Who We Are
Creating Islands Of Hope, One Community At A Time.
The AHK Urban Impact Lab (UIL) based in Rawalpindi Pakistan is inspired by the development approach of social scientist, Akhter Hameed Khan (1914-1999) and the Orangi Pilot Project that he founded in 1980 in Orangi, Karachi, Pakistan. Orangi town is South Asia’s largest urban slum and underwent transformation in water-sanitation though AHK’s approach of collective organization, self-help, micro-credit and technical facilitation by OPP. Using the research (learning from the community’s needs) and extension (piloting interventions and then scaling expansion) we are working in Dhok Hassu-Mangtal area of Rawalpindi on economic-health and social development. AHK-F UIL is exploring urban poverty, social, health and economic barriers, behavioral change that constrain individuals and communities from realizing their potential.
Mission
To empower women and their families by enabling access to information, skills, resources and opportunities for improving their lives.
Vision
Poor urban households in Pakistan are transformed into healthy, prosperous and thriving communities.
Our Journey
Guiding Principles
Our work is inspired by the renowned Pakistani social scientist, Dr Akther Hameed Khan (1914-1999) and his principles. We have learned that development is a work in progress and follows its own time trajectory and incremental change. Our principles continue to evolve over time and are shaped by the context that we work in. Some fundamental premises are:
Community Needs Driven
Community issues, community solutions and community self sufficiencyAffordable For The People
Affordability is the first step to sustainability. We strive to provide affordable local technology, human resources and models.
Create An Informed Public
We actively share our work findings through the Urban Impact Lab work with non-community stakeholders such as we work with students, civil society, media, development practitioner for information sharing and learning.
Nurture Linkages With Policy And
Decision Makers
Improving the quality of life of poor urban communities cannot be done alone. we partner with government and private sector stakeholders and work together for a better tomorrow.
Research Expansion, Learn And Correct Cycle
We learn from our community as much as they learn from us. Our team continues to seek ways to improve and meet the needs of the Urban Impact Lab.
Contribute Regularly to the Global and National Debate
Our work encompasses not only at the local level, but seeks to contribute knowledge at the national and global level. We routinely share our research in journals, conferences and seminars.