This trip has been different from others because I’ve largely stayed in one place, and I’ve worked intensively with Caritas Pakistan’s earthquake team, rather than working with different partners.
Caritas only has a few more months before their programme is due to finish, following the three year anniversary of the October 2005 quake.
It’s been quite a journey for all that have been involved, and one that I’ve followed since March 2006 when I first joined CAFOD.
Right now, I’m helping compile reports for the donors that funded the work, introduce a filing system, and help ensure both men and women benefit equally from Caritas’ work.
The North West Frontier Province, where the office is based, is the most conservative area of Pakistan.
Making sure both women and men benefit equally from our programmes is a sensitive process – a little like brain surgery!
If you get the approach wrong, the results can be fatal. But what is certain is that it is much more dangerous for the women living here if things are left unchallenged.
Many women who were badly injured after the earthquake died because they were denied permission to leave the house in case they were seen by a male doctor.
Just trying to persuade families to allow their wives and daughters to attend Caritas health clinics has been a slow battle, but one that we are gradually winning.
At its heart, this programme has relied on building trust between Caritas and the local populations, between Christian and Muslim staff, and between East and West.
For all its inevitable problems and challenges, I feel privileged to have been part of this response and to have worked alongside colleagues from Pakistan, Nigeria, France, Afghanistan, UK, Australia, Turkey, Serbia, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
What can I say except that I love my job. But I also love coming home.
Posted by LucyM
Like what you read? Leave a comment or ask a question below
Latest posts
2 Comments
November 20, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Its dedicated people like yourself that have made the difference to this world. There are no words thankful enough to thank your commitment and love for the people.
God Bless You!
February 15, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Worst times have arrived therefore Mr. 10% (ten percent) have become leaders of our beloved country. I will not go into the details how corrupt our leaders are. Along with corruption they don’t care if poor people live or die. Zardari and his government have sold our country for few dollars and now our national interests are also on sale by him. When I think about the situation in Pakistan my heart really goes, looking at the necessity which Pakistani nation does not have, such as Sugar, Wheat flour, Electricity, Gas, jobs, clean drinking water and there is huge list of other necessities which Pakistani nation does not enjoy. However leaders of Pakistan have turned a blind eye to the problems of poor people. I always wonder that why Pakistan does not utilizes 18 billion people and produce various items which can later be sold in international market such as Airplanes, Fast Trains, Weapon technology and various other items. Leaders of Pakistan have pledged to neglect this nation and they are extremely busy filling their own pockets with stolen poor people’s money. I pray to God that the injustice vanishes soon and we see a real and authentic leader who can lead us through prosperity and happiness. I believe the leaders of Pakistan have failed to look after their country and they have failed to show care. We as a nation should unite together and raise against the ignorance we face today. Thank you