Review Coordination and Lesson Learnt-SAFBIN Workshop

Caritas Pakistan organized a strategic workshop for the SAFBIN project on November 7, 2025, at the Renewal Centre Auditorium, Youhanabad, Lahore. The session focused on reviewing past achievements and planning for the 4th phase of the SAFBIN project, scheduled to commence in 2026. As a livelihood and food security initiative, the workshop aimed to assess lessons learned, identify challenges, and propose key interventions to strengthen future project implementation.

The session was led by Mr. Manshad Asghar, along with Mr. Amir Irfan and Mr. Amir Anwar, who guided discussions and ensured active participation. Mr. Amir Irfan opened the session by highlighting the project’s evolution through EU funding and outlined key targets for the 4th phase, including interventions in Karachi and Balochistan to address climate change, food security, and production challenges. The workshop employed group discussions and chart presentations to ensure effective knowledge sharing and collective reflection.

Key lessons and good practices identified included:

• “Involvement of female staff where required, alongside male staff, is essential for project success.”
• “Strict adherence to beneficiary selection criteria ensures transparency and impact.”
• “Building trust among stakeholders and documenting processes strengthens project outcomes.”

Major challenges discussed were social and cultural barriers, government policies, adaptation to new technologies, language differences, staff capacity gaps, and the short-term nature of some interventions. Proposed strategies to address these included:

• Promotion of indigenous knowledge and practices.
• Development of model villages to ensure sustainable community development.
• Strengthening community groups through mobilization and awareness sessions.
• Implementing exit strategies that promote local ownership and continuity.

In closing, Mr. Amir Anwar stressed the importance of reviewing strategic plans and assessing progress to guide future directions. Executive Director Sir Amjad Gulzar expressed his appreciation to all diocesan participants for their active engagement and commitment to supporting the successful execution of SAFBIN’s 4th phase.