Shahnawaz Chachar

Tag: Sindh

  • Understanding Violence Against Women in Post-Disaster Situations Training

    In the flood-prone areas of Sindh, specifically within District Kamber Shahdadkot, Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated a series of five, two-day training sessions for a diverse range of stakeholders, including Village Development Committees (VDCs), NGOs/CBOs, and project teams involved in disaster relief and recovery efforts, the training was organised by Takhleeq Foundation with the help of different donors. These crucial training sessions focused on understanding the complex dynamics of violence against women in post-disaster situations, recognizing that women and girls are often disproportionately vulnerable in the aftermath of natural disasters. The training covered key topics such as the different forms of gender-based violence, the psychosocial impact of disasters on women, and the importance of community participation in addressing and preventing such violence. The sessions also explored the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women in the aftermath of disasters, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and breakdown of social support systems. This training aimed to raise awareness about the increased risk of violence against women in post-disaster contexts, equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to such violence

  • Human Rights and Socio-Cultural Norms Training for Community Religious Leaders

    As part of a provincial project focused on promoting social harmony and peacebuilding, Shahnawaz Chachar facilitated a three-day training workshop for 40 community religious leaders from eight districts across Sindh and Balochistan provinces in 2006. This important workshop, organized by the Takhleeq Foundation in Karachi, aimed to promote human rights awareness and raise awareness about the influence of socio-cultural norms on peace and conflict. The training covered fundamental human rights principles and values, explored the complexities of cultural diversity within Pakistani society, and examined the crucial role that religious leaders can play in promoting social harmony and peaceful coexistence. The workshop provided a platform for religious leaders to engage in open dialogue, share their perspectives, and develop strategies for promoting peace and human rights within their respective communities. This initiative recognized the significant influence that religious leaders hold within their communities and sought to empower them as advocates for positive social change.

  • Organizational Capacity Building Training for Grass Root COs/NGOs in Sindh

    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.

  • Facilitated Peacebuilding Training Sessions in Khairpur, Sindh

    Shahnawaz Chachar conducted 25 two-day training sessions in Khairpur, Sindh, as part of the DAI-funded “Village Aman Otaq” peacebuilding project implemented by Samaj Development Foundation during May and June 2019. This crucial project focused on promoting peace and social cohesion within communities often affected by conflict. The training curriculum equipped participants with essential conflict resolution skills, effective communication techniques for de-escalation and dialogue, and practical community mobilization strategies to foster peace within conflict-prone areas. A key component of the project involved forming, organizing, and training village peace committees on basic peacebuilding activities and empowering them to engage in ongoing peacebuilding initiatives within their communities. Shahnawaz utilized a participatory training approach, actively engaging participants through group work, role-playing scenarios, and interactive discussions to maximize learning and ownership. The project specifically targeted remote and vulnerable areas of Khairpur district, where tribal conflicts and incidents of electoral violence had occurred, demonstrating a commitment to reaching those most in need of peacebuilding support.

  • Training Journalists and Citizens on Digital Media and Citizen Journalism in Pakistan (2018-2023)

    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.

  • Flood Emergency Relief Projects: Supporting Livelihood and WASH in Sindh

    As head of operations for Goth Seengar Foundation, Shahnawaz Chachar led Livelihood Cash for Work and WASH projects in post-flood Sindh. Funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the projects supported over 30,000 beneficiaries. GSF, with CRS support, provided seed, fertilizer, and PKR 30,000 for 32,000 families in Jacobabad. He led teams, managed interventions (baseline studies, beneficiary assessments, mega distributions, awareness sessions), managed budget, timeline, and resources, and communicated with the donor. (Location: Sindh province, Pakistan; Dates: Sep 2010 — Jun 2011)

  • FAFEN’s Democratic Governance Program: Mobilizing Voters and Observing Elections in Sindh

    Shahnawaz Chachar managed FAFEN’s Democratic Governance Program as program manager, a voter mobilization and election observation project implemented by Cavish Development Foundation. Funded by FAFEN (Free and Fair Elections Network), the project involved post-election activities in seven constituencies and five districts of Sindh. He managed activities, budget, timeline, and resources, coordinated with partner organizations, and communicated with the donor. (Location: Sindh province, Pakistan; Dates: Jul 2008 — Aug 2010)

  • Empowering Women and Reducing Poverty in Ghotki

    Shahnawaz Chachar managed two Care International-supported projects for Takhleeq Foundation in Ghotki. The projects empowered women and reduced poverty through skills training, microfinance, education, health, and social mobilization. He managed project activities, budget, timeline, and resources. He also worked in the Shahdadkot office on the post-disaster Psychosocial Support Project. (Location: Ghotki, Sindh; Dates: Dates not provided)

  • Community Mobilization for TB DOTS Diagnosis and Treatment in Kambar Shahdadkot

    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)

  • Preventing and Treating HIV/AIDS and Drug Use in Larkana

    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)

  • Psychosocial Support Project: Helping Flood-Affected Communities in Shahdadkot

    Shahnawaz Chachar coordinated the post-disaster Psychosocial Support Project, supported by Care International, in flood-affected areas of Shahdadkot. He coordinated with partner organizations, communicated with the donor, and reported on progress. (Location: Shahdadkot district, Pakistan; Dates: Jul 2007 — Jun 2008)

  • Trained District Peace Committees in Upper Sindh.

    During 2014 and 2015, Shahnawaz Chachar played a key role in designing, forming, and training district peace forums in Sukkur and Ghotki districts of Sindh province, Pakistan. These peace forums were established as part of the Marvi Rural Development Organization’s AWARE Project, funded by DAI (Development Alternatives, Inc.). The forums brought together diverse representatives from various segments of the community, including religious leaders from different faiths, prominent political figures, journalists, business leaders, women’s representatives, and tribal leaders. Shahnawaz designed and delivered training programs for these peace committees, focusing on conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding strategies, and human rights awareness. The training aimed to equip committee members with the skills and knowledge to effectively address local conflicts, promote interfaith harmony, and advocate for the rights of all community members, particularly religious and other minorities. The peace forums were designed to serve as platforms for regular meetings, allowing members to discuss local issues, identify potential triggers of conflict, and take collective action to maintain peace and social cohesion at the district level.

  • Ralli whispers, stories untold…

    Ralli whispers, stories untold…

    Ralli whispers, stories untold, A legacy in threads of gold.

    Sun-kissed hands, a needle’s song,Desert dreams in fabric strong.


    Sindh’s embrace, a vibrant hue,Warming nights, skies vast and blue.

    Her spirit stitched, a silent pride,Ralli quilts, where cultures hide.

    Each stitch a thread, a future sewn,Hope’s promise, brightly, gently shown.

    Centuries old, her skills remain,Ralli’s magic, whispered in the grain.

    May 05, 2021.

    Shahnawaz Chachar