The Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), in partnership with the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), celebrated Christmas with the communities of Essa Nagri and Soba Nagar, two informal settlements (Katchi abadis) in Karachi.
The celebrations brought joy and unity, showcasing the project’s commitment to improving lives beyond infrastructure development.
The event was attended by Sunday school children, teachers, members of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) committees, children-led WASH clubs, community-based organizations (CBOs), religious leaders, area notables, journalists, and local residents. Children played a key role, presenting tableaux, Christmas poems, dramas, and heartfelt prayers.
A lively performance of “Jingle Bells” added to the festive mood, engaging the entire audience. A special highlight in Essa Nagri was a hymn performed by Yashroon and Ariyal Haroon, two blind sisters. Their moving performance touched everyone, reflecting the talent and resilience within the community. The celebrations also highlighted the growing participation of children in the project’s activities.
Many expressed excitement about joining WASH clubs and committed to improving sanitation and hygiene in their neighborhoods.
Their enthusiasm reflects the impact of KWSSIP and NRSP’s efforts to empower young people as change-makers. Community members expressed deep gratitude to the project team for celebrating Christmas with them.
A resident shared, “We are thankful to the KWSSIP-NRSP team for being with us on these special days. Their presence shows their commitment to our community’s well-being. It gives us hope for a better future.” Speaking on behalf of the project, Syed Hassan Ahmed and Kashif Siddiqui highlighted the importance of community engagement.
“Whether it’s WASH committees, CBOs, WASH clubs, groups of women change agents, transgender committees, or behavior change campaigns, we have established a strong community mobilization network in Essa Nagri and Soba Nagar,” they stated adding we are here not only to improve infrastructure but also to foster unity and empowerment. Celebrating together strengthens our connection and inspires us to work for positive change.
