HASHOO FOUNDATION USA RECEIVES JEFFERSON AWARD

HOUSTON, TEXAS.- The City of Houston's "Houston Spirit of Volunteerism" reception was held on May 1st at the Houston Public Library Julia Ideson Building to honor more than 200 volunteers nominated for the 28^th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Houston Awards.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker presented medallions to five local winners of the Jefferson Awards Youth Service Challenge. The awards recognize exemplary student-led volunteer public service in communities across America.  Nominees for the award include the Mayor’s Youth Council, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, Lemonade Day, TAPS and the Hashoo Foundation. 

Houston Mayor Annise Parker presents the Jefferson Award  to the Hashoo Foundation. Cristal Montanez Baylor, Executive Director, receives the Award on behalf of the Hashoo Foundation USA

 

The Youth Service Award (YSC) is a national youth community service program coordinated by the Jefferson Awards for Public Service.  The program strives to build year-round public service and promote student leadership.  Activities focus on three public service categories:  "End Hunger," "Save the Environment" and "Promote Health and Wellness."  Students are encouraged to follow their passions in serving their communities.

The Hashoo Foundation was recognized for its project “Plan Bee”. This project provides a platform for the Klein Forest High School’s Pakistani Indian Student Association (PISA) to promote inter-cultural relations and reach out, share their creativity, and funds they earn from their "Cultural Shock" charity shows to help the women beekeepers who lost their beehives –their only source of income- to the devastating floods in Pakistan. PISA students have provided new beehives to help the beekeepers rebuild their honey business and provided their children access to quality education. 

Rita Arocha, Cristal Montanez Baylor, Executive Director Hashoo Foundation USA, Dr. Norman LaFave,
Klein Forest High School, and Mahruhk Nasar, University St. Thomas SEP, at the Jefferson Award

The Credit and Enterprise Development (CED) pilot program is another project of the Hashoo Foundation created in partnership with students from University of St. Thomas Social Entreperneurship Program (UST SEP), Rice Microfinance (RMF), and Micro Finance Initiative at University of Houston (MFi UH) to provide students with the opportunity to engage in sustainable economic development with a market based approach by using revolving micro credit as a tool for poverty alleviation.  CED facilitates the disbursement and recovery of the micro credits provided by the students to the “Plan Bee” women beekeepers. These small loans help the women keepers purchase more hives to achieve economies of scale, expand their enterprise and educate their children.

The "Houston Spirit of Volunteerism" reception is sponsored by the Mayor’s Volunteer Initiatives Office and Volunteer Houston. 

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City of Houston Press Release

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About Hashoo Foundation

Hashoo Foundation’s mission is to enable and empower communities to be independent by facilitating equitable access to opportunities through economic development and education.

Hashoo Foundation USA Chapter is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization based in Houston, TX.

The Hashoo Foundation's Women’s Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming "Plan Bee" project was initiated to empower women in the remote areas of Northern Pakistan by expanding employment opportunities and generating a stable source of income through the sale of high-quality honey.

“Plan Bee” has been recognized for its innovation and impact by various international organizations, including the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and BBC World Challenge ’08 Global Award.

For more information on “Plan Bee”, please contact:

Cristal Montañéz Baylor . Executive Director

Hashoo Foundation USA

9575 Katy Freeway Suite 490 . Houston, TX 77024

Direct +1 713 483-4990 .  Fax+ 1 713-759-0787
www.hashoofoundationusablog.org

US PARTNERS HELP 179 BEEKEEPERS REBUILD THEIR HONEY ENTERPRISE IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN

Taking Social Enterprise Development to the Next Level

Honey bee farming training in Skardu sponsored by the Chapelwood Foundation

 

Measurable Impact

 

Houston, TX.- Hashoo Foundation’s US partners provided 554 beehives to help 179 beekeepers in the flood affected areas kick-star their honey enterprise and recover their livelihood, impacting the lives of more than 1,391 dependents. 460 of their children are expected to have access to quality education during 2012.

 

151 beehives were distributed to 71 beekeepers affected by the floods in the villages of Mominabad, Danyore, Mohammad Abad, and Sultanabad in Gilgit, and Skardu, last September, and 403 additional beehives will be distributed in April 2012, to other 108 beekeepers in the affected areas in Gilgit and Skardu.

 

Distribution of beehives donated by PISA (Pakistani Indian Student Association) at Klein High School to beekeepers from Mohammad Abad, Sultanabad and Danyore in Gilgit Baltistan

Empowering Women with the Help of Honey Bees

Honey bee farming training in Gilgit Baltistan

Plan Bee serves is as a sustainable social-business model which uses a multi-sector approach and promotes women as the means of their own economies.

The 554 beehives are expected to produce 9,972 kg. (21,984.50 lb.) during the 2012 harvesting season which begins in April and end in October.
 
The beekeepers will be able to earn $72.00 per beehive per year.

Two Additional Beehives will Increase the Beekeepers’ Profit and Sustainability

Important Field Findings

Gender Inequality: Women Account for 55% of the Honey Producers and Account for Only 35% of the Total Income Generated by Honey Production in the Area

 Honey bee farming training in Skardu sponsored by the Chapelwood Foundation

 

A study supervised by Hashoo Foundation found large discrepancies between women representation in the beekeeping sector of the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral and the income they generate when compared to their male counterpart.

 

Women account for 55% of honey producers in the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. However, they only account for 35% of the total income generated by honey bee production in the area.

 

This discrepancy could arise from the fact that on average, male beekeeper owns more beehives than a woman beekeeper. 68.2% of women beekeepers own less than 5 beehives, which is the critical point at which beekeeping becomes profitable.

 

Honey bee farming training in Skardu

 

Pursuing a Sustainable Integrated Approach to Poverty Alleviation and Gender Equality

 

In order to address this discrepancy and increase the beekeepers’ profit and sustainability, it is necessary to increase the number of beehives per beekeeper to a minimum of 5 beehives.

 

Our immediate challenge is to provide each of these 179 beekeepers with 2 additional beehives to increase the number of their beehives to at least 5 per beekeeper. 

 

358 additional beehives are needed to increase the number of beehives to a minimum of 5 beehives per women beekeeper and promote the sustainability of their enterprises.

 

The cost?  The current cost of a beehive is $120.00.  358 beehives will cost $43,000.  A beekeeper will be able to earn $72.00 per beehive per year. Beekeepers with 5 beehives are expected to earn $360 per year.

 

Each beehive is expected to produce 18 kg. (39.68 lb.) of honey per year. 358 beehives are expected to produce 6,444 kg. (14,206.59 lb.) of honey per year. These beehives should be distributed by the end of June 2012 to enable the beekeepers to benefit from the second and third harvest in 2012. 

 

You Can Change a Woman’s Life.

Would You Help Us Provide the Needed 358 Beehives?

 

If you are interested in investing in beehives and need more information on Plan Bee, contact Cristal Montañéz, Executive Director of Hashoo Foundation USA. cristalmontanez@hashoofoundationusa.org

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities & Resources Needed

 

Building on the success of Women’s Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming Plan Bee, Hashoo Foundation is now seeking technical and financial investment to replicate this successful model across Pakistan and in the region.

 

Join us in our efforts to alleviate poverty by giving women entrepreneurs the opportunity to improve their lives.

 

We are looking for partners and volunteers that can help facilitate the following:

Organize events and fundraisers to create awareness of Plan Bee in Houston and other cities in the US.

Establish connection with corporations interested in promoting economic development through their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Explore ways we can collaborate with other organizations, schools, other women empowerment initiatives and government agencies.

Help promote Plan Bee in the Social Media, media and philanthropic publications.

Or, simply make a donation to Plan Bee to invest in beehives.

 

 

When a Woman has Economic Security, Her Family has Economic Security…

 

Economic development programs like Plan Bee help alleviate poverty, strengthen vulnerable communities and help decrease the influence of extremism in Pakistan.

 

 

Help Us Expand a Global Award-Winning Initiative

 

The project has been recognized and rewarded for its innovation and impact by various international organizations:

 

Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Featured Commitment, and the winner of the prestigious BBC World Challenge ’08 Global Award.

 

 

Women’s Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming Project

Plan Bee

 

Brief Project Reference

 

The Women’s Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming Plan Bee was initiated by the Hashoo Foundation to empower women in the remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral in Northern Pakistan by expanding employment opportunities and generating a stable source of income through the sale of high-quality honey.

 

Hashoo Foundation’s ability to connect the producers to the market is what makes this project one of the most effective economic empowerment projects in Northern Pakistan.

 

In 2007, Plan Bee started in the Gilgit region with just 50 women. Today, the project has expanded its reach and impact to the Chitral, Hunza, Kalash Valley and Skardu regions of Northern Pakistan, and has achieved some significant milestones.

To date, Hashoo Foundation’s “Plan Bee” has trained 642 women in honeybee farming and developed honey value chain of the micro entrepreneurs. Courses which are taught in the local languages cover all aspects of the beekeeping, including beehive management, the extraction process, hygienic packaging, and transport of beehives, logistics and marketing. 1,727 beehives have been distributed and 31,000 kg. (68,343 lb.) of honey produced and sold to the market.

Over 5,000 dependents obtained better nutrition and health. The production of honey has increased 15% from 16.5 to 18 kg. per beehive (36.38 lb. to 39.68 lb.) and 30% of the women have managed to expand their honey bee farming business. The average household income as a result of the sale of honey has increased 32%.

Our Mountain Honey Pays for Education

Plan Bee is based on a system of social barter, designed to promote social change. Hashoo Foundation buys the women beekeepers' honey above the market price and successfully links them to the lucrative markets of 5-Star hotels, grocery stores and other outlets in Pakistan provided that the families agree to send their children to quality schools, have regular health check-ups and improve nutrition at home.

More than 1,000 girls and boys are now attending quality schools as a result of this project.

Hashoo Foundation’s Commitment to the Beekeeping Communities

Plan Bee Beekeepers Moving Forward After a Temporary Set-Back

In 2010,  floods triggered by torrential monsoon rains, considered as the worst in the history of Pakistan, caused major damage to infrastructure, roads and bridges, and property losses, affecting 435 beekeepers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, including the loss of 742 of their beehives, causing a substantial decrease in honey production in Northern Pakistan.

 
Beehives damaged by the floods in Gilgit Baltistan

A year and a half after the floods, Hashoo Foundation continues to work closely with the beekeeping community in rebuilding their  livelihoods and honey enterprises.

 

Beekeepers receiving beehives donated by PS@B (Pakistani Students Association at Brown University)

 

The Foundation has replaced hundreds of damaged beehives and production kits; provided refreshing training and value chain development; and helped the families enroll their children back in quality schools during this challenging times.

 

Distribution of beehives donated by PISA (Pakistani Indian Student Association) at Klein High School to beekeepers from Mohammad Abad, Sultanabad and Danyore in Gilgit Baltistan

 

 

For more information contact:

Cristal Montañéz Baylor, Executive Director
HASHOO FOUNDATION USA
9575 Katy Freeway Suite 490 . Houston, TX 77024
Direct +1 713 483-4990 . Fax+ 1 713-759-0787
www.hashoofoundationusablog.org

2007-2012 SUMMARY HASHOO FOUNDATION'S WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH HONEY BEE FARMING "PLAN BEE" PROJECT

2007-2012 Summary Hashoo Foundation's Women's Empowerment Through Honey Bee Farming Plan Bee Project

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: HASHOO FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES 31,954 BOOKS DONATED BY ROTARY BOOKS FOR THE WORLD

 

Pakistan, March 2012._ Book Distribution in Pakistan of the First Container Donated By Rotary Books of the World and The Second Wind Foundation

 

Project Description

 

The partnership between Rotary Books for the World Project, The Second Wind Foundation, and the Hashoo Foundation and Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla was announced during the Rotary Bookleggers International Summit in Houston.

Charlie and Barbara Clemmons, Founders of the Rotary Books for the World and President Second Wind Foundation, signed the MOU, which defines the relationships, duties, and covenants made between these three parties. The Second Wind Foundation, hereafter called Second Wind, has the administrative and financial responsibility for the Rotary Books for the World program. Cristal Montañéz, Executive Director of the Hashoo Foundation USA made a presentation on the status of the HF Schools and the need for books to promote literacy and education in Pakistan.

 

Project Details

 

A 40-foot container filled with books for the Hashoo Foundation (HF) 's Schools,   the Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla adopted schools and other educational institutions in Pakistan was shipped by Rotary Books for the World and Second Wind Foundation.

Under this program, books and other educational materials were donated without charge and shipped to Islamabad under the restrictions and agreements provided. Hashoo Foundation/Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla are referred to as the Distributor and have agreed to distribute the donated resources to the needy in Pakistan free of charge.

 

Sorting of the Books

 

Hashoo Foundation received the container on May 20, 2011, filled with approximately 31,868 books of different levels and educational material to promote literacy and education in Pakistan.

 

HF formed a team of volunteers comprising 15 people to sort the books.

 

 

For three weeks the volunteers categorized the books; Mathematics School, College and University Level,English Literature, German Language, English Language for all levels, Biology & Science , Computer Science, Engineering, Misc., School kits, CD, DVD and Videotape /cassettes.

 

 

Click to see more sorting of the books pictures

 

Rotary Books for the World Distribution in Schools and Educational Institutions in Pakistan

 

31,954 books donated by Rotary Books for the World were distributed by Rotary Club Islamabad Margalla and Hashoo Foundation to Youth Development Centers (YDCs), HF Schools and other educational institutions and organization across the country.

 

Click to see book distribution pictures

 

1. Mountain Institute for Educational Development (MIED)

 

MIED Pakistan is a national NGO aiming and working to improve the quality of education in Pakistan. It is registered under the Societies Act.1860 and has been awarded NPO certification by Pakistan Centre of Philanthropy (PCP).

 

MIED was established in 2003 when likeminded educationists committed to bring about educational change in the country. MIED is governed by an Executive Committee (BoG) headed by a Chairman and an Executive Director (who is the lead Founder of the organization), followed by a Management Committee, comprised of working professionals and education managers.

 

For the implementation of the educational projects, MIED management employs quality educational leaders who work as mentors for the project team and ensure result based management of project activities. For the implementation of its educational programs (school improvement and ECCD), MIED has been working with various organizations since 2004. MIED's specialized programs include, but are not specific to:

 

1. School Improvement Program (SIP)
2. Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)
3. School Heads and Teachers' capacity building
4. Community Mobilization in Education
5. Fast Track Secondary Education (FTSE)
6. Non Formal Education (NFE)
7. Institutional Capacity building of other organizations

 

 

The contribution of Rotary and HF through the donation of library books as learning resources furthers MIED's objective of quality education. HF distributed 2,850 books on different subject including Biology, Mathematic, English literature, communication, novels and general knowledge as well as 300 CDs on science.

MIED has over 350 project areas in different localities where approximately 2,000 teachers receive training on a quarterly basis. These trainings are mainly designed to enhance the English, Science, Mathematics and Pedagogical knowledge. “The books donated to MIED from HF add value not only to training process in MIED's project areas, but also play a vital role in developing reading habits of teachers, teacher educators, project managers and students”, said a teacher.

 

 

The strategy for Effective Utilization of the books was based on the MIEDs management decision; the books were distributed among the projects in the following manner:

 

The target groups/readers are as follows:

1. School teacher in project areas
2. Teacher Educators in SIP
3. Project Mangers SIP
4. Students of SIP Schools in project areas
5. MIED management acknowledges and thanks Rotary Books for the World and

 

HF, particularly Shukoor Ullah Baig, Program Officer Education and Mr. Nusrat, Liaising Officer, for the contribution of books to MIED.

MIED's leadership further stated “We would like to bring to the notice of the management of HF that MIED needs and regards more such support and donation of books to our schools. Our continuous working relationship plays a vital role in benefitting unattended children, their communities and teachers in the remotest regions of Pakistan”.

 

 

2. Regional Office Gilgit (ROG)

 

YDC Gilgit was established in August 2005 for the students of Gilgit studying at different colleges, schools and universities. Its small library became very popular, but its limited stock left much to hope for. Unfortunately, lack of funds ensured that no new additions could be made to the shelves. HF remedied this situation by distributing 3,013 new books to their library.

 

 

 

 

3. Regional Office Chitral (ROC)

 

The Hashoo Hostel in Joghor, District Chitral was setup to provide accommodation for male and female students from remote areas. It also creates an ideal environment for introducing co-curricular activities. Presently there are 60 students residing at the institute.

 

 

With the help of the generous donation of books the Hostel now has a well-stocked library with over 3,104 books. The boarders expressed their gratitude for establishing this facility for them and are actively utilizing the knowledge resource.

 

 

 

4. Society for Human Empowerment and Rural Development (SHER), District Khushab, Punjab

 

Society for Human Empowerment and Rural Development (SHER) is working in Health, Education and Micro Credit sectors to promote Human Development. SHER has focused on both formal and non-formal education programs in all three Tehsils of Khushab.

 

 

Health units are being run by SHER, which provide basic health services to the village of MithaTiwana. Females are given loans for income generating purposes.

Hashoo Foundation distributed 4,512 books to SHER School System at a Book Fair.

 

 

President SHER in his welcome address appreciated Rotary and Hashoo Foundation for donating the valuable knowledge resource.

 

 

5. Umeed-e-Noor Center for Special Children (UEN)

 

The HF team organized a book distribution ceremony at UEN in which 916 books were donated to the center including children's activity and curriculum related books.

 

 

 

Umeed-e-Noor is a nonprofit organization committed to the welfare of children with special needs. It provides high quality continuous care, dedicated to the needs of these children. Their program includes regular schooling, speech therapy, physiotherapy, counseling and advisory support to their parents.

 

 

6. Pamir Public School & College Chitral

 

HF distributed 798 books including Mathematics (reference books), Literature (English), German (Language), Novels, Biology, English (Language), and 2 CD sets to the school. The library now has a large collection of books on various topics.

 

 

Pamir Public School and Degree College Booni, Chitral is a prestigious English medium educational institution established by Pamir Educational Society in March 1992. The aim of the institution is to provide quality education to all sections of society. Approximately 900 students from distant valleys of upper Chitral are enrolled at the school.

 

 

7. Ehsaas Foundation School Islamabad (Rural)

 

HF provided Ehsaas Foundation School with 1,002 books and 2 CD sets for their library. The Ehsaas Foundation School was established by Chairperson Mrs. Shaukat in 1996.At present the school is from Play-group to Matriculation level. They have 470 students and a staff of 30.

 

 

 

Approximately 70% of their students are getting free education. The Chairperson of Ehsaas Foundation School was very grateful for the donation, she thanked
the Rotary and the HF team and mentioned that these books will surely add to the knowledge of the students.

 

 

8. Foresight School System Rawalpindi

 

HF distributed Foresight School System with 2,245 books. The Foresight Institute for Education and Leadership Development  (FIELD) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Their mission is to facilitate affordable and sustainable quality education in line with cultural values, norms and contextual realities for different age groups.

 

 

 

Expressing her gratitude one of the teachers said that its their vision to enable their students to become self-motivated learners and these books will surely help in achieving this goal.

 

 

9. Rawalpindi Grammar High School Rawalpindi

 

The HF team distributed 621 books and a set of CDs to the school. The Rawalpindi Grammar High School is an English medium educational institution in Rawalpindi, Punjab. Currently 385 students are enrolled in this school. The existing library was small and under-stocked.

 

 

 

The Principal of the school expressed her deepest gratitude to Rotary Club and mentioned that these books will inculcate the reading habit among students, which is first step towards self-learning.

 

 

 

10. Yasin Falcons Forum library (District Ghizer)

 

Yasin Falcons Forum is working on basic education in District Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan. The establishment is a one room facility which is used to house a collection of books. Students from over 10 schools and two colleges utilize this makeshift library. The HF team distributed 1,680 books to the library.

Forum management and people of the area are very thankful for the donations of the books.

 

 

11. National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad

 

The mission of the National University of Modern Languages is to establish, sustain and enhance itself as a quality-centric higher education institution that provides excellent academic environment and opportunities for creating educated, productive and responsible citizens of Pakistan.

 

 

The NUML Governance department was provided books related to Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Behavior, Accountability etc.

 

 

The Head of Department, Maj. Gen (R) Syed Usman Shah thanked the donors for providing these educational books and assured that NUML students and teachers will greatly benefit from them.

 

 

12. Burn Hall College for Girls Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

 

 

 

 

13. Youth Development Center (Boys & Girls) and HDRC

 

The Regional Office Rawalpindi team visited the distribution center and selected more than 8,000 books for 13 HF schools, Youth Development Centers (boys and girls) and Human Recourse Centre (YDC), Rawalpindi. The students at the YDCs were very excited to see these books and are actively utilizing them.

 

 

Role and Participation of Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla

 

Hashoo Foundation sorted and categorized the books with the help of members of the Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla and HF volunteers. President, Ex Chairman and members of Board of Directors of Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla visited the site and inspected the books, education material and sorting process.

 

 

A detailed work plan was developed in collaboration with Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla and joint action was initiated for the distribution of the books. It was decided that these books would be distributed amongst the Hashoo Foundation Educational Programs, HF Schools, Youth Development Centers (YDC) and Human Development Resource Center (HDRC) Rawalpindi, Gilgit and Chitral, and Rotary sponsored educational institutions, schools, colleges and universities in Pakistan.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla helped in the identification of educational institutions and also helped in the distribution of books/education material to respective educational institutions.

 

 

Challenges with Clearing Customs

 

Customs regulations require detailed documentation for clearing goods to prove that the goods are for donation purposes and not for commercial use. The clearance also requires the presence of a person dedicated to see that the process went smoothly. HF assigned staff to avoid charges for delaying clearance.

An agent was also hired to clear consignment for a fee of US $1,081 (Rs. 93,000).
The transportation of books to remote areas where educational institutions were located also created a challenge. However, this was dealt with the help of regional offices and other organizations.

 

Impact and Need for Books in Pakistan

 

Rotary Books for the World provided books to educational institutions in Pakistan without charge. Many Pakistani educational institutions are in dire need of up to date books and educational material. Quality books are expensive; as a result teachers have to rely on out dated books. Due to unavailability of resources schools are deprived of modern techniques of learning.

 

 

At present, the collection of books donated by Rotary Books for the World has enriched the libraries of many institutions with new books. Now all reference books, novels, language books, activity books and CDs are available under one roof. These libraries are also accessible to the general public. This collection will be helpful in improving the reading habits of students. It will bring a definite change in their knowledge and vision. It will not only broaden their outlook towards the world, but will also improve their academic performance.

 

 

Rotary Club is spreading the light of education and improving the literacy rate in Pakistan. Their donation is highly applauded and praised by all the organizations.

 

 

For more information contact:

Cristal Montañéz Baylor, Executive Director
HASHOO FOUNDATION USA
9575 Katy Freeway Suite 490 . Houston, TX 77024
Direct +1 713 483-4990 . Fax+ 1 713-759-0787
www.hashoofoundationusablog.org