Programs for Youth and Vulnerable Women

established youth clubs to provide ongoing art and study programs for 120 kids and teens—22 of whom were orphaned by the earthquake. The youth club fosters hope and opportunity among the vulnerable communities so they can heal and create new future for themselves and their families. ARC launched another UNFPA funded project “Addressing Women’s Vulnerabilities in EQ Affected Areas through 4 Women Friendly Spaces” in the last quarter of 2006. According to ARC assessment, 46,000 population in Ratnoi, Bagh and 40,000 population of Chitra-Topi, there were 53,000 women living in tents or improvised shelter, facing a multitude of vulnerabilities that may enhance in the recovery and long term reconstruction phase. Due to continuous occurring of drought and limited resources of livelihood, women engage themselves in handicraft work to meet their daily needs of food and other livelihood expenses. During January – March 2007, all equipment and staffing required to establish 4 women vocational centers was completed, and all four of the WFS were fully operational by mid year. ARC vocational centers engage women in embroidery, knitting, kurish, fabric and glass painting, mirror work, cutting cloth and decoration piece making. The selection of beneficiaries for the women vocational centers was finalized and a total of 415 women of different ages and educational back ground have been selected. ARC’s women friendly staff carried out six week’s training for the teachers and the beneficiaries in women vocational centers. The graduating students were provided with a certificate on completion of course, a vocational kit, and a sewing machine. 415 beneficiaries received certificates in women vocational centers at Padder. ARC was awarded a cost extension in project till December 2007 and hence enrolled another 120 beneficiaries for two months vocational training session.