Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Programme
8171 Ehsaas Program, launched by the Government of Pakistan, aims to alleviate poverty and provide social safety nets for the most vulnerable segments of society. This comprehensive initiative includes various components such as cash transfers, scholarships, health services, and livelihood support. The program has positively impacted millions of lives, and this article highlights some of the success stories of its beneficiaries, showcasing the transformative power of Ehsaas.
Empowering Women through Ehsaas Kafalat Program
1. Financial Independence for Women:
- Story: Ayesha, a widow from a small village in Punjab, struggled to make ends meet after her husband’s death. She became a beneficiary of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, receiving regular cash transfers.
- Impact: With this financial support, Ayesha was able to start a small tailoring business from her home. She now earns a steady income, which not only supports her family but also allows her to save for her children’s education. The program has given her a sense of financial independence and dignity.
2. Boosting Women’s Confidence:
- Story: Fatima, a mother of three from Balochistan, faced severe financial difficulties. The Ehsaas Kafalat Program provided her with the means to start a small grocery shop.
- Impact: Fatima’s shop has become a vital source of income for her family. Her newfound confidence and business acumen have inspired other women in her community to seek similar opportunities. Fatima’s success story is a testament to the empowering effect of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program.
Enhancing Education through Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships
1. Achieving Academic Dreams:
- Story: Ali, a bright student from a low-income family in Sindh, dreamed of becoming an engineer but lacked the financial resources to pursue higher education. He was awarded an Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Impact: The scholarship covered Ali’s tuition fees and living expenses, enabling him to focus on his studies without financial worries. He graduated with honours and secured a job in a reputable engineering firm. Ali’s story demonstrates how the Ehsaas Program can help talented students achieve their academic and professional goals.
2. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:
- Story: Maria, from a remote village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, became the first person in her family to attend university, thanks to the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Impact: Maria’s education has opened doors to numerous opportunities. She is now employed as a teacher, contributing to her family’s income and serving as a role model for other girls in her village. Her success illustrates the long-term impact of educational support in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Improving Health and Nutrition through Ehsaas Nashonuma Program
1. Combating Child Malnutrition:
- Story: Sara, a young mother from Gilgit-Baltistan, was worried about her child’s health due to chronic malnutrition. She enrolled in the Ehsaas Nashonuma Program, which provides nutritional support and health check-ups.
- Impact: Sara received regular cash transfers conditioned on health check-ups and nutritional supplements for her child. Over time, her child’s health improved significantly, with noticeable gains in weight and height. Sara’s story highlights the program’s effectiveness in addressing child malnutrition.
2. Healthier Families:
- Story: Zainab, a mother from a marginalized community in Sindh, joined the Ehsaas Nashonuma Program when her child was diagnosed with severe malnutrition.
- Impact: Through the program, Zainab received essential nutritional supplements and health education, which led to a marked improvement in her child’s health. The program also provided her with valuable knowledge on proper nutrition and healthcare practices, benefiting her entire family.
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods through Ehsaas Amdan Program
1. From Unemployment to Entrepreneurship:
- Story: Ahmed, a young man from a rural area in Punjab, was unemployed and struggling to support his family. Through the Ehsaas Amdan Program, he received livestock and training in animal husbandry.
- Impact: Ahmed’s livestock business flourished, providing a stable source of income for his family. He now plans to expand his business and employ others in his community. Ahmed’s success story illustrates how the Ehsaas Amdan Program can turn unemployment into entrepreneurship.
2. Supporting Small Enterprises:
- Story: Saima, from a small town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, used to sell homemade crafts but lacked the resources to scale her business. She became a beneficiary of the Ehsaas Amdan Program.
- Impact: With the financial support and training provided by the program, Saima was able to purchase materials in bulk and expand her craft business. She now supplies her products to larger markets and employs several local women. Saima’s story is an example of how small enterprises can thrive with the right support.
Providing Shelter and Nutrition through Ehsaas Langar and Panagahs
1. Free Meals for the Needy:
- Story: Imran, a daily wage labourer from Islamabad, often struggled to afford meals for his family. The Ehsaas Langar initiative provided him with free, nutritious meals.
- Impact: The regular meals from the Langar ensured that Imran and his family did not go hungry, allowing him to save a portion of his earnings for other necessities. The Langar initiative has been a lifeline for many like Imran, offering food security to those in need.
2. Dignified Shelter:
- Story: Shahid, who lost his home due to financial hardships, found refuge in an Ehsaas Panagah (shelter home) in Lahore.
- Impact: The Panagah provided Shahid with a safe place to stay, along with meals and basic amenities. This support enabled him to stabilize his life and eventually find a job. Shahid’s story demonstrates the critical role of Panagahs in providing dignity and hope to the homeless.
Enhancing Financial Inclusion through Ehsaas Digital Payment System
1. Secure and Transparent Transactions:
- Story: Rukhsana, a beneficiary of the Ehsaas Kafalat Program, used to face difficulties in receiving her payments due to banking issues. The introduction of the Ehsaas Digital Payment System changed this.
- Impact: With biometric verification and digital payments, Rukhsana now receives her payments securely and on time. The system has ensured transparency and reduced the risk of fraud, providing Rukhsana with a reliable financial lifeline.
2. Empowering the Unbanked:
- Story: Arif, from a remote village in Balochistan, had no access to banking services. The Ehsaas Digital Payment System brought banking to his doorstep.
- Impact: Arif now uses his mobile wallet to receive payments and make transactions, significantly improving his financial inclusion and convenience. His story highlights the transformative effect of digital financial services on the unbanked population.
The Ehsaas Program has brought about remarkable changes in the lives of its beneficiaries, as demonstrated by these success stories. From empowering women and enhancing education to improving health and creating sustainable livelihoods, the program has had a profound socio-economic impact on Pakistani society. These stories of transformation and hope underline the importance of continued support and expansion of the Ehsaas Program to ensure that more individuals and families can benefit from its initiatives, ultimately leading to a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan.