and other hazards.
Shehersaaz observed “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction” (IDDR) at a local college in Dhok Mangtal, Rwp to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction and resilience. This day helped raise awareness and understanding amongst students by informing them about risks they might face and ways to mitigate them, hence fostering a culture of preparedness and safety.
Shehersaaz collaborated with “Rescue Service 1122” and held a wonderful event showcasing several demonstrations related to First-Aid, Flood and earthquake preparedness. Live demonstrations illustrated effective responses for earthquakes, floods and other disaster reduction events, covering first aid, search and rescue methods and safe evacuation procedures.
Watch event videos from Facebook Live
Event Photo Gallery
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-3-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-3-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (3)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-4-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-4-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (4)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-5-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-5-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (5)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-6-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-6-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (6)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-8-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-8-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (8)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-9-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-9-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (9)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-10-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-10-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (10)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-11-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-11-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (11)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-12-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-12-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (12)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-13-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-13-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (13)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-14-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-14-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (14)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-15-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-15-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (15)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-16-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-16-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (16)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-17-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-17-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (17)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-18-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-18-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (18)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-19-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-19-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (19)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-20-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-20-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (20)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-22-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-22-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (22)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-23-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-23-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (23)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-24-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-24-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (24)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-25-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-25-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (25)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-26-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-26-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (26)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-27-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-27-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (27)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-28-768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-28-1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi ( (28)">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi--768x512.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi--1024x683.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi (">
src="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-1-768x507.jpg"
data-image="https://shehersaaz.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/International-Disaster-Risk-Reduction-Day-2023-Event-by-Shehersaaz-at-Government-Associate-College-for-Women-Dhok-Mangtal-Rawalpindi-1-1024x676.jpg"
data-title="International Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2023 - Event by Shehersaaz at Government Associate College for Women, Dhok Mangtal Rawalpindi (1)">
