Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi inaugurates first Deaf Reach Centre in Quetta

QUETTA, Sep 17 (APP):In a landmark step toward advancing inclusive education and equal opportunities for children and youth with disabilities, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Muhammad Aurangzeb Khichi inaugurated Balochistan’s first Deaf Reach Centre of Excellence in Quetta on Thursday.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Aurangzeb Khichi lauded the collaborative efforts behind the project, calling it a timely and commendable initiative.

He emphasized that inclusive education and skill development are vital for empowering marginalized groups and reducing poverty, adding that employment opportunities must accompany education to ensure sustainable development. He assured full federal support for Balochistan’s welfare programs and development initiatives.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, emphasized the importance of strengthening inclusive education and ensuring that children and youth with disabilities have access to quality education, skills development, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in society.

He appreciated the collaborative efforts of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) and the Social Welfare Department in establishing the Centre and underscored the need for continued partnerships to expand inclusive education and support services across Balochistan.

He highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment where children with disabilities can develop their abilities, confidence, and skills to contribute positively to society.

He also visited the facility, reviewed the learning environment, and interacted with students, appreciating the efforts to provide a supportive, accessible, and inclusive educational environment.

Aurangzaib Khichi assured full support from the federal government for Balochistan’s welfare programs and development initiatives.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare Haji Wali Muhammad Noorzai announced that more schools for special children will be established across Balochistan. He stressed that providing education and vocational training is essential to help special children become productive citizens.

The inauguration was attended by Federal Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, Social Welfare Secretary Ismatullah Qureshi, DG Social Welfare Saifullah Khetran, PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Barech, Dr. Dost Muhammad Barech, Provincial Ombudsperson Tahira Baloch, and other dignitaries.

Secretary Qureshi highlighted the KUMAK Program, which provides education, transport, hearing aids, marriage support, monthly financial assistance, and interest-free loans of up to Rs. 500,000 for special children.

He noted that the Balochistan Endowment Fund covers treatment for seven major diseases through a panel of 17 hospitals nationwide, while social welfare centers in 41 districts offer skill development opportunities for underprivileged children.

Director of the General Social Welfare Department, Saifullah Khetran, welcomed the establishment of the Centre and appreciated the partnership between PPAF and FESF. He highlighted its importance in strengthening inclusive education, skills development, and opportunities for deaf children and youth, while emphasizing the potential for expanding the model across the province.

PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Barech reaffirmed the Fund’s longstanding commitment to inclusive education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. He noted that PPAF initiatives have rehabilitated approximately 6,000 persons with disabilities and provided more than 39,000 assistive devices between 2011 and 2016. He added that the Deaf Reach Centre in Quetta builds on this experience, expanding access to education, vocational skills, and livelihood opportunities for deaf children and youth.

Nadir Gul Barech emphasized that the Deaf Reach Centre of Excellence in Quetta builds on this experience by expanding access to inclusive education, vocational skills and future livelihood opportunities for deaf children and youth in Balochistan.

He reaffirmed PPAF’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating pathways towards education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, dignity and sustainable socio-economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

FESF COO Muhammad Osama emphasized the need for joint efforts to bring Pakistan’s 26 million out-of-school children back into education, including over one million special children. He revealed that 108 schools for special children have already been established nationwide.

The Centre, established through a partnership between the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), the Family Education Services Foundation (FESF), and the Social Welfare Department Balochistan, is located at the existing Deaf Reach School in Quetta. It aims to strengthen access to quality education, Pakistan Sign Language-based learning, vocational skills, and future employment opportunities. With PPAF funding and FESF technical expertise, the initiative focuses on inclusive learning, teacher development, skills training, and community outreach, with plans to expand to other districts of Balochistan.