KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stressed the need for equipping differently-abled persons with skills in order to prepare them for the demands of professional environments.

The chief minister said this at the inauguration ceremony of what has been described as Pakistan’s first café which is managed entirely by individuals with unique abilities.

The chief minister said that the café represents a milestone and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals develop their skills and improve their career prospects, while also experiencing personal growth that goes beyond vocational training.

The CM was accompanied by provincial ministers Saeed Ghani and Zulfiqar Shah.

Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) chief executive Senator Haseeb Ahmed and others briefed the CM about the initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said that KVTC had been empowering the differently-abled community with a focus on providing invaluable vocational training to them.

He added that the KVTC programmes were not just about imparting skills; they were about transforming lives.

“Through the programs like the ones we see today, particularly in culinary arts, KVTC has equipped students with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of professional environments,” he added.

The CM appreciated the dedication of KVTC team.

“Your commitment to empowering these students, to helping them discover their potential, is nothing short of extraordinary,” the CM said and added that because of the KVTC team efforts, the students were not only learning, but they also thriving.

Mr Shah said that the students were demonstrating remarkable progress, breaking barriers with the right guidance and opportunities provided to them. “The launch of Khudee, the bakery & café, is a proof of that progress,” the CM said.

He added that it was more than just a café it was a milestone, a shining example of what could be achieved when individuals were allowed to grow.

“This initiative offers our students a real-world professional setting, one where they can grow their skills and further enhance their career prospects while experiencing personal growth in ways that go beyond vocational training,” he said.

The CM said that he was delighted to be part of an initiative that uplifts individuals, one that provides dignity through work and opportunity.

Mr Shah expressed the hope that the launching of the cafe would inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Let’s continue supporting our differently-abled community and giving them the platforms they need to thrive, the CM concluded.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2024