Background and History
Sharma Centre is a flagship program of the Karakorum Area Development Organization with the mission to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through skill-based rehabilitation and work therapy engagement. By engaging the differently-abled people and allowing them to become part of the workforce the aim is to enhance their self-esteem and standard of living.
In 1998, KADO started working for the inclusion of PWDs under the social protection theme. Having identified over 400 PWDs, KADO trained and onboarded over 60 PWDs as artisans in the Sharma Center.
Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO), in collaboration with The World Bank, conducted a comprehensive door-to-door survey on disability in Hunza Valley in 2004. Covering approximately 5,795 households across Upper, Central, and Lower Hunza, the survey revealed that 18% of households reported some form of disability. Among the findings, 76% were found to be illiterate, while 73% of persons with disabilities (PWDs) were unemployed, with physical disabilities being the most prevalent at 35%, followed closely by hearing/speech disabilities at 34%. Sharma Centre aims to enable as many PWDs as possible to lessen these numbers of unemployment and social exclusion from the community.
Keeping the Art of Sharma Weaving Alive
The Artisans have a three-step process as their work therapy where they make rugs from goat hair. It also helps the community revive and preserve the cultural sentiment of Sharma(traditional rug made directly from goat hair).
Project Description
PWDs, often perceived as a burden to the families and societies, have always found it difficult to find their place in the society. It was the case in Hunza too, where previously they were observed wandering the streets in unkempt conditions. The efforts of the Sharma Centre and other Social Protection Initiatives by KADO have, however, through transforming their perception within communities, given them a new life. Now after more than 25 years, the initiative has influenced a major shift in the mindset towards one that is inclusive, as now PWDs in Hunza are engaged in various capacities.
Life at the Sharma Center
A typical day at Sharma Centre starts with artisans arriving at work at KADO’s Hunarkhun on their own time. Each artisan has the freedom to engage in the daily work at his own pace. When not engrossed in their work, the artisans spend their time interacting with their work family, sharing laughs and stories. Come meal time they settle down in one place and enjoy their meal in orderly fashion.
The Sharma artisans have formed bonds amongst themselves that transcend their disabilities, having worked with each other for more than two decades.
We initially began with over 60 artisans, but due to factors such as age or health issues, particularly mobility challenges, Sharma Center hosts around 26 artisans, each individual contributing to the center in their own capacity. Recognizing their valuable skills and the need for support, we aim to facilitate those who are at their homes from the locality, addressing their mobility constraints. Our physiotherapist often visits to assess their conditions, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need, even if they are unable to come to the workplace.
The Sharma Making Process
It has a shelf life of more than 100 years.
The process of Sharma making involves three key steps. It begins with carding or spreading, followed by spinning to create thread, and finally weaving the thread into rug. We have placed our artisans based on their capacity on each step and trained accordingly.
Some of our long serving Shama Center family members include Bulbuljan, Aziz Ali, Bijil Khan, and Karimuddin.
Bulbuljan
Bulbuljan might not be able to speak, but his art speaks volumes as he spins threads with a precision born of years of practice.
Age : 55
Working with sharma center : 20-25 years
Disability : Vocal disability and low hearing
Spinning /thread making
Aziz Ali
Aziz Ali might not hear well, but his hands dance across the wool, separating and carding with a grace that belies his deafness.
Age : 56
Working with Sharma Centre 20-25 years
Disability : Deaf & Dumb
Separating/ Carding
Karimuddin
Karimuddin, though unable to speak, his hands weave tales of strength and perseverance in every intricate pattern he creates.
Profile : Karimuddin
Age : 55
Working with Sharma center : 20-25 years
Deaf & Dumb
Most experienced Rug Making / Weaver
Sharma Centre is more than just a workplace for our differently-abled Artisans; it’s a lifeline for them.With our therapy work – our dedicated physiotherapy center adds value to the initiative. Our artisans have physical therapy regularly. As it was the only physiotherapy center in Hunza, it is open to the local community as well. Our Artisans receive love, care, and the unwavering support of a community that believes in their limitless potential.
