Determined to seek: Special students laud Express Education Expo

Demand govt play due role in assisting them.

ISLAMABAD: A large number of special students were among the visitors at the third Express Education and Career Expo, organised here to explore study opportunities abroad on Thursday. While appreciating the organisers’ effort, they urged the government to play its due role in facilitating special students in pursuit of education.

The two-day expo continued to attract crowds of students as well professionals from the twin cities on its final day on Thursday. Due to limited quality higher education as well as career opportunities in the country, a number of students as well as professionals wish to apply abroad.

Long queues of students were seen at various stalls at the venue.

Among the special persons who visited the expo on its final day was a bachelor of arts (BA) student Naeem Ahmed. Ahmed, a resident of Jhelum lost his eyesight due to glaucoma (or kala motia) when he was in Grade 6. He discontinued his studies due to the trauma but resumed later. Ahmed, now 40 years old is a father of three children. In addition to studying for his bachelors, he is also learning programming at the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE), Islamabad.

Enrolled at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad for his bachelors, Ahmed, while talking to The Express Tribune said that he was able to resume his studies in 2007 with the help and encouragement of his family and friends.

Holding a white cane, he had arrived at the expo along with his class fellow Muhammad Zahid. Ahmed said that he was interested in getting information about various study programmes available at foreign countries.

Naeem who has an excellent command over English language, said he was interested in pursuing a course in Arabic or English language from a well-reputed institute abroad.

“I am here to explore possible opportunities in the field,” he said.

“Obviously, I cannot see the colours, participants’ excitement or the organisers enthusiasm but I can very-well feel it all,” Ahmed said.

He also said that he enjoyed the performances of various musical bands at the expo.

Ahmed appreciated the Express Media Group for organising the expo. He urged the government as well as non-governmental organisations to come forward and provide maximum possible opportunities to special students, so that they too could progress and excel in various disciplines.

The event, an initiative of the Express Media Group was organised at the Pak-China Friendship Centre.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2015.