eCHRONICLESMonthly Staff NewsletterSeptember 2014 Issue No. 9

In This Edition

Editors: Content Writer: Graphic Designer:

Saeed-Ur-Rehman and Maryam ArifMomina Abrar

Mazhar Yaseen

EDITORIAL TEAM Chairperson: Country Director:

Projects Programs: CFO & Director Operations:

Sarah HashwaniAli Akbar

Col. Muhammad Sadiq Sulaiman Dhanani

2014 LEADERSHIP

Dear Readers!We welcome you to the ninth edition of our monthly E-Newsletter which reflects the recent activities within the Foundation.

This month has been strenuous both on the country and all colleagues alike due to existing law and order situation, and long commuting hours. We hope and pray for restored peace and prosperity!

Editor's Note

“There is little difference in

people, but that difference

makes a big difference. The

little difference is attitude. The

big difference is whether it is

positive or negative”.

W Clement Stone

Quote of The Month

We would like to appreciate all Hashoo Foundation Colleagues for their continuous enthusiasm and efforts to contribute in this E-Newsletter.

Looking forward to your feedback, and

innovative ideas to make our newsletters

more interesting for future posts!

Happy reading!

Editorial Team

ECD Teaching Workshop Training of Hashoo Foundation, with Provincial Minister of Information Gilgit Baltistan, Sadia Danish

Celebrating Achievements

AKESP, Mrs Kosar Bano, Acting RPM-AKRSP and 30 Heads

and ECD teachers from various notable government, private

and NGO owned schools in Gilgit district.

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Sadia Danish distributed certificates

and ECD toolkits among the passed out trainees. She

appreciated the positive role of HF in skills development of

young and fresh female graduates in GB. She further shed

light upon the positive impact she had noticed within the

district and encouraged the graduates to become the role

model for the Foundation in developing and generating a

rightful direction for the next generation.

On Saturday, August 30, 2014, Hashoo Foundation, hosted a

job fair titled, “ECD project: Celebrating Achievements” for

the passed out trainees enabling them to showcase their

achievements. There was profound excitement and pride,

as the successful trainees shared their inspirational

experiences. The event recognized the challenges and

achievements of ECD's trainees during their training voyage

and the post training impacts upon their lives.

The event was graced by Sadia Danish, Minister for

Information, Sports, Culture, Tourism and Youth affairs:

Gilgit-Baltistan(GB), Mr Salman Ali, ECD Coordinator-

Beyond Excellence

tenure so far. The trainees prepared a dish of choice from a

particular cuisine with instructions in the given preparation

time.

The dishes prepared were evaluated on the basis of both its

presentation and the taste. Mr. Qamar Munir assessed each

dish prepared critically and appreciated the efforts of the

trainees. He also expressed his confidence that the trainees

have proven to be amazing future chefs. One of the trainees

expressed his views:

“We highly appreciate the efforts of Hashoo Group of

Hotels in collaboration with Hashoo Foundation in

building our capacities and confidence in the field of

hospitality by imparting hands-on training to us under

the supervision of hospitality professionals. This

assessment session further helped us to self-evaluate our

capacities to compete in the hospitality division”.

The Food Preparation and Culinary Arts (FPCA) course

offered within HF's Skills Development program, prepares

people for careers in the international diaspora of Culinary

Arts.

The course combines business and management knowledge

with practical skills (hands on training) e.g. food art and

presentation. On august 26, 2014, the mid-term learning

assessment of the trainees of FPCA was conducted at Pearl

Continental (PC) Hotel, Bhurban under the supervision of

Mr. Qamar Munir, the Executive Chef, PC, Ms. Sofia, Training

Coordinator, FPCA and Mr. Imtiaz Ali Shah, Skills

Development Officer, Hashoo Foundation. This evaluation

was successfully organized for the trainees of FPCA placed

for hands on training.

The evaluation process constituted of a brief discussion with

the trainees regarding their experiences during the training

Mr. Qamar Munir, the Executive Chef: PC Bhurban evaluating the dishes made by the trainees

One Day Training On Seed Potato in Batakundi Naran

Agribusiness support fund ASF along with Hashoo Foundation had started a seed

potato value chain in Mansehra since November 28, 2012. The project aims to build

the capacities of the local farmers in new techniques, efficient farming practices,

post production handling and other aspects of seed potato business that can

improve their income and net profit margins. Hashoo Foundation team, in the

month of August 2014, facilitated a one day training for 375 members and

distributed free toolkits among the members of Farmer Enterprise Groups (FEGs) in

Batakundi Naran.

The trainer shed light upon the need of capacity enhancement program being an

on-job training that enables close contact of the trainers with the farmers including

soil preparation, harvesting, post-harvest and storage of the potatoes. A practical

demonstration of seed potato fields was also conducted where the farmers were

oriented upon the new techniques of sowing and increasing the production of

quality seed potato. One of the farmers shared his views:

“The seed cultivation was always a problem in our region, but with this training, we

have noticed a change in our approach towards of productivity measures. Instead

of following the traditional measures as previously done, currently we follow the

new scientific techniques taught to us by Hashoo Foundation team and we have

noticing a recorded change in yield. This knowledge has equipped us with necessary

skills for obtaining the best quality seeds, and we are grateful to Hashoo Foundation

for giving our region the attention and time to educate us on improving the quality

of our yield.”

Mr. Naseer Iqbal, International

Program Specialist, representative of

Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), visited

Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir on

August 18, 2014, to review the

impact of the project titled,

“Establishment of Two Human

D e v e l o p m e n t R e s o u r c e

Centers.”Hashoo Foundation, in

collaboration with ROTA, has been

working in Union Council Nar Shar Ali

Khan of District Bagh, AJ&K since

2011. The visit was planned to be of

for a duration of three days with a

variety of activities. Each day had a

different activity Mr. Naseer along

with Col. Muhammad Sadiq, Projects

Director, Hashoo Foundation, met

the Community elders of Nar Shar Ali

Khan and the family members of the

trainees. The community elders

acknowledged and appreciated

Hashoo Foundation and ROTA for

their services. One of the community

elders stated: “On behalf of the

whole community, I would like to

thank both Hashoo Foundation and

ROTA, for their kind intervention into

a region that had been neglected for

years. We truly appreciate the efforts

of the organizations in making

continuous efforts by imparting free

trainings to the youth who are the

future.”

Mr Naseer shared his views: “I am highly satisfied with the

achievement of ROTA-HF initiative

and the positive influence it has had

so far.”

Donor Visit to Bagh

The Agribusiness Project Provides Practical Demonstration in Field about Seed Potato

Hashoo Foundation Continues to Build New Partnerships

Hashoo Foundation's Program Development team also

successfully submitted a proposal to the Punjab

Development Fund (PSDF). This proposal aimed at training

youth from Punjab under our “Skills for Jobs 2014-15”

project.

Hashoo Foundation signed a formal agreement with Human

Appeal International to jointly bid for an upcoming Honey

Bee Farming project via UKAID grant. This project is

expected to be initiated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Editor's Note

Quote of The Month

Celebrating Achievements

Beyond Excellence

Donor Visit to Bagh

One Day Training On Seed Potato in Batakundi Naran

Hashoo Foundation Continues to Build New Partnerships

Welcome to the New Staff

Sharing Happiness

Notable Paradigm Shift

Health Dropbox

“When I first heard about the USAID Entrepreneurs Project

and Hashoo Foundation's initiative to build four input supply

shops in District Bahawalpur, I decided to contact the

Foundation's team as I had experience and sufficient

knowledge regarding the veterinary assistance” shares

Abdul Khaliq, aged 26. Abdul Khaliq a resident of Chak 85, district Bahawalpur, had

to look after his family in an insufficient amount of Rs. 1,000-

1,500 per month, which was barely enough to fulfil the basic

necessities of life for this veterinary assistant.

Hashoo Foundation's team equipped him to establish an

input supply shop with assistance from the project. Abdul

has been running it successfully from sometime now and has

managed to increase his monthly income to Rs. 6,000-7,500,

a remarkable difference in taking care and managing his

household's basic needs without difficulty. “Hashoo Foundation and USAID's Entrepreneurs Project has

made me an able person who can look after his family in the

best possible manner”, says Abdul.

“The additional money would help me secure a better and

brighter future for my daughter and assist the family to

alleviate the root of poverty”, he further shares positively. This intervention has not only changed Abdul's life but has

also facilitated other villagers in saving their cost and time to

travel 14 Kilometres away from their location to get access to

veterinary medicines.

“I lost five precious cows due to late treatment and

unavailability of veterinary medicine in my area”, shares

Ghulam Nasir, a dairy producer of Chak 85. “Now, my animals

are secure as they get timely vaccinations with instant

availability of veterinary medicines whenever required.”

Sharing Happiness

People born in September are very intelligent, they have an excellent memory and a highly analytical mind. This makes them good investigators and researchers.

Possessing great skills to be able to solve any problem, they are easy to talk to. When confronted with a problem, they will pick apart the pieces and put it together in the proper order. They are truthful, loyal and determined. Some people might find them cold or emotionally detached because they

Birthday Bites

Copyright © 2014 Hashoo Foundation Publication. All rights reserved.

www.hashoofoundation.org

Note: Facts and opinions contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons expressing them and should not be attributed to anyone else herein. Every piece of information is based/developed upon the facts provided to the e-Chronicles team. Feedback is welcome.

Hashoo Foundation USA9575 Katy Freeway, Suite 490Houston, TX 77024Tel: +1 713 483 4990 Fax: +1 713 759 0787

Hashoo Foundation UK1, Berkeley Street London W1J8DJ

Pakistan Country OfficeHouse # 2, Street # 35,Sector F-7/1, Islamabad Ph: +92-51-2609182-5Fax: +92-51-2609188

live in their minds, not in their emotions and feelings. They are rational thinkers and are good at settling other people's disputes and putting them on the right track for reconciliation. However, September born are more likely to dwell in much on the past and over complicate things resulting in difficulty to move forward.

We wish all our August born employees the best of everything. Stay Blessed!

Imtiaz Ali ShahSkills Development Officer

September, 1

We are pleased to share that Col. M. Sadiq has recently joined Hashoo Foundation as “Projects Director”. He is a graduate from Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul (PMA) and Command and Staff College, Quetta. He also is a Technical Staff Course qualified from College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME-NUST), Rawalpindi.

Heading the projects, ensuring its thorough supervision and complete implementation of various renowned projects on the social and developmental sector, Col. Sadiq brings 45 years of working experience to the Foundation. He has acquired a deep understanding of his professional skills and leadership qualities by being associated with well reputed International and National

Welcome to the New Staffsector institutes such as: Friends of Literacy & Mass Education (FLAME), Socio-Engineering Consultants (SEC), National Reconstruction Bureau Islamabad, Pakistan Literacy Commission, Government of Pakistan, Solid Waste Management and Environmental Enhancement (SWEEP) Project, Tameer-e-Millat Foundation and Society for Human Empowerment and Rural Development (SHER), Khushab. He has also been working with Hashoo Foundation as a Project Director for a Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) funded project since 2010. He has successfully headed three phases of the project. We warmly welcome Col. Sadiq to the Foundations and highly believe that he is indeed a valuable addition in HF team.

Col. M. SadiqProjects Director

Shahjee Nasir, a 26 year old

professional cook, belongs to

District Rahim Yar Khan: South

Punjab. Agriculture is a major source

of food and income for his family but

in his region, other socio-economic

opportunities other than agriculture

are nominal.

Nasir had very little income and his financial situation

deteriorated further as his father passed away. Being the

only bread earner and 6 dependents relying upon him, he

gave up his educational career in order to meet the needs

of his family.

Nasir started working in different organizations and

various fields. Although he was able to meet the financial

needs of his family but his efforts could not reap any

rewards. He joined PC Lahore in the capacity of a contract

employee, and was nominated for scholarship in

Hospitality Management Training under HF-PSDF

Initiative under “Skills for Job 2013-14.” Prior to acquiring

the training from HF, Zafar did not know of basic cooking

techniques.

Presently, Nasir is working in as a Chef in an international

Mexican food chain “Taco El Paso”. He is leading a team of

06 colleagues and juniors and is obtaining PKR 25000 as

the monthly salary in contrast to the meagre amount that

he used to obtain before learning cooking skills.

Nasir says:“I am one of the 174 trainees of the 1st batch who have

graduated in Hospitality Management Program under

PSDF's skills for jobs 2013-14 initiatives. Since I

implemented the skills taught by Hashoo Foundation, I am

reaping the benefits in the form of better salary, free meals

and free accommodation”

He expresses with pride:“I feel a paradigm shift in my life. HF- PSDF initiative (In

Hospitality Management) gave me a chance to become a

professional cook. My dream has come true, however I am

confine to excellence this field. I am very optimistic about

my future; threefold increase in my salary in such a short

period of time is not less than a miracle”.

Notable Paradigm Shift

Health Dropbox

Manage your time effectively in order to prioritize your

office tasks.Take 15-20 minutes off every day and practice

relaxation techniques like meditation, prayers or deep

breathing.Exercise regularly by walking, hiking, jogging, or

working out at the gym. Your body can fight stress better

when it is fit.Avoid smoking, over dose of caffeine, sugar and other

recreational drugs. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals like vegetables, fruits,

pulses, eggs/meat, nuts & seeds.Make sure your body is well rested before the day is

started.Share your feelings and do not keep them inside. Your

social network is one of your best tools for handling

stress. Talk to others -- preferably face to face, or at least

over the phone. Share what's going on. You can get a

fresh perspective while keeping your connection

strong.

Stress is termed as a psychological and physical reaction to

day to day life activities. The quick pace of today's life makes

stress management a necessary skill for everyone. Many

people manage multiple responsibilities like work, domestic

life chores, caregiving and relationships sided by side.

Learning to identify problems and implement effective

solutions, is the key to successful stress reduction. Here are

some stress-management tips that may help you feel better

- and less stressed - every day: Accept there are certain situations that you cannot

control. Defaulting to negative attitude does not help (''Nothing

goes right for me,'' or ''Bad things always happen to

me''). It is mandatory to give positive messages top self

in order to avoid taking unnecessary tensions in life

(such as, ''I'm doing my best,'' or ''I'll ask for help'').Agreeing to things that seek more efforts one can take

may result in an unhealthy state. When you are

overcommitted and under much stress, you're more

likely to feel physically and mentally drained.

Nusrat AliYouth Development Officer

Arshad MaseehOffice Helper

September, 11 September, 12

Pervaiz YousafSr. Finance Officer

September, 5