Charitable ways: Government asked to allocate more funds for special children

ISLAMABAD:

Civil society representatives have urged the government to allocate more funds for formal and vocational education of special children to enable them as active citizens, says a press release issued by Saba Orphanage Homes here.

They were speaking at a ceremony to distribute gifts among special children at the Al-Farabi Special Education Centre in G-8/4 on the occasion of Eidul Fitr on Wednesday. Over 500 special children were given gift packs. Some of the recipients expressed their vision and emotions on the occasion.

Nazia Jabeen was happy to see several unknown faces around. She said: “It really feels like Eid today. I have never seen so many people coming to our school to give us gifts.”

Though visually-impaired, Surayya Naz was also happy after getting her gift. But breaking into sobs, she said in a shaky voice “I can’t even see my gift.”

Abid Hussain, who suffered from polio at an early age seemed enthusiastic about pursuing education, which would help him in his future career. He is determinant to work for raising awareness on persons with special needs. He said: “It was God’s will; otherwise I would have been a normal child. I would prove that I am no less than anyone else.”

Special Education Director General Mustafain Kazmi appreciated the civil society organisations for their contribution and for sharing their happiness with the special children on the joyous occasion of Eid. “This should not be one-time contribution; well-off people should keep on contributing to make these children useful citizens,” he exhorted.

“The government is facing funds shortage and cannot handle the task alone. More people and organisations provide relief to the less privileged and marginalised ones.”

TV personality Sadia Hyat Khan said. It is our moral duty as human beings to support these people.



Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2011.