Islamabad, Sep 20: Hashoo Foundation opened the “Crafts of Compassion” store at Shelton’s Rezidor in Peshawar in partnership with UNHCR, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees.
This program, which is a component of UNHCR’s Livelihoods Improvement & Vocational Education Hospitality Management Training (LIVE-HMT) Project, highlights the extraordinary skill and workmanship of Afghan refugees and represents a critical step in the direction of their financial empowerment and independence.
A number of notable guests attended the opening, including the Commissioner of the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government officials, CEO of the Hashoo Foundation Haris Qayyum Khan, and Head of the UNHCR Sub-office Peshawar, Kofi Ohenenana Dwomo.
The “Crafts of Compassion” outlet in Shelton’s Rezidor, Peshawar, offers a variety of handcrafted goods, such as jewelry, ornamental pieces, and embroidery, and it opened in response to the popularity of the Pearl-Continental Hotel, Bhurban, and Malam Jabba. Through financial empowerment, these channels give Afghan refugees a stage on which to demonstrate their abilities and promote economic independence and self-reliance.
Head of the UNHCR Sub-office in Peshawar, Kofi Ohenenana Dwomo, commended the project and said, “The Crafts of Compassion initiative is a beacon of hope for Afghan refugees.” Our cooperation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government and the Hashoo Foundation demonstrates our dedication to empowering refugees and assisting them in rebuilding their lives with dignity.
“The opening of this outlet in Peshawar is not just about providing a market for these beautiful crafts; it is about giving Afghan refugees the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society,” said Haris Qayyum Khan, CEO of Hashoo Foundation, expressing his dedication to the cause.
The Hashoo Foundation is committed to helping these gifted artisans, from the very beginning of capacity building and skill development to connecting them to the market. The foundation specializes in developing sustainable value chains that drive livelihood prospects for disadvantaged areas.
Now in its third phase, the Livelihoods Improvement & Vocational Education Hospitality Management Training (LIVE-HMT) Project has helped 550 Afghan refugees, both male and female, establish long-term sources of income. With the focused technical and entrepreneurial training provided by Hashoo Foundation, they have acquired marketable capabilities.Reaffirming its dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals, which prioritize the promotion of decent work and economic prosperity.
One of Pakistan’s top development organizations, Hashoo Foundation was founded in 1988 with the goal of promoting impact- and knowledge-driven social and economic advancement. On a broad range of projects in education, health, climate action, economic growth, sustainability, inclusion, and community development, it works in partnership with the UN, INGOs, governments, and other stakeholders. The foundation is well-established both domestically and abroad, and its alliances cut across numerous industries and geographical areas.
