KARACHI: The First Lady of Pakistan, Samina Alvi here on Friday called for concerted efforts to accommodate children with different abilities and varied challenges in regular schools.

Talking to the instructors and other stakeholders working for the empowerment of intellectually challenged children and youth during her visit to Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) for Intellectually Challenged, she said the concept of inclusive education needed to be promoted in the country.

“This is being practiced in many countries as a basic right of every child entitled to be provided with a viable environment for their social development and adequate growth,” emphasized Begum Alvi.

With particular reference to those with Down syndrome or autism, the first lady said they needed sympathy as well as empathy for their self-dependence.

Begum Samina Alvi said “The government led by PM Imran Khan is absolutely committed to the concept of ‘Inclusion’ creating and providing best environment and relevant opportunities critical for growth of the citizens without any distinction on basis of their gender, caste, creed and capacities.

“The government under Kifalat Programme from this January was providing a stipend of Rs2,000 per month to all differently able (physically or intellectually challenged or with any impairment) citizens of the country holding CNIC,” she said mentioning that the process was also being simplified for procurement of disability certificate.

Bait-ul-Mal was also said to be providing needed assistance to the citizens with special needs.

Reiterating that inclusiveness and empowerment was the objective, State Bank of Pakistan was initiating dedicated loan programmes for women and people with physical disabilities while with the motive to facilitate mobility of the physically disabled ramps and special toilets for them were being built along with other essential services in public buildings and places.

The first lady appreciated the efforts of KVTC for enhancing the capacities of intellectually challenged children to help them achieve their optimum potential for independent living and meaningful careers.

The session was also addressed by chief executive officer of KVTC Abdul Haseeb Khan and other office-bearers.

It was mentioned that more than 550 students have so far been trained at the centre and many were now employed, doing well in a competitive environment on sheer basis of merit and their capacities.

There were said to be currently 65 teachers and instructors imparting education to 128 children.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2021