In Pakistan and several other countries across South Asia, there are significant challenges with the allocation of aid. This aid primarily refers to funding directed towards Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged in various initiatives at the regional, provincial, or national levels. Despite the pressing need for increased social development aid, there persists a notable discrepancy in getting aid to the appropriate recipients in a timely manner. This challenge, however, does not primarily stem from corruption, lack of consideration, or a deficit of willpower. Instead, the primary culprit is disorganization.

Why Disorganization in Aid in Gilgit Baltistan?

In the context described, aid refers to the support received by Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from various sources such as governments, other NGOs, and agencies. While foreign monetary aid is a notable example, it’s not the sole form of aid. Instead, we’re focusing on how these organizations acquire support from different entities within their own country or from international sources.

In the West, aid is usually funded through open sources like DFID or UNAID or other forms. The aid is not given purely as a donation instead it has many steps where it asks one for their organisational information and so on. It even has many funding rounds (stages) of accquiring monteary funds. This allows one to approach each agency, and explain clearly what is needed and what is meant.

This is not the case in Pakistan.

1. Limited Resources Distribution: When government funding is allocated without transparency or accountability, it can result in a few select NGOs receiving the majority of the resources, leaving others with limited support. This can hinder the overall development and impact of the NGO sector.
2. Inequality and Unfair Practices: Without transparency, there’s a risk of inequality and unfair practices in the selection process for funding. NGOs that have connections or political affiliations may receive preferential treatment over others, regardless of their effectiveness or impact.
3. Dependency on Government Funding: NGOs and NPOs becoming overly reliant on government funding can be problematic, especially when the funding allocation process lacks transparency. Dependence on a single funding source can undermine the independence and autonomy of these organizations, limiting their ability to pursue their mission effectively.
4. Potential Solutions:
   • Advocacy for Transparency: NGOs and NPOs, along with civil society organizations, can advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of government funding. This can involve lobbying for policy reforms that mandate transparent processes for funding distribution.
   • Diversification of Funding Sources: Encouraging NGOs to diversify their funding sources can reduce dependency on government funding. This may involve seeking support from international donors, private foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
   • Capacity Building: Providing capacity-building support to NGOs and NPOs can help them become more sustainable and resilient, reducing their reliance on government funding. This support can include training in fundraising, financial management, and organizational development.
   • Networking and Collaboration: NGOs can also collaborate and network with each other to share resources, best practices, and advocacy efforts. Collective action can amplify their voices and increase their influence in advocating for fair and transparent funding practices.

Addressing these challenges requires collective action from NGOs, NPOs, government agencies, and civil society to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources in Pakistan’s development sector.

In Gilgit Baltistan, the NGO has tried to push the government away from this model, and we have reached somewhat success however much work is needed to bring Western model of foreign aid into good governance.

Support a Noble Cause this Ramadan!

This Ramadan, let’s join hands to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Visit

gbgoodwillmovement.com

and contribute to our charitable efforts. Your donations will be utilized to:

1.

Provide free training to disabled individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan.

2.

Treat various diseases affecting disabled individuals.

3.

Provide essential ration to the needy during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Together, we can bring hope, support, and opportunity to those who need it most. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small. Let’s spread the spirit of generosity and compassion this Ramadan.

Donate now and be a part of something meaningful!

The onset of the winter season is evident in numerous regions, if not predominant across the globe. During this time, the prevalence of disorders such as Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to escalate, affecting various communities, particularly those that are marginalized. In the specific case of Gilgit Baltistan, a considerable number of disabled individuals find themselves in dire circumstances, grappling with the scarcity of food and the absence of electricity in numerous areas.

Despite the harsh realities faced by individuals in these circumstances, society often turns a blind eye, failing to recognize the severity of the challenges posed by the harsh winter conditions. The social model of health therefore needs to be re-examined by officials, NGO, and others around the globe.

Social model of health

If focusing solely on the Social Determinants of Health: This model recognizes that health outcomes are shaped by social factors such as income, education, employment, housing, and access to healthcare. These determinants play a major role in an individual’s health status.

Income

Deprived of income, a disabled individual finds it challenging to sustain their livelihood, let alone maintain adequate housing conditions for their family. Despite our persistent efforts to highlight the importance of a 3% job quota for disabled individuals in Gilgit Baltistan, it appears to be a peripheral concern for both the government and society. As a community, how can we proactively address this issue?

Given our significant presence as an international force on social media, there exists a compelling opportunity for us to advocate for the rights of Persons with Disabilities. Are these not fundamental human rights? Or is it possible that our cause is overlooked due to a lack of visual appeal, making it easier for society to disregard our concerns?

Education

Similarly, the role of education, an ostensibly minor determinant, contradicts the imperative it should hold within our communities. The prevailing status quo fails to afford equivalent educational opportunities to our populace as readily provided to others. What accounts for this disparity, and why does our societal framework not ensure equitable access to education for all? Is it fear?

Healthcare

In Pakistan, where healthcare resources are constrained, the fundamental right to accessible healthcare, particularly during the winter, becomes imperative. Recent reports of pneumonia cases among children in Lahore underscore the urgency of addressing healthcare disparities. It is essential to recognize that malnutrition not only poses a threat to general health but also intensifies the vulnerability of disabled individuals. The winter season, known for its harsh conditions, magnifies the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Consequently, it is incumbent upon authorities to formalize initiatives that provide free healthcare services, especially during periods of heightened health risks, ensuring a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system for all citizens.

Conclusion

In light of the existing societal polarization in Pakistan, exacerbated by the electoral dynamics and the wheat crises in Gilgit Baltistan, it is imperative to allocate concerted efforts towards addressing the needs of disabled individuals during the winter season. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish enduring mechanisms aimed at mitigating disparities in areas such as income, health, and social well-being. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, thereby contributing to the overall welfare of the population.

Dear Candidate

I trust this message finds you well. I hope you can spare some time for introspection regarding your interest in applying for the vacant position.

Allow me to elucidate certain crucial aspects that merit your consideration.

A long way to go yet

In this movement, of PWDs development not just within Gilgit, but within Baltistan, every NGO has a goal : to make society more inclusive. Our enduring structural plan hinges on three pivotal components: 1) effective project management, 2) the capability to execute plans proficiently, and 3) the acumen to discern tangible results

Not every non-governmental organization (NGO) espouses a specific long-term mindset, and such discretion is well within their prerogative : nonetheless, every NGO wants good for disabled people. So we have to bring in individual reforms at every level

You & Project Management

At Goodwill, you will have the liberty to express your own insights, opinions, and perspectives. The intention is not to appoint a “yes man”; on the contrary, we seek individuals who embody the following ideals for this field of work:

A. Aspire to catalyze positive change for the disabled society.

B. Envision transformative shifts in individual behavior.

C. Advocate for the integration and flourishing of disabled individuals within an egalitarian society.

At Goodwill, the emphasis is not solely on generating the most creative reports but rather on fostering a collaborative environment where shared contributions are valued.

Which fields can I bring change in?

• Gender equality
• Disablity rights
• PWDs and social rights
• PWDs and employment rights
• How can we change institutions within society

Results

In Goodwill, as in many organizations, supervisors generally seek tangible results. However, the nature of these results may vary based on the approach of measurement—whether quantitatively or qualitatively. Nonetheless what we are concerned about is whether such measures can help disabled people in whatever field they choose to go, for example Khushan.

The only thing that matters is whether Goodwill, makes a change in a person’s life : whether that is a huge or a small change

The only question now is are you ready to join us? 👇👇👇👇👇

Apply now

Every institution must prioritize its professional development. The specialized enhancement of diverse skills is instrumental in fostering the growth of an institution. Therefore, GB Goodwill Movement is pleased to declare the commencement of recruitment for the positions of Project Manager and External Affairs Officer at Goodwill Movement, Gilgit.

Adhering to the professional ethics inherent in working for a non-governmental organization (NGO), we recognize that a functioning society relies on the collaboration of numerous individuals and networks.

We anticipate that the selected candidate will contribute significantly to our NGO’s growth, expanding not only in disability development but also in promoting the social inclusion of the disabled/differently-abled community.

Please refer to the attached job description on our homepage for more details.

To view our Annual Reports, Team Goodwill has published its reports on its LinkedIn Page

Please find the necessary documents via the Documents tab on the Page.

Happy World Braille Day! Let’s celebrate the life and legacy of Louis Braille, who opened the doors of literacy and education for millions of people with his ingenious invention.

On this World Braille Day, let’s remember the words of Louis Braille: “Access to communication in the widest sense is access to knowledge, and that is vitally important for us if we are not to go on being despised or patronized by condescending sighted people. We do not need pity, nor do we need to be reminded that we are vulnerable. We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way we can bring this about.”

World Braille Day is a day to celebrate the power of reading and writing, and the amazing contribution of Louis Braille, who created a system of raised dots that can be felt with the fingertips. Braille is not just a code, but an assistive language of light and hope for many people around the world.

Are other Assistive Technologies available in Gilgit Baltistan?

The availability of other essential technologies such as hearing aids, speech-generating devices, and assistive language devices is notably deficient in Gilgit Baltistan. This deficiency is exacerbated by a paucity of financial resources allocated to initiatives addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Regrettably, both the general populace and educational institutions in the region demonstrate a lack of interest in integrating these technologies.

The imperative to advocate for equality within society is underscored by the prevailing inequities in access to assistive technologies. The marginalized position of disabled individuals, attributed to constrained financial resources and societal misconceptions, underscores the need for a more inclusive and discerning perspective. The question arises as to why individuals with disabilities are precluded from contributing meaningfully to societal discourse merely on the grounds of limited funding or understanding. Advocating for equal representation and influence for disabled individuals is not merely a matter of justice but also a necessity for fostering a truly inclusive and participatory society.

Upon this New Year’s Eve, Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement – GBGM would like to congratulate Khushan Bano for her services to the Mehnaz Fatima Foundation.

Khushan served as an intern in Mehnaz Fatima’s finance and HR department. On behalf of the GBGM team, we would like to thank Ms Tahira for her belief in our work.

#WorkingTogetherToMakeADifference 

#DisabilityIsNotInability 

#disabilityawareness

Its significance

in places like Gilgit Baltistan, where DPOs are ignored, this is a huge success for our people and our community. It shows that disabled/differently abled people can thrive within society. Goodwill has long struggled for the rights of disabled persons, in their educational skills, employment and vocational skills.

This is a huge SUCCESS!!