In November 2022, a quiet but powerful transformation began in the villages of Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, Punjab. The AFHD, in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and the Pakistan Human Development Fund (PHDF), gifted 60 sewing machines to Adult Literacy Centers (ALCs). This initiative was more than a donation—it was a lifeline for women seeking dignity, independence, and hope.
THE VISION BEHIND THE GIFT
The philosophy guiding this project is simple yet profound: “Instead of giving a fish daily, teach them how to catch fish.” For too long, many women in Pakistan have been denied access to education and financial independence. This lack of opportunity often perpetuates cycles of poverty and domestic violence. By equipping women with skills and tools, the Lodhie Foundation’s Business Initiative for Self-Reliance aims to break these cycles and create pathways to empowerment.
Training for Industrial-Level Skill
Each of the 10 literacy centers received 10 sewing machines. Women enrolled in these centers underwent three months of intensive training in stitching, cutting, and embroidery—skills that go beyond household use and meet industrial standards.
The impact was immediate:
- Local garment markets partnered with the centers to purchase products made by the women.
- This created a sustainable income stream, allowing women to support their families.
- Graduates of the program began training other women in their villages, multiplying the effect of the initiative.
The Adult Literacy Centers are not limited to sewing. With support from AFHD and others, they have expanded into:
1
Hand embroidery rooted in local cultural traditions
2
Beautician training for small-scale businesses
3
Functional literacy programs to ensure women can read, write, and manage their finances
These skills align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly poverty eradication, gender equality, and decent work.
Stories from the Ground
At ALC 270 Anwar Town, UC 44 Toba Tek Singh, five learners were already producing stitched garments before the official launch.
In Village Shahblen, District Jhang, gifted machines became the centrepiece of a new wave of skill development.
At ALC 268 GB Zafarabad, Kot Khitran, Toba Tek Singh, women not only learned sewing but also received health awareness sessions. A Lady Health Worker delivered a lecture on polio vaccination, showing how literacy centers can serve as hubs for community well-being.
