Projects on the Go - Girls Reading to Succeed

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.