KARACHI, June 10: Sindh Minister for Women Development Dr Saeeda Malik has emphasised the need of support groups to help in the work for betterment of special people.

She was speaking as chief guest at a seminar on “Disability and Inclusive education” held at a local hotel on Friday evening.

The moot was organized by the British Council in collaboration with the West Thames College, Britain.

The aim of organizing the seminar was to learn from the representatives of the West Thames College about the curriculum and physical support provided to students with disabilities and how they are accepted in their mainstream education.

Ms Christine Palmer and Ms Angela Melley from the West Thames College, Britain, came up with their presentations on the occasion.

Saeeda Malik, who declared that she was a proud mother of a special son, was of the view that this seminar would go a long way in focusing and highlighting the inclusive education.

She said that inclusive education prepares for taking care of the special needs of the special people so as to enable them to live independent life.

The minister stressed that there is a need to treat special people with dignity and honour as well as equal in the society besides extending equal opportunities to them.

She pointed out that the Sindh cabinet has taken a unanimous decision of two per cent job quota for the special people and that after lifting of ban on employment the implementation of this quota would be ensured.

Saeeda Malik said that with education and awareness we can help change the society's mindset about the special people.

Earlier, the Director of British Council Karachi, Marcus Gilbert, presented the welcome address.

There was also a panel discussion in which the participants were Ms Samina Khan, deputy director of British Council Karachi, Ms Mary Rick, Director of the Family Educational Services Foundation, Ms Robina Inam, Principal of Karachi Vocational Training Centre, Dr Kausar Waqar of Agha Khan University Institute for Educational Development and Ms Christine Palmer of the West Thames College, Britain.

Christine Palmer said that her institution was expanding the students' awareness and also carrying out joint research on the related disciplines.

She said that attention is also paid towards preparing youngsters to deal with the challenges that they face in the practical life.

Angela Melley described her institution as an ideal place for the students to study.

Robina Inam said she and her colleagues were taking steps to make the life of the special people easier and better.

Dr Kausar Waqar pointed out that the inclusive education was a new concept. She said that her institution was taking measures to raise awareness about this.

Complaint cells: Saeeda Malik advised working women having any grievances with regard to violation of their job rights or sanctity of human rights at their respective work places to approach the “complaint cells” established by the women development department.

The minister talking to APP here on Saturday said she was fully conscious of the plight of working women, particularly those serving at the lower and mid cadre levels, including factory workers and teachers working in private schools.

“Women seeking redressal for their genuine grievances can approach us through the universal access number 111-121-314,” Dr Saeeda Malik said mentioning that the number has been allocated and is in process of being activated.—APP