Civil society representatives on Eid urged citizens to spend some time on Eid with the special children around them, or by visiting the centres for people with special needs.
They also urged the government to allocate more funds for the formal and vocational education of these children, to make them active and productive members of society.
Islamabad Crescent Lions Club (ICLC), Development Communications Network (DEVCOM-Pakistan), Saba Orphanage Homes and Directorate of Special Education arranged an Eid-gifts distribution ceremony at the Al-Farabi Special Education Centre.
Special Education Director General Syed Mutafain Kazmi, well-known actress and model Sadia Hyat Khan were the guests of honour. Over 500 special children were given Eid-gift packs. Some of the gift recipients spoke to Dateline and shared their vision and emotions.
Nazia Jabeen, a recipient of gift-pack, was happy to see so many people around. She said: “Eid feel like Eid today. I did not think this many people would come to our school to give us gifts.”
Though visually impaired, Surriya Naaz was happy after receiving her Eid gifts, but in a sobbing voice she said: “I can’t see my gift.”
Abid Hussain suffered polio at an early age. But he is confident that the education he is receiving would help in his future career. He is determined to raise awareness to curb this menace from the society. He said: “It was God’s will. Otherwise, I would have been a normal child. I will prove that I am no less than anyone.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mutafain Kazmi said: “We need to appreciate the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in sharing their blessings with special children on the joyous occasion of Eid. This should not be a one time contribution, and citizens should keep on contributing to make these children active citizens.”
“The government is starved for funds and cannot do these tasks on its own. More people and organisations should play their role in strengthening institutions working for the less privileged.”
Sadia Hyat Khan said: “The people from the glamour world should peep into the gloom of these physically challenged children and people. It is our moral duty as human beings to support these people in any way we can. A smile would add joy to their lives. Be generous on this occasion, and always.”
ICLC President Nasira Jamil said: “This is yet another occasion when the Lions Club did not forget the less privileged and shared joy with them. This should motivate others to come forward and work for special children.”
Event Coordinator Sibtain Raza Lodhi thanked Saghir Ahmed Aslam of Saba Orphanage Homes for contributing most of the gift-packs for the special children. He appreciated the work the Saba Orphanage Homes has been doing for the under-privileged children since the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake.
Keeping up with special children on Eid
