Akhuwat - An Introduction

ealtaf

Minister (2k+ posts)
VISION

A poverty free society built on the principles of compassion and equity.

MISSION

To alleviate poverty by empowering [COLOR=#0000FF !important]socially[/COLOR] and economically marginalized families through interest free microfinance and by harnessing entrepreneurial potential, capacity building and social guidance.

OBJECTIVES

* To provide interest free microfinance services to poor families enabling them to become self reliant.
* To promote qard-e-hasana as a viable model and a broad-based solution for poverty alleviation.
* To provide social guidance, capacity building and entrepreneurial training.
* To institutionalize the spirit of brotherhood, compassion, and volunteerism.
* To transform Akhuwat borrowers into donors.
* To make Akhuwat a sustainable, growth-oriented and replicable organization.

STRENGTH

* Experience of more than nine years.
* Trained workforce of more than 200 employees.
* Equipped with fully developed policies, processes and systems.
* Support of more than 700 local donors.
* Registered with Government of the Punjab and Pakistan Center for Philanthropy (PCP).
* Registered with Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN).
* Enviable growth in last eight years.
* [COLOR=#0000FF !important]Loan[/COLOR] Recovery rate of 99.85%.
* No discrimination on the basis of religion, political affiliation, caste, colour or ethnicity.
* No interest, profit or loan processing fee is charged from the borrower.
* Presence in 22 cities and towns in Pakistan.

HISTORY

Akhuwat was established in 2001 with the objective of providing interest free micro credit to the poor so as to enhance their standard of living. The organization started with a [COLOR=#0000FF !important]first loan[/COLOR] of Rs. 10,000 which was given to a widow. This brave lady did not believe in charity hence she asked for qarz e hasna. She purchased two sewing machines and started a small boutique in her house. She worked so hard that in six months she returned the loan. During this period she also ran her house and married one of her daughters. That was the beginning of what later became a movement.

Akhuwat is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor; those who are financially abused, abandoned and disregarded by society. As a registered non-governmental organization, Akhuwat provides the poor with interest-free loans so that they may acquire a livelihood and the skills and support they need to reach their full potential. To this end, Akhuwat raises its funds from Civil Society. It does not depend on international funding; instead it uses the spirit of volunteerism and the tradition of giving, a cardinal principle of all religions.

Akhuwat derives inspiration from the Muslim spirit of muakhaat or brotherhood. The earliest example of muakhaat was first displayed by the citizens of Madina at the dawn of Islam, when they shared their wealth with the immigrants or muhajirin of Mecca. Akhuwats philosophy is based on the principle of Qarze-e-Hasna, helping someone in need with interest-free loans, which is favored over charity. From a first loan of Rs. 10,000, Akhuwats total disbursement has now increased to Rs. 760 million in just over nine years. Akhuwats greatest success is that it has been instrumental in helping more than 67,000 families move from being dependent on others to being self-sufficient. The success stories of these people bring hope to those still in need of help.

Akhuwat started its operations in Lahore and to date has fifteen branches in this city. It has also expanded to Rawalpindi and Faisalabad in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and philanthropists of these two cities. Besides these big cities it has opened branches in other cities like Bahawalpur, Multan, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan and Karachi. Akhuwat has also expanded its programme in small cities and towns like Kot Mitan (Rajhanpur), Miani, Kot Momin (Sarghoda), Chiniot, Dijkot, Samundari, Lodhran, Jehanian, Duniyapur, Nain Sukh, Chunian, Changa Manga (Kasur), Choti Zaireen (Dera Ghazi Khan), Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura and Khairpur(Sindh). Few more branches are under process in Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Peshawar, Mardan and Farooqabad. Akhuwats model is also a part of [COLOR=#0000FF !important]curriculum[/COLOR] at University of Southern New Hampshire USA and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). All this has been made possible because of the tireless efforts made by our dedicated staff. Akhuwat sincerely appreciates and is grateful to hundreds of individuals and families who have donated money, time and skills to this cause. We would like to introduce Akhuwat to a wider audience like development professionals microfinance experts, international donors, media, religious Scholars and above all the Philanthropists and community at large. As some one said, Akhuwat is a fine example of civil society at its best. The objective is to present this fine example to others. Together we all can make a big difference. You all have shared not only your time and resources, but also your compassion. It is because of your generous support that Akhuwat is, and will continue to be, an inspirational place - a haven, where hope for the future blossoms.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF AKHUWAT

Interest Free Micro Credit: Akhuwat provides the economically poor with interest free loans so that they may acquire a self-sustaining livelihood. It also provides the skills and support they need to actualize their full potential and abilities.

Akhuwats fee structure

Interest: zero

Profit: zero

Loan Processing Fee: zero


Reliance on philanthropy: Since its inception Akhuwat has solely relied upon the philanthropists in extending its services to the community. However, in order to fulfill the increased credit needs of its ever-increasing clientele it is now willing to work with the international donors as well.

Spirit of Volunteerism: The spirit of volunteerism that Akhuwats management and its team members exhibit is indicative of the success Akhuwat achieved within a short span of time.

Family loans: Family loan is the most common [COLOR=#0000FF !important]type of loan[/COLOR] that Akhuwat offers to its clients for setting up or expanding a business. Income from this business is jointly shared by the whole family. [COLOR=#0000FF !important]The loans[/COLOR] given by Akhuwat are co-signed by male and female head of the family. Akhuwat believes in strengthening family unit as some studies show that separate [COLOR=#0000FF !important]loans to[/COLOR] male and female in a family may result in tensions in the family and hence may cause disintegration of this important institution.

Linkages with mosque and church: An important and novel idea associated with individual loans is the use of the local mosque/church infrastructure as the center for loan disbursement and as an avenue for community participation.

Combination of individual and group lending program: Diversification of loan portfolio by offering different loan products has helped to increase the outreach of the organization.

Credit plus approach: Akhuwat has employed a credit plus approach by introducing the idea of social guidance for its credit beneficiaries. The purpose of this approach is to help borrowers flourish their small enterprises so that they can lead socially healthier lives than before.


Source: http://www.akhuwat.org.pk/History.asp

How to Donate

You can donate to Akhuwat by sending a cheque payable to Akhuwat on our official address given on the website or you can directly deposit your donations in the account details given below:

Pakistan

Account Title: Akhuwat

Account Number: 0222-03600000070

Name of Beneficiary Bank: Meezan Bank Limited

Meezan Bank Swift Code: MEZNPKKAXXX

Bank's Address: 6-2/C-1, College Road, Township, Lahore, Pakistan

Bank's Tel: 092 042 3515 7184-86


UK

Following are the [COLOR=#0000FF !important]bank account[/COLOR] details:

Account Title: Akhuwat UK Trust (cheques should be written under this name)

Account Number: 42010410

Bank Name: HSBC Bank

Branch Sort Code: 40-35-20

Bank's Address: 3A Queen's Road, Town Centre, Nuneaton CV115JL


[h=1]Progress Report upto June 30, 2011[/h][TABLE="class: Tb_Border main-text, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]PROGRESS INDICATOR[/TD]
[TD]TOTAL[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: Al_tbRow, bgcolor: #F2F2F2"]
[TD="width: 259"]Total Benefiting Families[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]99,844[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 259"]Loans Utilized by Males Entrepreneurs[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]69,944[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: Al_tbRow, bgcolor: #F2F2F2"]
[TD="width: 259"]Loans Utilized by Females Entrepreneurs[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]29,900[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 259"]Amount Disbursed[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]PKR 1,157,648,742[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: Al_tbRow, bgcolor: #F2F2F2"]
[TD="width: 259"]Percentage Recovery[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]99.85%[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 259"]Active Loans[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]31,573[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: Al_tbRow, bgcolor: #F2F2F2"]
[TD="width: 259"]Outstanding Loan Portfolio[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]PKR 240,274,698[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 259"]Number of Branches[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]55[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: Al_tbRow, bgcolor: #F2F2F2"]
[TD="width: 259"]Number of Cities and Towns[/TD]
[TD="width: 299"]34[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 

ealtaf

Minister (2k+ posts)
Some Pictures:

Akhuwat: 55th Branch at Muzaffargarh - 28th May, 2011

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AkhuwatDiya Jalaye Rakhna - Pakistan Day Vigil 22nd March, 2011


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ealtaf

Minister (2k+ posts)
I appeal to everyone to donate your money to this organization, to bring up a society on the rules of Islamic Financial system, and free our country from clutches of Interest based economic system. Everyone must visit their website : http://www.akhuwat.org.pk/index.asp and donate something, specially my brothers and sisters living in UK.

Thanks.
 

ealtaf

Minister (2k+ posts)
Profile of the Founder and Chairman Board of Directors:

DR. MUHAMMAD AMJAD SAQIB
(Sitara-a-Imtiaz)
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 0300 842 0495

Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, a prominent social worker, volunteer and development professional, graduated from King Edward Medical College Lahore. He joined civil service of Pakistan (DMG) in 1985. Having served as Assistant Commissioner in various districts of Punjab, he proceeded to USA to study public administration. Besides completing masters degree, he also obtained much prestigious, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, in public administration from the American University, Washington D.C., USA. Upon his return, he served in a World Bank funded Elementary Education project and at different senior positions in Punjab government. In 1998, he joined Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP), as General Manager and remained with this organization for seven years. He resigned from civil service in 2003. Since then, besides rendering philanthropic and social services, he has been providing consultancy services to Asian Development Bank, International Labour Organization, UNICEF, World Bank, and Canadian International Development Agency. His areas of expertise include poverty alleviation, microfinance, social mobilization and education management.

He is author of four books and is well known columnist and has been writing for daily Jinnah, Pakistan, Jang and Nawa-i-Waqt. He has attended many national and international conferences and represented Pakistan at different forums. In recognition of his literary achievements, Government of the Punjab awarded him Khush Hal Khan Khattak Literary award in 1993. He is regular guest speaker at Civil Services Academy (CSA), National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and many other professional forums. He has been among the visiting faculty at Kinnaird College Lahore, Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and University of the Punjab.

Dr. Saqib is founder of Akhuwat, first ever interest free microfinance programme. This programme operates from mosques and churches and has opened new vistas in the domain of social mobilization and poverty alleviation. This is the largest individual based lending programme in the country and is referred to in many international universities as a unique and innovative model in microfinance. He is Akhuwats Executive Director and main driving force since its inception in year 2001. Keeping in view his management experience and volunteer services for poverty alleviation, he has been requested by the Government of the Punjab to lead two of its flagship programmes i.e. Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) and Punjab Welfare Trust for the Disabled (PWTD). President of Pakistan awarded "Sitara-e-Imtiaz" to him on account of his services for social development and poverty alleviation.
Books

Dr. Saqib has written following books:
Shahar-e-lab-e-Darya (Khush Hal Khan Khattak Literary Award Winner)
Aik Yadgar Mushaira
Gotham Kay Des Main (A travelogue to Nepal, Sang-e-Meel Publications)
Ghurbat aur Microcredit
Shahab-e-Saqib (under publication)

He has edited following book:
Voluntary Assignments
1 Executive Director, Akhuwat - (2001 to date)
Akhuwat is an interest free microcredit programme that provides small loans to the poor and helps them start a business and come out of poverty. It is first ever and the largest interest free microfinance programme in Pakistan and has so far served more than 47,000 poor families in fifteen cities.

2 Vice Chairman, Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) (Dec 2008 to date)
PEEF is the largest educational fund in the country created by Government of the Punjab with initial seed money of Rs. 4 billion. It provides financial assistance to talented but needy students. Chief Minister Punjab is the Chairman of PEEF.

3 Managing Director, Punjab Welfare Trust for the Disabled (PWTD) (Dec 2007 to date)
PWTD endeavors for the treatment and rehabilitation of the persons with the disabilities. It is the largest endowment fund in the country for the disabled and works in collaboration with 80 NGOs working for the visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally retarded and physically incapacitated persons. PWTD has served more than 2.8 million patients in last fifteen years.

4 Member Governing body/ Executive Committee, Punjab Red Crescent Society (2007-to date)

Red Crescent is one of the oldest international NGOs and a part of global network for humanitarian support and relief efforts. Governor of the Punjab is the President of Governing body.

5 Chairman, Farrukh Amjad Trust (FA Trust) (July 2008 to date)
FA Trust is founded by Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, his family and close friends. This Trust aims at supporting the poor, widows and the disabled.

6 Member Board of Directors of:

Fountain House Lahore (A project of Lahore Mental Health Association for the treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill patients)
Alnoor Umar Welfare Trust (Interest free microcredit programme for providing housing facilities to the poor)
Abroo Welfare Trust (Educational Trust for education of poor students living in slums)
Line of help (An NGO working for disaster relief and rehabilitation of earthquake victims)
Anjuman Sulemania (Custodian of one of the biggest orphanage houses in Lahore)

Education
MBBS (King Edward Medical College, Lahore)
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Public Administration (One year training programme in best universities and institutions in the USA) 1993-1994
Masters in Public Administration - MPA (The American University, Washington D.C. USA) 1994-1995
Graduate of LUMS McGill University Social Enterprise & Management Programme (Lahore University of Management Sciences LUMS) 2003-2004
 

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