News

FESF Fundraiser

05 Mar, 2011

Karachi, March 5: “More than 500 deaf children from underprivileged families in interior Sindh will now have the opportunity to attend a top quality school for the first time in their lives!” This was announced at a fund raising event held here today, attended by prominent citizens and well-wishers in support of this noble effort.

Richard Geary, executive director of Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF), the organizers of the event, said that the school is now under construction in Rashidabad, 35 kilometers from Hyderabad. This is a project of FESF and Rashid Memorial Welfare Organization (RMWO), and will make it possible for deaf children to receive a quality education and excel in variety of skills. The majority of students will come from low income families in a 50 km. radius, and receive free education, transport and all other amenities.

The land and school building have been donated by RMWO. The two-storied school on 51,000 sq. ft. will be state-of-the-art, yet very practical and ecofriendly - having spacious classrooms, vocational training workshops, an IT Lab with full facilities, administration and staff quarters, pick/drop transport for all children, recreational area and auditorium. Construction is in progress with an estimated completion by March, 2012.

“Education is empowerment,” Mr. Geary stressed. “Deaf people are very capable, and able to make a solid contribution to society – they just need the training and the opportunity to do so.” He went on to explain that there are over 1.5 million profoundly deaf children in Pakistan, yet the majority of them have no educational opportunities. FESF, via their Deaf Reach Program, is doing their part to meet that challenge.

“Our immediate goal is to raise funds for the initial setup and operational costs. The larger goal is to establish an endowment fund which will cover ongoing running costs thereafter on a yearly basis,” Mr. Geary explained. Donors are encouraged to contribute to this worthwhile project that is going to make a difference in the lives of many for years to come.

The new school’s academic program will run from K.G. to class 10, and students will also be given vocational training in areas such as sewing, embroidery, tailoring, cooking, art, handicrafts, etc. Additionally, there will be a training program for teachers desiring to pursue a career in deaf education, as well as a program whereby all the parents will learn sign language and other necessary skills in order to easily communicate with and assist their deaf children.

Geary mentioned that FESF is very appreciative of the support of PIA as main sponsor as well as Airlift International, Silkbank, Medinostic and other corporate donors who made this event a success.

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