KARACHI: First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi was invited as the Chief Guest, to partake in the celebration and recognition of Children in need, organised by Society for Children in Need of Special Attention (SCINOSA) at the SCINOSA Day Home.
Principal SCINOSA Home, Mrs. Rizwana presented the welcome note to Begum Samina Alvi, as she not only thanked her for accepting their invitation but also taking time to visit each classroom/department dedicated to the work being carried out by SCINOSA. She mentioned how SCINOSA homes were committed to not only raising but catering to enhancing skills and knowledge of children with special needs. There is no specific age range, they welcome all.
Begum Samina Alvi, expressed her deep admiration for the exceptional work being done by SCINOSA, in helping individuals with Down Syndrome and intellectual abilities reach their full potential and lead a dignified and productive life. She appreciated the management and work being carried by SCINOSA. She later special emphasis on the need for SCINOSA and other organisations working for (Differently Abled) DABs to ensure that they teach their children to become independent rather than reliant on donations or charity to help assist them.
Begum Samina Alvi, visited the facility at SCINOSA which included different centres and departments dedicated to skill learning, sporting facilities and vocational training The event included a variety of displays of talent and ability, ranging from Boy Scouts, Tabloids to Taekwondo, by DABs, who head been receiving education and skill learning from SCINOSA. She expressed that the facility was hygienic, and well kept, with special care given to establishing a welcoming and conducive infrastructure.
Begum Samina Alvi, thanked SCINOSA for inviting her and admired their work with regards to rehabilitation in the form of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and education provision. She stated how she was thoroughly impressed by the fact that the maximum number of representation from Pakistan till now, was to take part in the World Games in 2023, including various sports, like, Lawn tennis, Basketball etc.
Begum Samina Alvi spoke at length about DABs, apart from a plethora of challenges are met with the most excruciating challenge of social stigma. They are defined through terms that are derogatory and demeaning. She stressed that parents must play an active role in a generation with better values, where children are sensitised from a very young age of using correct terms, e.g. “differently abled,” and “special needs children,” to encourage inclusion and detach any shame and humiliation on these impairments.
She said that DABs to be made active members of society and not locked up at homes. They must be given proper additive infrastructure in public and work spaces so that they can partake in the workforce without facing any hindrance and isolation.
She spoke about separate Identity cards for children/persons with special needs, in order to detail what impairment they are facing, and how such a card should always be carried by them in order for them to be hired for jobs, that would be adequate for them.
Begum Samina Alvi, mentioned how she has been actively participating and also urging the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, to ensure that the Government of Pakistan must play the most integral role in carrying out official level initiatives and making legislative implementation possible through offering training centres and sanctuaries. She stated how her team had been working in ensuring that all avenues were exhausted in order to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities into the society and active workforce. From taking NADRA on board to backing legislations on including persons with disabilities in the regular fabric of society. President Dr. Arif Alvi has also recently signed a legislation for those with hearing/speaking impairments, which requires every show/TV content that is aired, to be aired with sign language.
She stated the pivotal role played by the Media in gathering public awareness and subsequent support, among the larger population. Media must join hands with all the organisations, NGOs, welfare organisations working for DABs, in order to further recognition and awareness for them.
The Gathering was attended by Honorary Secretary, Principal, Brand Ambassador of SCINOSA, along with representatives of welfare organisations and NGOs.
Honorary Secretary of SCINOSA thanked Begum Samina Alvi for visiting SCINOSA Homes, he also urged her to ensure official recognition for SCINOSA, that has been working behind the scenes in ensuring DABs were not only acknowledged but also rehabilitated into the society as productive members.
Samina Alvi, thanked and urged all attendees to keep working towards this cause and eliminate any divisiveness and ensure inclusivity. She appealed for Official level work to take the forefront on the said matter, while also urging the private sector to hold hands with the public sector in forming an inclusive society for DABs and make sure the social stigma surrounding this is entirely removed from the society.
The event concluded with Begum Samina Alvi planting the seeds for Gulmohor (Delonix Regia) at the SCINOSA Day Home, that was to represent her commitment towards inclusion and rehabilitation of children with special needs.