Heritage Foundation Pakistan (HFP) is an organization active in recording and preserving historic and traditional architecture and crafts in Pakistan, with a strategy of making linkages between areas of need and sectors of support. Its KaravanPakistan social and cultural outreach program reaches out to schoolchildren and citizens to inculcate a new awareness about Pakistan’s heritage. Now the HFP wishes to broaden its scope of activities, and continue to make linkages in also supporting earthquake-affected children and communities.

In response to current scenarios, HFP through its KaravanPakistan program is organizing a corps of volunteers and professionals that would provide voluntary help and professional expertise in areas that require assistance. The program would place volunteers in relevant capacities and also provide some skills development for people from all walks of life who wish to help. The three distinct areas of the KaravanPakistan volunteer program are: KaravanDost Rebuilding with KAPIT (earthquake-related reconstruction assistance by Building Professionals), KaravanDost Earthqauke Rehabilitation (people from various backgrounds to help affectees, especially children, in earthquake-hit northern Pakistan) and HeritageHands with HFP (volunteers with Heritage Foundation Pakistan for heritage preservation and promotion in various regions of Pakistan).

Since 2002, HFP has undertaken several studies and conducted projects of UNESCO consisting of UNESCO-UNDP-Government of Pakistan project on Cultural Tourism in Lahore and Peshawar and for management of UNESCO-Norway-Government of Punjab Preservation and Conservation of Lahore Fort. HFP has conducted workshops for training artisans and the documentation of architecture, patterns and traditional crafts technologies has also been undertaken under the project.

The following are the general objectives of HFP:
a. Through research, developing source material regarding tangible heritage sites and crafts
b. Developing strategies for heritage safeguarding and revitalization of traditional architecture and crafts
c. Dissemination of information through publications in order to encourage the understanding and use of heritage design, methods and techniques
d. Creating opportunities for social and cultural empowerment of children and young adults through heritage- and community-based events and programs

KARAVANDOST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The following are the three main areas of involvement

KaravanDost Rebuilding with KAPIT (KaravanPakistan Programme for Indigenous Technology) -- Architects, Engineers and other building professional volunteers to be trained in seismic-resistant design, especially using indigenous methods, geared towards rebuilding and self-help reconstruction efforts in earthquake-affected northern Pakistan. KAPIT volunteers are also involved in research efforts that document local/traditional and international building practices in relation to earthquake-resistance and performance.

KaravanDost Earthquake Rehabilitation– volunteers and sponsors from various walks of life engaged in northern Pakistan-based rehabilitation efforts, especially in relation to crisis-affected children

HeritageHands with HFP -- volunteers from various backgrounds assisting in Pakistan-based heritage art and architecture preservation and promotion efforts including research & publishing, guided tourism and events planning, and media-related efforts, including writing-for-print, audio-video production, graphics, and photography. HeritageHands can gain valuable experience with professionals in the Foundation and even design special projects themselves that can be guided by the HFP.

THE MISSION
Our aim is to connect with dynamic and creative individuals of all ages who wish to contribute with their skills, abilities and time. We want to link them with affected areas and help in the most crucial aspects with professional assistance. Also, related to our organization’s general aim, we want to promote the awareness that Pakistan’s heritage is a truly global heritage, to be studied and enjoyed by local and international audiences and preserved for future generations.

Our mission is:
• To utilize voluntary and professional help in a manner that is beneficial and productive for both those in need and those who aid
• To involve volunteers and professionals from all walks of life to help
• To make effective, strategic linkages between areas of need and individuals and organizations that can offer support and assistance
• To inculcate a sense of community and trust between volunteers and communities where they help
• To broaden the understanding of Pakistani cultural heritage in volunteers and the audiences they reach out to, nationally and globally

KARAVAN POLICY
• KaravanPakistan will enlist volunteers of various ages and professional backgrounds and provide them an orientation and work-placement that is most relevant to their skills and backgrounds
• KaravanPakistan will provide an accessible and inclusive environment for all
• There will be no discrimination with regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, or national origin
• KaravanPakistan will guide and assist in, and often manage, work and travel within Pakistan but will not accept any responsibility for any risks that might be posed by the stay or travel

In relation to its volunteers, KaravanPakistan will be responsible for:
• Recruiting
• Training and/or Placement
• Supervision & Management
• Recognition

GUIDELINES
To become a part of any of KaravanPakistan’s Volunteer Programs, please fill out our online form, email us or visit our office in person.
(updated January 2006)