The Indus flows, serene and grand,
A silent witness to the land.
For centuries it’s served with grace,
Carving valleys, leaving its trace.
Now at Sukkur, its pace slows down,
Reflecting the colors of the setting sun’s crown.
A calmness settles, a peace profound,
As the river whispers on hallowed ground.
Shahnawaz Chachar
Shahnawaz Chachar provided specialized training to the data collection team and enumerators working on a UNODC-funded drug harm reduction and rehabilitation project implemented by CDNF (Community Development Network Foundation) in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, in March 2003. This training focused on equipping the team with the practical skills and knowledge needed for effective data collection and beneficiary selection. The training included hands-on exercises in sample data collection, guidance on determining appropriate sample sizes for field surveys, instruction in problem-solving techniques encountered during data collection, development of basic communication skills for interacting with respondents, emphasis on maintaining data privacy and confidentiality, and training on the proper use of reporting tools and forms. The training aimed to ensure the project’s data collection process was conducted ethically, accurately, and efficiently, leading to reliable data for program planning and evaluation.
Shahnawaz Chachar played a crucial role in training and managing a large team of over 500 enumerators responsible for collecting geo-based data from households across Pakistan for the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) in Kandhkot Kashmore and Shikarpur Districts of Sindh Province, in Pakistan. This extensive training program focused on equipping data collectors and supervisors with the necessary skills to utilize technology effectively in the field. Training covered GPS-based configuration of land blocks for accurate mapping, techniques for identifying and collecting comprehensive data from households, troubleshooting common technical issues encountered with data collection devices, configuring devices for optimal performance, supervising groups of enumerators to ensure data quality, accurately reporting collected data, syncing devices for secure data transfer, and submitting final daily reports to the central NSER server. Shahnawaz also provided training on the supervision and management of enumerators and other field staff to ensure efficient data collection operations. This training was essential for the successful implementation of the NSER, a vital tool for social and economic planning in Pakistan.
Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated more than 10 training sessions and workshops focused on organizational capacity building for grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in various districts of Sindh, Pakistan. These training initiatives aimed to enhance the organizational capabilities of these grassroots organizations, enabling them to design, implement, and manage effective programs and services that address the needs of their target communities. The workshops covered a wide range of essential topics, including project management principles and practices, sound financial management systems, effective monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and best practices in human resources management. Through these interactive workshops, participants learned practical strategies for developing sustainable and impactful programs, increasing community engagement and participation in their initiatives, and building strong partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders. The overall goal of these capacity building efforts was to empower local organizations to become more effective agents of community development.
Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated a two-day training workshop for volunteers and project staff involved in a UNODC-funded HIV/AIDS prevention project. This project was implemented by the Ghazi Social Welfare Association in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. The training workshop specifically aimed to educate participants about men who have sex with men (MSM) and intravenous drug users (IDUs) and their heightened vulnerability to HIV/AIDS transmission. The training included in-depth discussions on the various modes of HIV transmission, identification of key risk factors associated with MSM and IDU populations, and exploration of effective HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges faced by MSM and IDUs in accessing HIV/AIDS information and services, and were equipped with the necessary skills to address these challenges effectively within their communities.
Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated 25, five-day training sessions on life skills-based education (LSBE) for youth adolescents in Larkana district, Sindh, Pakistan, in collaboration with the Mathini Women Development Organization (MWDO) during 2004 and 2005. These LSBE training sessions aimed to equip young people with the essential life skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of adolescence and adulthood successfully. The training program included interactive activities and open discussions on crucial topics such as effective decision-making, setting realistic and achievable goals, developing strong communication skills, building healthy relationships, and promoting self-awareness and self-esteem. By the end of the training, participants gained a better understanding of themselves and the world around them, and were empowered to make informed decisions, cope with stress, and contribute positively to their communities.
Shahnawaz Chachar conducted a comprehensive training session on research methods and survey techniques for a baseline survey team working on a project focused on Camel Jockey children. This project was implemented by the IRC (Indus Resource Center, Khairpur) and funded by UNICEF. The training took place in Shahdadkot and Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan, and aimed to equip the survey team with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct an effective and rigorous baseline survey. The training covered a wide range of topics, including best practices for conducting interviews (structured and semi-structured), various data collection methodologies (quantitative and qualitative), effective beneficiary selection strategies, and accurate data entry procedures. Emphasis was placed on ethical considerations in research, data privacy, and ensuring the validity and reliability of the collected data. This training was crucial for the project’s success, as the baseline survey data would inform program design, implementation, and evaluation.
In the context of the 2007 flood emergency response in Yemeni, Shahnawaz Chachar conducted six two-day training sessions for local NGOs/CBOs (Community Based Organizations) and media workers operating in the affected areas of District Kamber Shahdadkot and Larkana. These vital training sessions were organized by Takhleeq Foundation, with support from Care International, and focused specifically on critical protection issues arising in emergency situations. The training curriculum covered a range of relevant topics, including child protection in emergencies, prevention and response to gender-based violence, human rights violations in disaster contexts, and the role of media in promoting protection and disseminating accurate information. This training initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of local actors, including NGOs, CBOs, and media professionals, to effectively protect vulnerable populations during and after disasters, ensuring that humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts were conducted in a way that respected and upheld the rights and dignity of all affected individuals.
Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated multipl training sessions for students, active citizens, and journalists in Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad from 2018 to 2023, focusing on digital media and citizen journalism and storytelling. These comprehensive trainings enhanced participants’ skills and knowledge in critical areas such as content creation techniques for various digital platforms (text, video, audio), ethical considerations in online reporting and information sharing, and best practices for disseminating information responsibly and effectively. He employed interactive andragogy methods like hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and engaging group discussions to maximize participant engagement and ensure effective learning transfer. This training initiative aimed to empower journalists and citizens to leverage digital platforms for impactful reporting, advocacy campaigns, and strengthened community engagement, ultimately promoting a more informed citizenry and fostering responsible journalism practices in Pakistan. The training also covered digital security and verification techniques to combat misinformation and disinformation.
Shahnawaz Chachar co-facilitated a three-day training needs assessment process for members of the Youth Parliament Pakistan, specifically focusing on representatives from their district youth assemblies. This important project was supported by the British Council and implemented by Cavish Development Foundation in Islamabad. The training needs assessment aimed to systematically identify and analyze the specific training needs of youth parliament members to enable them to perform their roles more effectively. He utilized participatory training methods, including facilitated focus group discussions, individual in-depth interviews, and structured survey questionnaires to gather comprehensive data on the training gaps and priorities of the young parliamentarians. The information gathered from this assessment was then used to develop a targeted and relevant training program that addressed the identified needs, strengthening the capacity of young parliamentarians to effectively represent their constituencies and advocate for youth issues at the national level.
Shahnawaz Chachar conducted two specialized training sessions for senior officials of the Rawalpindi district police during 2009-2010, focusing on the critical issue of preventing violence against women. These training sessions aimed to sensitize police officials to the complex dynamics of gender-based violence, dispel common myths and misconceptions, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to effectively handle cases of violence against women. He utilized a gender-sensitive and rights-based training approach, which emphasized the fundamental importance of human rights and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender. The training also covered legal frameworks related to violence against women and best practices for investigation, victim support, and referral services. This training initiative aimed to improve police response to gender-based violence, promote a more sensitive, empathetic, and supportive approach to survivors, and ultimately contribute to a safer environment for women in Rawalpindi.
As a highly experienced master trainer, Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated extensive training programs focusing on governance monitoring, election observation, voter mobilization, human rights awareness, democracy education, accountability promotion, volunteering, and youth activism. These comprehensive trainings aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in various aspects of governance and democratic participation. Participants learned methods for effectively monitoring and evaluating government performance and service delivery, observing and reporting on elections to ensure fairness and transparency, and mobilizing communities to actively participate in democratic processes. Shahnawaz employed a combination of theoretical instruction and practical training methods, including real-world case studies, interactive group exercises, and realistic simulations to provide participants with hands-on experience and build their confidence. These trainings were designed to empower citizens, particularly youth, to actively engage in democratic processes, advocate for their rights, and hold their elected officials accountable.
Shahnawaz Chachar coordinated a HIV/AIDS prevention and drug harm reduction project for CDNF in Larkana. Leading a team of 10, he provided awareness, testing, counseling, and treatment. Funded by UNODC and SACP/NACP, the project addressed HIV/AIDS and drug use. He managed activities, budget, timeline, and resources, and coordinated with stakeholders. (Location: Larkana district, Pakistan; Dates: Jun 2002 — Nov 2004)
Shahnawaz Chachar mobilized communities, conducted diagnosis camps, trained staff, reported TB cases, and coordinated with stakeholders for Mercy Corps Pakistan’s TB DOTS treatment project in Kambar Shahdadkot. Funded by the European Commission, the project provided TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. (Location: Kambar Shahdadkot district, Pakistan; Dates: Jan 2005 — Mar 2006)