Education Pakistan Project #44204

Projects on the Go - Girls Reading to Succeed

by Alif Laila Book Bus Society

Projects on the Go - Girls Reading to Succeed

Project Report | Nov 14, 2025
RUNG: Colors of Courage and Creation

By Amna Hassan Kazmi | CEO

Projects on the Go (POG) – Quarterly Progress Report

Empowering Women. Enriching Creativity. Sustaining Communities.

Over the past three months, Projects on the Go (POG) has continued to thrive as a vibrant platform where creativity meets purpose. The initiative has not only refined its existing range of products but has also introduced several new ones designed for sample sales, school events, and community pop-ups. With craft stalls now a permanent part of our sales strategy, POG has evolved into a sustainable model that empowers women, supports livelihoods, and celebrates the artistry of local communities.

Brand Launch: RUNG — Colors of Change

The official launch of our craft brand RUNG marked a major milestone this quarter. With a strong Instagram presence, professional product photography, and beautifully designed display materials, packaging cards, and tags, RUNG now stands as a symbol of creativity and empowerment. The name itself, RUNG (meaning “color”), reflects the diversity, resilience, and vibrancy of the women behind each handcrafted product.

Empowering Women Through Creative Work

A dedicated team of women artisans from our surrounding communities now has a permanent workspace at Alif Laila, a space filled with color, laughter, and purpose. Many of these women had never before been part of the formal workforce. Today, they are not only earning a steady income but also learning new skills in design, sewing, and product finishing.

One such artisan, Shazia, joined the POG team after years of struggling to find employment while caring for her children. “I never thought I could earn from something I love doing with my hands,” she shared. “Now, I make puppets that travel to schools across Pakistan; it feels like my work has a voice.”

Another participant, Nasreen, said, “This work has given me confidence. Before, I was afraid to speak in front of others. Now, I help teach newer women how to make the puppet kits. I feel proud every day.”

Their stories are at the heart of POG’s mission to provide platforms for women who might otherwise never have the chance to showcase their talent.

Collaborations and Product Innovations

POG’s partnership network also expanded significantly this quarter:

Generation, one of Pakistan’s leading textile brands, generously donated fabric to support our puppet kit production. These materials are now being transformed into puppets inspired by Alif Laila’s beloved publications Chu Chu and Aania aur Haye Kaisay Hoon.
The puppets are being handmade by our community artisans and will be launched nationwide during the upcoming summer holidays as part of an interactive children’s activity series, co-promoted by Generation and Alif Laila.

In addition, our creative product line has grown to include fabric jewelry crafted from recycled cloth, hand-painted home décor items, and key holders, all of which have quickly become customer favorites at pop-up markets and retail outlets.

Sales and Partnerships

POG’s products are now regularly restocked in three to four major retail stores across Lahore, and new partnerships continue to strengthen our market reach:

Sapphire has agreed to display and sell Alif Laila’s crafted products in its factory outlet stores, with proceeds directly supporting POG’s women artisans.
The POG team successfully completed 160 puppet sets for the Government School Procurement Project, along with five customized sets for The Punjab School, all delivered on time and to exceptional quality standards.
Internal library-based craft stalls at Alif Laila have helped increase community engagement and awareness about locally made, sustainable products.

Our work has also been proudly represented on international platforms, in South Korea, China, Vienna, and England, where Alif Laila’s leadership showcased these crafts, receiving overwhelming appreciation and identifying new global opportunities for growth.

Sustainability and Skill Development

POG’s impact extends beyond crafts. Our Robotics and Repair Unit, strengthened by a new hire this quarter, trains women in basic electrical repair and the upcycling of small appliances. This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also empowers women to develop technical skills traditionally dominated by men, giving them an edge in income generation and confidence in their abilities.

Looking Ahead

This has been one of POG’s most productive quarters, a testament to the dedication of our team, the creativity of our artisans, and the support of our partners. With measurable growth in product development, skill-building, sales, and partnerships, POG is now well-positioned to expand its footprint both locally and internationally.

As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to Alif Laila’s vision of building a creative, sustainable, and inclusive future, one craft, one woman, and one story at a time.

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Jul 21, 2025
From Scraps to Stars!

By Amna Hassan Kazmi | CEO

April – June 2025

Alif Laila Book Bus Society

Overview
Project On the Go (POG) continues to evolve as a powerful platform for empowering women through creative enterprise, sustainability, and hands-on skills development. The second quarter of 2025 was marked by significant growth, strategic partnerships, and deepened community engagement—each step furthering our mission of turning craft into change.

Key Highlights

Launch of the Craft Unit
A fully equipped Craft Unit has been established, featuring three dynamic work zones:

Stitching Area
Art Station
Creative Design Corner

This new setup has not only improved workflow but also introduced a professional and collaborative environment where creativity thrives.

Women Engagement & Intern Training
This summer, seasonal interns joined the team, assisting in production and event preparation. As part of their orientation, they were introduced to sustainable design concepts—learning how recycling and reusing materials can lead to eco-conscious, wearable art.

Local women artisans continued to craft beautiful, handcrafted products, ensuring a steady source of income while learning new techniques side-by-side with younger creatives.

Design Masterclass
A specialized session led by our Creative Design Head trained artisans in creating luxury tote bags using premium gold chains and high-end handles. This new product line reflects elevated craftsmanship and has been met with great enthusiasm from our partners and buyers alike.

Eco-Friendly Product Innovation
Our newest product line—elegant lace clutches—has been crafted from repurposed lace and embellishments. These one-of-a-kind pieces demonstrate our commitment to sustainable fashion and the creative reuse of discarded materials.

Retail & Digital Collaborations
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Generation, one of Pakistan’s leading fashion brands, has printed Alif Laila’s children’s book covers on fabric to create custom sling bags and puppet kits. These will be sold online, with 100% of proceeds going directly to support POG women artisans.

We also continue strong partnerships with Paperclip, Zaynur, and Sabah Pakistan, helping bring POG products to local and national markets.

Puppets for Education
Our handcrafted puppets are now in regular demand by government schools. These educational tools not only support classroom learning but also generate consistent work for our artisans, expanding POG’s impact on both education and income generation.

Looking Ahead

Recruitment of a Product Lead
To further enhance product quality and expand offerings, a new Product Lead will soon be hired.
Support from Generation
A donation from Generation is expected to fund our next line of sustainable products, pushing our creative boundaries even further.
Expansion of the Art & Craft Team
Plans are underway to onboard more local women, providing training, mentorship, and meaningful employment in the arts and crafts sector.

Conclusion
POG is more than a project—it is a movement. With every product made, every skill learned, and every life impacted, we are building a future that is creative, inclusive, and sustainable. One stitch, one puppet, one idea at a time.

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Mar 21, 2025
Empowering communities through skills and hope!

By Amna Hassan Kazmi | CEO

Overview & Impact The “Projects on the Go” (POG) initiative has continued to blossom in 2024, transforming lives across 15 communities and 18 schools with the generous support of our GlobalGiving donors and partners like COIN Canada. This year, we reached 240 students and 220 women, empowering them with life-changing skills and confidence. Our focus remained on building community resilience through education, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods. From stitching circles to art clubs, computer literacy to eco-conscious product design, POG has been a beacon of hope and opportunity in underserved neighborhoods. ________________________________________ Empowering Girls through School Engagement 450 girls participated in school clubs where they explored creativity, tech, and environmental consciousness. These young minds flourished in: • Art & Craft: Discovering self-expression through painting and design • Computer Skills: Gaining essential digital literacy • Kitchen Gardening: Learning sustainable practices and food security “I never knew I could be good with computers. Now, I help my brother make documents and feel confident about applying to colleges,” shared 15-year-old Mehak from the Digital Club in Shalimar Town. ________________________________________ Women's Voices & Economic Empowerment In our community hubs, 220 women received training in stitching, embroidery, advanced crafts, and computer skills. These sessions not only provided skills but a safe, inclusive space to grow. • 20 women have started earning regular income through tailoring and craft sales • Many more now support their families with part-time work or freelance services Nusrat, a mother of three, shared: “Before POG, I only knew basic stitching. Now, I take regular tailoring orders and contribute to our household expenses. I walk with more pride.” Aisha, who joined the Art & Craft club, says: “Painting gave me a new identity. I sold my first canvas at the community fair—something I never imagined. I want to teach art to other girls now.” Their stories mirror a broader trend: women and girls gaining financial independence, confidence, and dignity. ________________________________________ Sustainable Skills & Partnerships This year, we enhanced our product development wing with eco-friendly, upcycled items. We held 30 community stalls showcasing: • Dolls, tote bags, vases, diaries, and upcycled fabric crafts • Introduced 15 new product lines, from crossbody bags to bottle carriers Collaborations with Sapphire and Paper Clip created access to retail spaces, donated cloth waste for crafts, and introduced job opportunities for trained women. Graduates are now eligible to join Sapphire’s workforce, ensuring long-term economic security. ________________________________________ What’s Next With your continued support, our dream is to expand to 20 more schools and 20 more communities in 2025. Our key goals: • Deepen skill-building programs and advanced training for women • Reach more youth with creative clubs • Strengthen product lines and sales channels for sustainability ________________________________________ Thank You Every donation, no matter how small, helped unlock potential in young girls, mothers, and whole communities. Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey. Together, we are sowing seeds of self-reliance, hope, and empowerment—one skill, one smile, one story at a time.

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