Nokia's rehab efforts on at quake-hit areas
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—A global leader in mobile communications, Nokia would organize an exhibition of handicrafts here on Sunday as part of its commitment towards the relief efforts in the reconstruction of the last year's quake-affected areas.
Handiwork of the women of the villages of Khoder and Jabar in Siran Valley will be showcased in the exhibition, to be held from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
These women are able to craft their handiwork at Karavan Woman craft centers, set up across the region by Nokia and their partner under a Karavan Pakistan project. The women of these villages are skilled in making beaded wrist bands, and the showcasing of their handiwork will not only raise money for the rehabilitation of these communities, but will also help draw attention to their current plight.
Karavan Pakistan, led by the internationally renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, is helping Nokia by overseeing the entire project and lending its artistic expertise to the effort. Pakistan suffered an enormous earthquake in October 2005 and over 70,000 perished in the resulting turmoil.
Nokia's showcase and reconstruction effort will aid in the rebuilding of important infrastructure of two villages in the country.
"Nokia's commitment to a nation and a community goes beyond simply sales and employment," said Syed Veqar ul Islam - Country Director, Nokia Networks, Pakistan. Nokia is committed to helping rural Pakistan get back on its feet and recover as quickly as possible, he said, adding, this program will make a difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands.
He said the world community cannot forget the devastation that occurred here, and "we hope that our programme will help remind people everywhere that there is still a great deal of work to be done." Pakistan suffered a great deal from the earthquake last year and efforts such as this one are helpful step forward to full recovery, he added.
Karavan Women craft centers are part of Nokia's "Recrafting Destiny" project which encourages communities to become economically independent and helps rebuild the infrastructure of the villages by building houses, schools and a health dispensary for them. The craft centers will feature not only the beaded wrist bands of local women, but also the stone carvings of the village of Jabar.
"Recrafting Destiny" will also work with the youngest artists of the area by holding art workshops for children. The entire effort will not only showcase local culture and heritage but will help the villagers of the area achieve greater economic independence by publicizing their works and giving them buyers for their goods. Nokia will also hold a candlelight vigil in memory of those who perished in the earthquake.
This ceremony will be held on October 8 in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority. This candlelight vigil will be open to the public and take place at Parade Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad at 7.00 p.m.