Background: In the aftermath of the devastating flood that struck in October 2023, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and businesses, IRC in collaboration with HEADS organization took a proactive step in identifying individuals in need of support. During the assessment, Muhammad Nawaz emerged as a potential client, and he was subsequently granted a business fund of PKR 25,000 to help rebuild his livelihood.
Community Demographics: In the village of Thata Balochan, Tehsil Paharpur, District Dera Ismail Khan, the community is comprised of an estimated total population of 6175 individuals. Among them, there are 741 men, 802 women, 2223 boys, and 2409 girls. This demographic breakdown provides a comprehensive understanding of the composition of the village, taking into account the distribution of men, women, boys, and girls among its residents
Pre-Flood 2022 Situation in Thata Balocha Village: Before the devastating flood of 2022, Thata Balocha village enjoyed a stable economic environment. The local businesses, including Muhammad Nawaz’s general store, were thriving, serving as essential hubs for the community. People engaged in various economic activities, relying on the businesses to meet their daily needs.
Impact of Flood 2022 on Businesses: The flood in 2022 brought widespread devastation to Thata Balocha, causing significant damage to infrastructure and businesses. Muhammad Nawaz’s general store, like many others, faced the brunt of the natural disaster. The floodwaters not only damaged the physical structures but also disrupted business operations, leaving the community economically vulnerable.
Post-Flood Resilience and Business Flourishing: In the aftermath of the flood, IRC, in collaboration with HEADS organization, identified Muhammad Nawaz as a candidate for a business grant. The financial assistance of PKR 25,000 provided by IRC played a crucial role in helping him rebuild his general store. With the grant, Muhammad Nawaz swiftly restored his business to its former glory. Now, Muhammad Nawaz’s business in Thata Balocha is flourishing. The received amount empowered him to not only revive the general store but also think creatively about expanding his operations. Setting up a stall near the school during off hours allowed him to tap into additional markets, contributing to the enhanced income generation capacity of his business.
Assessment and Identification: The meticulous efforts of the HEADS field staff played a pivotal role in identifying Mr. Muhammad Nawaz as a deserving candidate for the business grant. Recognizing the economic hardships faced by individuals like him after the flood, the grant aimed to empower them to restore and sustain their businesses.
Grant Utilization: With the received grant, Muhammad Nawaz swiftly reestablished his general store in the village of Thata Balocha. Belonging to a financially constrained family, Muhammad Nawaz relies on the income generated from his shop to support his household.
Business Expansion: Expressing his gratitude, Muhammad Nawaz highlighted the significance of the financial support from IRC and HEADS. He strategically expanded his business by selling items not only at his shop but also setting up a stall near the school during off hours. This innovative approach allowed him to tap into additional markets, thereby enhancing his income generation capacity.
Impact and Gratitude: Muhammad Nawaz emphasized the pivotal role the grant played in supporting his business and, consequently, his family. He shared, “The amount received from IRC is a great support to my business. I am selling items at two locations in my village – one at my shop and, during school off-timings, selling items on a stall near the school. This has allowed me to generate a reasonable income from my business. I am truly grateful to IRC and HEADS for providing me with this cash support.”
Inayat’s success story serves as a testament to the transformative impact of targeted financial assistance. Not only did the grant enable him to resurrect his business, but it also empowered him to think creatively and expand his operations. This comprehensive support from IRC and HEADS underscores the potential for strategic interventions to uplift individuals, fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of adversity
