Green KaravanGhar

Village Darya Khan Shaikh, Union Council Kot Mir Mohammad,

Taluka Kingri, District Khairpur, Sindh

Interim Report- 1st March, 2011

Incorporated under Section 42 of Companies Ordinance, 1984

E-6, Fourth Gizri Street . DHA . Karachi Voice: (92 21) 5834215 Fax: (92 21)5863474
info@heritagefounationpak.org www.heritagefoundationpak.org
UN Recognition Award 2002 for promotion of culture and peace.
Village Darya Khan Shaikh, Union Council Kot Mir Muhammad, Taluka Kingri,
District Khairpur, Sindh.
GPS Location: N:27* 39’ 00.7”
E:68* 36’ 00.1
Elevation: 55m
Components: Construction 55 Housing Units
Training Workshop: 21 to 27 February 2011
Site Description
Heritage Foundation representatives visited the
region and were guided by the District Govern-
ment and Khairpur Civil Society, in identifying
villages that required most assistance. Findings
based on information collected, visits to different
sites, interviews and discussions with local com-
munities and civil society organizations suggest-
ed that the community at the Darya Khan Shaikh
village was the most economically challenged.
was sent for geological testing. Date Palm and
a local branching tree called Pinj’r could also be
used in place of matting but cost of both mate-
rials was higher than those used in the Green
KaravanGhar. Local bamboo matting was in-
terwoven giving it more strength than matting
used in Swat. This material can be used not only
for walls but for the roofing system as well, since
Sindh has a mild climate no provision needs to
be made for snow load as in the case of Swat
GKGs, requiring a lighter supporting structure.
Alteration to Standard Green KaravanGhar was
made to incorporate a wind catcher to take ad-
vantage of the prevailing breeze. Site specifica-
tions also require that plinth be raised to 2 feet, Materials found during survey left to right: Bamboo, Pinj’r, Soil, Stone
and since firm soil is not reached till 5 feet, cost
allocation for excavations and stone masonry
must be increased.

The village is in what is locally known as ‘kac- Project Objectives

cha’ (along the river bed) area. The community As the project has been devised to work as a training model, a week-long workshop was organized between
members are primarily tenants to small holding the 21st and 22nd of February 2011. The workshop was to involve the local community, train local artisans in
of land which they work for a landlord. A larger
percentage of produce is handed over, resulting
Village Darya Khan Shaikh
in a very low income for each family. Based on
survey carried out it was found that family sizes
are large with 7-8 children. Affected households exceed 50 homes and the District Government has provided
the Heritage Foundation with a list of intended beneficiaries.

Majority of the community was living in tents that had been provided as immediate relief, and because most
had taken loans from various organizations and individuals for the crop that was destroyed in the floods, they
are in heavy debts; hence reconstruction has not been an option. Currently more than one family occupies a
tent.

A lack of schools and medical facilities in the re-

gion result in poor hygiene and lack of educa-
tion and awareness among the society. Primary
school recently setup in mosque and Art Center
(set up by Plan Pakistan) in a tent provides basic
education to a small minority of the children in
the village.
Livestock and cattle are not enclosed, resulting in
a further deteriorated state of hygiene.
A survey of local materials available in the region
was also undertaken to see if the Green Karavan-
Ghar could be built in material used previously
or if alternatives could be used. Bamboo and
stone were locally available. Mud found on site
Art Center set up by Plan Pakistan
1 2
Workshop Banners
the skill of bamboo construction and student volunteers from different institutions. The local community was
approached by the local Civil Society Organization, while the artisans were recruited based on their experience
of working on site and level of interest shown in the program. A registration form was circulated for student
volunteers and a large number of responses were received. The aim of the workshop was not only to involve the
particpants but to interact with the community so that change could be brought about in their current living
standard. Training in the building technology was to go hand in hand with community awarness in hygiene,
education and women empowerment.
The participants of the workshop came from five distinct groups. These groups were divided equally to form
teams to work together at different tasks. They are as follows:
 Heritage Foundation Skilled Artisans Team
A 12-member group of workers including masons and carpenters travelled from Swat to help train the local
community members. This team included the community members who were trained in the Green Karavan-
Ghar building methodology while housing units were being constructed in Swat. It was the first time for all
members of this team to be in a different part of the country. They were pleased to interact with fellow country-
men and teach them the new and sustainable methods of construction.
Local Artisan Trainees
An initial 12 local member team was chosen to participate in the workshop. These local semi-skilled artisans
were to be trained in the many stages of the construction of the Green KaravanGhar. Members were told to
understand each stage and then were later told to focus on tasks that they were particularly better at. The train-
ees received a stipend equivalent to the standard daily wage. By the end of the week long workshop more local
community members wished to be skilled in this unique yet simple construction technique.

Demonstration by HF Artisan and Naheem Shah The Skilled Artisan Team demonstrating bolting techniques

Local Artisan Trainees Local Artisan Trainee learns how to dress stone for masonry

Demonstration of method to check layout Swat Artisan Team display method of stone masonry
Local Artisan Trainees learn bamboo cutting and bolting techniques Local Artisan Trainees help HF artisan team to anchor bamboo posts

HF Artisan demonstrates bolting techniques Swat Artisan Team anchoring bamboo posts
Local Artisan Trainees learn bamboo cutting with handsaws Local Artisan Trainees learn stone masonry

3 4
 Student Volunteers
Architectural students arrived from Karachi University, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology
and Beaconhouse National University. Students from the hosting Shah Abdul Latif University were from the
departments of Conservation and Archeology. These participants conducted surveys and involved the local
community in various activities including a daily performance (with a specific message); mural painting and
pottery making for children, a hand-washing and other hygiene related activities. They also participated in the
construction of the GKG, under the instructions of the skilled artisans’ team from Swat. This hands-on training
in building methodologies and community development gave the students an experience that was rich in both
technical and social interaction.

Student Volunteers conduct community survey Student Volunteers learn bamboo cutting with a mechanical saw

Student Volunteers construct GKG numbering posts Participants test the bamboo joists

Participants learn bamboo bolting Students learn how to mix mortars

Students conduct community survey Volunteers recieve walk through demonstration of construction stages
Participants prefabricating doors for GKG units During the daily performance

Student helps complete foundations Participants engage local community in survey

Students recieve hands-on training of stone masonry Participants work together to complete GKG Demo Unit structure
5 6
 Local Community
The GKG beneficiaries were asked to excavate their won foundation and generally participated in helping build
their own houses. Local community members were asked to participate in various activities arranged by the
students. They were also made aware of many issues that had to be addressed relating to hygiene and education.

Children from local community participate in Mural Painting Murals prepared by the children

Community members excavate foundations Community members mix plaster for wall finishing

Pottery created by children of local community Each child paints pottery piece

Civil Society Organizations

Children from local community participate in Daily Performance
Two local organizations, the Khairpur Civil Society and Indus Resource Centre were also involved during the
workshop as trainees. These members were taught the methods of construction, how to use the sustainable
Local community enjoy a daily performance
materials and the way to organize this modular self-help program, as well as in community activities involving
students and others.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the Demonstration

Unit was completed. All participants had worked on
various stages of the construction of the Green Karavan-
Ghar. Local artisans, students and CSO officials helped
prefabricate doors, joists and beams for 25 GKG units.
They also participated in laying the foundations and ty-
ing the structure together. All participants were taught
how to mix mortars, fill and finish the walls, roof and
floor of the unit. Layouts of the first 20 houses have been
demarked and excavations have been made for the first
17. Stone masonry to the raised plinth level has begun
on four of the units and it is expected that all 25 units Completed Demo Unit

Children participate in hand-washing activity A talk on hygiene with the community children
will be completed in the next three weeks.

7 8
 Images of the Demo House interior Local community excavates GKG Unit 22
Layouts marked for 2 GKG Unit

Work Accomplished
The site was mobilized on 20 February by which time the skilled artisans teams from Swat had arrived. The
delivery of all the material including bamboo supplies, bolts, lime, polythene sheets etc. had been arranged
which had become available by the time construction work was undertaken.

The workshop participants arrived on 21st February. The inaugural briefing regarding the programme was
given by Ms. Yasmeen Lari, CEO, Heritage Foundation on 22nd at the site, where a shamiana (awning) had
been erected where banners and photographs of GKGs built in Swat. The briefing was followed by details of
the participants and their organization by HF Project Coordinator, Ar. Mariyam Nizam. The details of how
the GKG structure is put together including demonstration through a training kit was provided by HF Pro-
ject Manager, Naheem Shah.

Anchoring bamboo posts in GKG Unit 2 Stone for masonry to be done in GKG foundations

The following targets had been achieved by 27 February 2011:

Training of 28 students; 8 representatives of Civil Society Organization; 12 local artisans and 24 community
members.

The certificate award ceremony was attended by the highest official heading the civil administration in Khair-
pur District, i.e. District Coordinating Officer along with Executive District Officer for community develop-
ment. The workshop was also attended by University of Glasgow professors, Dr. Peter Meadows, SQA, and
Dr. Azra Meadows OBE.
Masonry underway at GKG unit 3 Excavation of Green Women’s Centre
The function was addressed by CEO Heritage Foundation Yasmeen Lari and DCO, Mr. Abbas Baloch.
• A demo unit was completed in its entirety.
• 28 layouts of houses were carried out.
• Foundations of 5 GKG had been completed
• Bamboo posts of 2 GKG units erected

Layout and excavation of the Green Women’s centre had been carried out. The Green Women’s Centre is be-
ing built on stilts as a place for refuge in case the flood levels rise, beyond the normal water levels.

Excavation of GKG Units around the village Household beneficiaries excavate foundations for their GKG Units

9 10

Mrs. Lari speaks about GKG to local television representative
DCO talks about his visit to village Darya Khan Shaikh
Dr. Peter Meadows SAQ visits site
Particpants recieve certificates
Closing Ceremony
Mrs. Lari gives vote of thanks to all participants
Particpants recieve certificates
Particpants discuss their views about working with GKG materials
Annexure I: Volunteer Registration Form
Green KaravanGhar Workshop
For CSOs, Students and Artisans
Khairpur DIstrict
21st to 27th February, 2011
in collaboration with Mr. Faisal Khokhar, EDO, Khairpur,
Mr. Fahad Shah, Khairpur Civil Society and Shah Abdul Latif University
Introduction to Green KaravanGhar
TheGreenKaravanGhar(GKG)initiativewastakenupintheDistrict
Completed GKG Unit 28 in Biha, Swat
of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, in September 2010, as Phase 2 of
thepost-floodcommunityoutreachprogramme.GKGsarelowcar-
bon footprint, low-cost nucleus houses, consisting of one room (to
accommodate 5 persons), a veranda, kitchenette, W.C. and bath,
and are constructed using primarily sustainable materials i.e. bam-
boo, mud, lime and stone. With 219 units completed and another
47nearingcompletion,theeightdayconstructiontimelinehasbeen
made possible with the help of community members and teams of
artisans and volunteer students. As Phase 3, Rehabilitation, two
GreenKaravanWomen’sCentreshavealsobeenconstructedwhere
womenarebeingtrainedtousehandloomandfashionembroidered
products. This livelihoods training can be seen as a step toward em- struction over 250 GKG units in Swat. Material Issue and Construc-
powering women of the region. tion Completion forms along with measures taken for checking the
standardofconstructionwillhelpinunderstandinghowthequalityof
Khairpur Workshop each unit was monitored.
TheHeritageFoundationintendstoextendtheinitiativetoKhairpur,
SindhwiththehelpofArchitectureforHumanity.ItwillactasaDem- Localcarpenterswhoparticipateintheprogrammewillbetaughtthe
onstrationProjectintheregion,employingindigenousmaterialsand methods of tying the bamboo structure together and bamboo roof
involving communities during construction. planking, while local masons will be trained to mix and use the sus-
tainable mortars using lime and mud. Skilled workers will receive a
Aworkshophasbeenplannedthatwillhelpparticipantsunderstand stipend equal to the standard wage.
thisnewconstructionmethodology.Trainedartisanswillbetravelling
SincethesuccessoftheGKGprogrammewastheparticipationofthe
localcommunityandhouseholdmembers,HeritageFoundationalso
intends to create the same sense of self help motivation among the
A GKG unit under construction
peopleofKhairpur.Communitymemberswilllearnhowtoapplythe
finishinglayersandgenerallyassisttheartisansworkingtocomplete
their Green KaravanGhar.
Heritage Foundation and Architecture for Humanity hope that this
unique programme module can be made as successful in Khairpur,
Sindh as in Swat. The first training session/workshop will be instru-
mental in engaging the local population and training young profes-
sionals on site and while doing so help those who are in most need at
this difficult juncture of their lives.
from Swat to construct the first GKG module for Sindh as a Demo
Unit. Local participants will help in the construction, while student
volunteerswilllearntheskillofdemarcatinglayoutsandorientations
Houseowners convert the
GKG unit into a home
of each unit. They will be able to supervise initial construction of the
first 24 units during this one week workshop, giving them the much
needed experience of working on site. Each student participant will
recieve Rs. 2500 as travelling expenses to arrive at the Khairpur Uni-
versity Campus by the afternoon of 21st February, 2011.
This workshop will also include NGOs from the region, who wish to
usetheGKGmodelfortheirownpost-floodconstructionprogramme.
Heritage Foundation will be sharing experience gained from con-
Note: Participants will be camping in 4-person tents, and meals will be provided by the programme.Stu-
dents must be in their 3rd or 4th year of professional education. If you wish to be a participant please fill in
the attached form and send it to info@heritagefoundationpak.org no later that the 15th of February. An itin-
erary will be posted to all individuals and organizations who are selected to participate in the programme.
 Annexure II: Workshop Schedule

Green KaravanGhar (GKG) Volunteer Program

GKG Volunteer Registration Form In collaboration with
Shah Abdul Latif University, Faisal Khokhar, EDO, CDD, Fahad Shah, Khairpur Civil Society

Green KaravanGhar
Name: Village Darya Khan Shaikh,Taluka Kingri, Khairpur
Date of Birth (d/m/y): Workshop Schedule
21st-27th February, 2011
CNIC No.: Gender:
21 February 5:00 pm Assembly at Shah Abdul Latif University,
Address: Dinner at Base Camp

City, Province: 22 February 8:00 - 9:00 am Breakfast at Base Camp

10:00 -12:30 pm Workshop inauguration
Home Telephone: Mobile: Recitation of the Holy Quran
Inaugural Speech by Chief Guest
In case of emergency, contact: Presentation by Heritage Foundation
Question & Answer Session
Email: 12:30 -1:30 pm
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Lunch and Prayers break
Field Workshop: Lime Mixing, Bamboo Cutting,
Qualification:
Bolting and Binding
6:00 pm Return to Base Camp
7:00 - 8:00 pm Discussion and Feedback – Dinner
University/ College:
23
23 February
February 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast at Base Camp
Why would I be the best suited candidate for the Programme? (150 – 200 words) 8:30 am Departure for Field
9:00 - 12:30 pm Participation in under construction Demo Unit
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch – Village hospitality
1:30 - 6:00 pm Formation into 4 groups: begin with doing layouts
6:00 pm Return to Base Camp
7:00 - 8:00 pm Discussion and Feedback – Dinner

24 February 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast at Base Camp

8:30 am Departure for Field
9:00 - 12:30 pm 50% Participants for Cutting Bamboo and Bolting
Techniques 50% Participants for masonry,
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch – Village hospitality
1:30 - 6:00 pm Layouts to Continue
6:00 pm Return to Base Camp
7:00 - 8:00 pm Discussion and Feedback – Dinner

25 February 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast at Base Camp

8:30 am Departure for Field
9:00 - 12:30 pm 50% Participants for Cutting Bamboo and Bolting
Techniques 50% Participants for masonry,
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch – Village hospitality
1:30 - 6:00 pm Layouts to Continue
6:00 pm Return to Base Camp
7:00 - 8:00 pm Discussion and Feedback – Dinner

26 February 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast at Base Camp

8:30 am Departure for Field
9:00 - 12:30 pm Layouts to be Completed
12:30 - 2:00 pm Lunch – Village hospitality
Return to Base Camp
I acknowledge that the programme may include physical and/or strenuous activity, and, understanding this, I state that to the best of my 2:00 - 4:00 pm Concluding Session
Certificate Distribution by Chief Guests
knowledge, I have no medical, physical, mental or emotional health condition which would hinder or prevent my active participation in the
programme. I will to the best of my ability comply with the safety precautions as laid down by the Heritage Foundation from time to time, 27 February 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast at Base Camp
therefore will not hold them responsible for any untoward incident. I undertake to carry out all the assignments with complete commitment and Departure
devotion and will not indulge in any activity that may damage the integrity of the program. I understand that at the completion of the Optional – Visit to Kot Diji Site
programme, I will receive a joint certificate from the Heritage Foundation and Architecture for Humanity.

Signed: * Note: Schedule may be subject to change

info@heritagefoundationpak.org
www.heritagefoundationpak.org
Date: 092-021-35834215
 Annexure III: List of Participants
• Saima Siddiqui, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Hamid Saeed Baloch, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
Heritage Foundation Skilled Artisans Team:
• Maria Memon, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Mohammad Ameen Chandio, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Shad Mohammad
• Abdul Jabbar Phulpoto, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Farooq
• Naveeda Naz Larik, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Ibrahim
• Fazal Rabi
CSO, and Other Individuals
• Khaista Muhammad
• Naeem
• Sobia Kapadia, Faculty, Karachi University
• Sulaiman
• Tasleem Abro, Faculty, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Ejaz
• Fahad Shah, Khairpur Civil Society
• Mian
• Haji Shams, Khairpur Civil Society
• Shafi Mohammad, Khairput Civil Society
Local Artisan Trainees
• Javed Ai Babar, Indus Resource Centre
• Khamiso Khan, Indus Resource Centre
• Ghulam Mustafa
• Ali Ahmad Brohi, Indus Resource Centre
• Abdul Khalil
• Syed Munir Ahmed Shah, Indus Resource Centre
• Qurban
• Dil Nawaz
• Liaqat
• Nadir
• Shahzad
• Gulzar
• Javed
• Aslam
• Hafiz-ullah
• Manzoor

Student Volunteers

• Faiza Lalwani, Karach University

• Amin Nathani, Karachi University
• Faraz Siddiqui, Karachi University
• Rahim Roudani, Karachi University
• Kanwal Naz, Karachi University
• Sheeza Jivani, Karachi University
• Hayyan Zuberi, Karachi University
• Owais Hassan, Karachi University
• Tahwaer Mohibullah, Karachi University
• Varda Nasir, Karachi University
• Rajab Ali, Mehran University of Engineering Technology
• Daniel Bhatti, Mehran University of Engineering Technology
• Ahmer Hussain, Mehran University of Engineering Technology
• Iqra K.K., Mehran University of Engineering Technology
• Anees Ahmad, Mehran University of Engineerging Technology
• Abdul Mannan, Beaconhouse National University
• Kashif Ali, Beaconhouse National University
• Subtain Zulfikat, Beaconhouse Nation University
• Muhammad Ismail Chakrani, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
• Ghulam Hassan Burdi, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
Annexure IV: Literacy and Craft Survey Annexure V: Certificate of Participation