Kashmir Relief
Since October 11, 2005, CFC has been committed to providing disaster relief services to the survivors of the devastating 7.6 October 8th 2005 earthquake.
On October 19, 2005 the organization launched its Disaster Relief Effort in Kashmir in response to the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake. For a 30-day period CFC provided emergency supplies in the form of dry milk, blankets, plastic sheets, tents, flashlights, drinking water, warm clothing, et cetera to the residents of various villages in the Jhelum Valley.
Out of this immediate response to the earthquake several collaborative projects came to fruition. On October 20, 2005 CFC began its collaboration with U.S. based NGO, Operation Heartbeat, and the Pakistan Armed Forces. Together, medical services were provided to the residents of Jhellum valley through mobile healthcare camps, with base camps in Gharri Dupatta and Chikkar, as well as additional satellite camps throughout the valley.
As the need for emergency relief tapered, what began as a single relief effort developed into a three tier CFC Disaster Relief Project. The three components of the project were healthcare, mental health and education. The mental health component of the project ended in April 2007 after it had exceeded its target of individuals reached by the mental health trainings. However, CFC currently still has a strong presence in the Hattian Balla Tehsil of the Muzaffrabad District, as the organization is still running the healthcare and education components of the Relief Project.
Education – Project Kitab
Project Kitab is a pilot project which aims to create a model of self-sufficient, effective administration and teaching in primary schools. On December 10, 2005 established a co-ed primary tent school based in the Hattian Bala tehsil in Bandi Chakkan. Bandi Chakkan is a small, remote community of approximately 1500 residents. Prior to the earthquake the school of 150 pupils operated out of the only teacher’s house and was a severely under-funded government school.In the interim of beginning construction of a physical school building, CFC has supplied the school with additional tents – to form different level classrooms, hired and pays for four additional teachers, and has provided essential school supplies – including stationary, blackboards, textbooks, etc. Aid has also been provided in the form of warm clothing, blankets and heaters for the winter months, an important incentive to increase pupil attendance.CFC’s strategic plan for 2008 is to finish construction of the school building, furnish the classrooms, provide additional teaching and school supplies, and to provide trainings for the teachers.
Healthcare
Bandi Chaka has not had medical service provision in its area prior to this Initiative. Following the completion of the school building, CFC will begin to pay the salary for a doctor or LHV for the duration of one-year in an effort to introduce medical services to the students and community for the first time. One room in the school will be allocated for medical services. CFC will equip this room with necessary equipment and provide on-going training to its medical staff for a one-year period. CFC will facilitate relationships to assist with procuring medication and supplies on a sustainable basis.
