Session on Special Children held
The Department of Media and Communication Studies at SMIU organized an interactive session on “Children with Inclusive Needs” at the university’s auditorium on June 6, 2024. The session was presided over by Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, with noted philanthropist and Chairman of the Edhi Foundation, Mr. Faisal Edhi, serving as the chief guest. During the event, final-year students from the department presented video reports and short films on the daily lives, activities, and challenges faced by special persons as part of their final-year projects.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai noted that special persons constitute about 16 percent (more than 1 billion) of the world’s population. He highlighted that there are 15 million special persons in Pakistan and stressed that society must treat them as valued individuals, ensuring that necessary facilities are provided in buildings and public transport.
Dr. Sahrai emphasized that for the country’s development, all marginalized communities, including women and special persons, must be included in every field. He mentioned that Sindh Madressatul Islam University had incorporated facilities for special persons in its buildings being constructed on the Malir campus.
Dr. Sahrai welcomed Mr. Faisal Edhi, the son of the distinguished philanthropist Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, to Sindh Madressatul Islam University. At the Vice Chancellor's suggestion, the audience gave a standing ovation to honor the great services of Abdul Sattar Edhi. Dr. Sahrai remarked, “There were few individuals in the world who had no controversy, and Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi was one of them,” and he commended Mr. Faisal Edhi for continuing his father's noble mission. The Vice Chancellor offered his support for any future needs related to humanitarian service.
Dr. Sahrai also praised the video reports prepared by the students of the Department of Media and Communication Studies, noting that they had fulfilled their social responsibility.
In his address, Mr. Faisal Edhi stated that those special persons engaged in small businesses are the real heroes and deserve support. He emphasized that these individuals strive for a better life and wish to contribute to society, thus requiring our support.
Mr. Edhi highlighted that Karachi had 2 million children enrolled in primary schools, while 2.6 million children were out of school. He called for efforts to provide education to all children in the country.
He shared an anecdote about meeting a Palestinian diplomat in Islamabad a few years’ prior, requesting permission to start work for children in Gaza. The diplomat had responded that while Egypt could grant such permission, despite the war imposed by Israel at that time, Gaza had a literacy rate of over 98 percent and was operating three shifts of schools due to a shortage of buildings. Mr. Edhi argued that, given there is no war-like situation in Pakistan, efforts should be made to educate all children, and if necessary, schools should operate in multiple shifts like in Gaza.
Mr. Edhi noted that there are currently no “nuns” in Karachi, who were mainly from Christian and Hindu communities. This lack of support affects many children’s homes in Karachi, such as Darulsukun. He also pointed out that decreased financial support from European countries due to their engagement in wars has created a crisis for welfare organizations.
He stressed the need for a skilled Pakistan where both normal and special children receive vocational training. Mr. Edhi appreciated Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai and the students of the Department of Media and Communication Studies for organizing such an important session.
Special persons including 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; Preeti Varodra, receptionist at TDF Magnificence Centre; and Ali Khan Tareen, Co-CEO and Founder of Khas Foodz, shared their success stories. They suggested that the government should provide facilities in workplaces and public places for special persons. Savio M. Pereira, CEO of Darulsukun Welfare Society, also spoke about the needs and problems faced by special persons. At the end of the event, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai presented shields to the guests.