2.6 Million Children of the Karachi city are out of schools – Faisal Edhi
A few years back, the Gaza had over 98 percent literacy rate and they were running three shifts of schools due to the shortage of school buildings
Karachi, Sindh
About 16 percent people or more than 01 billion of the world population are special persons while the number of such persons in in Pakistan is 15 million.
“The society must treat special persons as the normal human beings and we have to provide them necessary facilities specially at buildings and public transport,’ Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of SMIU said while delivering the presidential address at an interactive session held on the subject of “Children with Inclusive Needs” at Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s auditorium, organized by the Department of Media and Communication Studies.
Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said for the development of the country we have to include our all marginalized communities such as women and special persons in each and every filed of the country. “The Sindh Madressatul Islam University has included facilities for special persons in the buildings that are being constructed in the Malir campus of SMIU,” he said.
Faisal Edhi, son of renowned philanthropist late Abdul Sattar Edhi, and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, in his address said those special persons who are doing small businesses are our real heroes, and they must be supported. He said these people are struggling and dreaming for their better life and also want to contribute in the society, thus we have to support them.
He further said there are 02 million children enrolled in primary schools in Karachi city and 2.6 million children of the city are out of schools. Hence, there is a need to provide education to all children of the country.
“A few years ago I had met with a Palestinian diplomat in Islamabad and had requested him to give us permission to initiate a work for children in Gaza, then he replied that such permission can give you Egypt, but he said, despite the war in Gaza imposed by Israel at that time, there was more than 98 percent literacy rate in Gaza and they were running three shifts of schools over there due to the shortage of school buildings,” Faisal Edhi said and added that there is no war like situation in our country, we must make efforts to educate our all children and if it is needed there should be three shifts of schools like Gaza.
Faisal Edhi said presently there are no “Nuns” in Karachi city, who mostly belonged to Christian and Hindu communities. This kind of situation is being faced by many children’s homes in Karachi like Darulsukun and others. Similarly, due to the engagement of European countries in the wars, their financial support to the welfare organizations in Pakistan has decreased. This situation has also created a crisis for the welfare organizations.
Faisal Edhi was of the view that we need a skilled Pakistan, where normal as well as special children should be taught different skills.
The special persons including Ms. Saba Ghizali, Gold Medalist, PhD Scholar and visiting faculty at SMIU, Syed Ali Hassan, Sub Editor of Monthly Qaumi Zaban, Anjuman-i-Taraqqi-i-Urdu, Ms. Preeti Varodra, receptionist at TDF Magnificence Centre, Ali Khan Tareen, Co-CEO and Founder of Khas Foodz also shared their success stories and suggested that the government should provide them facilities in working as well as public places. CEO of Darulsukun Welfare Society Mr. Savio M Pereira also spoke on the needs and problems of the special persons.
The vice chancellor gave away shields to the guests. During the session students of the Media Department presented video reports and short film on the daily life, activities and problems of the special persons. (PR)
Read: National and International academicians call for integrating sustainability to higher education
_______________
