Mega Project — Circle 4
Overview
Our Mega Project is on DIY Eco-cooler. It is designed to tackle two of Karachi’s most burning problems: 1) Waste disposal and 2) scorching heat of summers. We decided to create an air-cooler by using waste plastic bottles which are otherwise impossible to dispose off. The menace of plastic is a well-known problem that scientists and world leaders are trying to solve since decades. It is a harm to the environment and, in turn, to us. Summers in Karachi are not easy; not at all for the poor people living in slums. In 2019, 125 people died and hundreds suffered due to dehydration and fatigue caused by the heat wave.
Action Plan
We knew we had to identify a slum and test our prototype there. We were definitely not ready for what was to come. But help came along and we were guided to the right path. This took some thinking and analysing the problems.
Stepping stones
Our circle started by planning the action items and deciding each item’s priority. We conducted a few meetings and created plans that we thought would work perfectly. We were convinced that it was imperative to first design the prototype. If the prototype works, only then we will move forward with our project. After the prototype had been designed and tested at our homes, we were then going to try it at a place in the slum areas. We were ready with this action plan and we presented it to our Program Manager, Sir Anis.
He guided us by reminding us that the first principle in helping people is being empaths. Only when we visit the people whom we are trying to help, can we understand their needs, any of their potential issues that may surface at the time of execution and how would we convince them. This really helped us a lot and it sure saved a lot of our time. Or else the prototype that we were going to design would have been of no use as it wouldn’t be as per their needs.
So, we contacted an NGO, the Shabana Welfare Trust to get the information of the places in Karachi where we could get the idea of our target group. Our circle member, Mariam, knew the owners of the NGO and so our process became even smoother. They gave us a location of a place near North Nazimabad.
Division of Labour
The tasks and their priorites had been set. Now we were ready to put this list of to-do’s into action. Given the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we had to design a plan that would be feasible for all. So, we decided that the boys of our circle would visit the slum area that we had identified through the NGO. I being the group leader decided to take the task of designing the prototype as per the requirements and needs mentioned by our circle after their visit. The cost estimation and fund collection sub-committee comprised of our circle members, Mahvish and Mariam. They asked the price of a single bottle from the young boys that collect waste and then sell it. We had decided to hire such a boy so that he could benefit from this project too, instead of going to a waste collection company. After asking the price of the things needed they were assigned to prepare a cost estimation. And as per the cost estimated they had advised us all to collect money from our friends and family. This way we were able to support our project.
Next Steps
The boys have decided upon a date and time for their visit. They will be going on the 28th of May in the morning. The cost estimation sub-committee is busy contacting people for the information they need in order to execute their tasks. We need funds collected by the end of this week. Funds will also be used for the visit. After the visit, I will be putting my efforts into designing an effective prototype. The prototype will then by tested in the target area. And feedback will be taken from the people there and refinement will be done accordingly.
Challenges
Most of our challenges were regarding the lockdown restrictions. We cannot go out and talk to the people about their needs. Especially when SOPs are not quite followed in such regions. Nevertheless, we have made plans to visit and do what is necessary.
