Empowering special minds

In Pakistan, children with special needs face a distinctive set of challenges on their journey to education and empowerment. Navigating societal attitudes, limited resources, and the need for inclusive practices, the circumstances for special education is both evolving and demanding.

Established in 1996, the Special Children’s Educational Institute (SCEI) in Karachi embarked on a mission to create a Special Education Programme akin to those found in developed countries.

Over the years, SCEI has evolved into a paradigmatic institution for special children, making substantial contributions to their education and growth. Founder Saima Haq has been instrumental in steering the institute’s journey over the last 27 years.

The institute has been a transformative force, providing education to hundreds of children with special needs, enabling them to realise their full potential. The essence of SCEI is the impactful journey and its dedication to the education and well-being of special children in Karachi.

In an exclusive interview with You! Saima Haq sheds light on the institute’s founding principles, its evolution, and the significant milestones achieved…

You! Tell us about the inception of SCEI?

Saima Haq: In 1996, I noticed a lack of specialised educational programmes in Pakistan after studying educational psychology and social welfare. This led me to establish SCEI as a model school with the ambitious goal of creating a Special Education Programme similar to those in developed countries. Recognising the financial and social challenges involved, and with my husband’s support, I started a self-funded small school. The aim was not only to fill the educational gap but also to become a role model for special education in Pakistan.

Our approach is simple yet impactful: we provide personalised education that addresses academic, social, and developmental needs all in one place. We also offer various therapies under one roof, ensuring each child not only receives tailored education but also thrives in a caring school environment. SCEI represents a vision to transform special education in Pakistan, focusing on academic excellence and holistic development, even in the face of financial and societal challenges.

You! What made you decide to focus on a school for special children?

SH: In Pakistan, there are schools for special children, but they often miss a crucial element: a low student-teacher ratio. I wanted to create a school like those in developed nations, focusing on a 3:1 ratio. In fast-paced urban areas, even the best schools have a ratio of 25:1, making it tough for special needs students. While some schools admit them with parent-provided shadow teachers, it’s not ideal as these teachers are often not trained in special education. To fix this, schools should have Resource Programmes with trained teachers on staff. This ensures better support for special needs students without putting extra financial strain on parents.

You! What is the objective of the institute?

SH: Our overarching goal is for our students to achieve their full potential, fostering a safe and nurturing environment alongside their peers. We aspire for them to not only learn but also thrive, building confidence and experiencing happiness throughout every step of their educational journey.

You! What is the curriculum for all the students?

SH: Our curriculum is structured around five major areas of development: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, cognitive abilities, language development, and self-help skills. As students’ progress, we incorporate vocational training to prepare them for employment within our institute’s vocational centre. Here, they actively contribute to creating various products that are sold, with the proceeds reinvested to sustain the centre’s operations. Additionally, we emphasise the teaching of cooking skills on a weekly basis, along with imparting daily living skills to ensure holistic development.

You! How does the institute make a difference to the lives of these students?

SH: Every student enrolled receives the utmost individualised attention tailored to their specific developmental needs. Whether it involves basic tasks like toilettraining or more advanced skills like using a particular app, we address every aspect of their developmental and behavioural needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that each student’s unique requirements are met with precision and care.

You! How do you define disability?

SH: A disability is a lasting biological challenge that hinders an individual’s ability to function independently, requiring assistance or support from others. However, one significant societal issue is our tendency to label people. Instead, we should prioritise seeing children as children first, with any other aspect, including their disability, considered secondary.

You! What basic steps do we need to create awareness about disability?

SH: Addressing the needs of children with special requirements involves several crucial steps:

1. Recognition of basic needs: The first and foremost step is to identify the fundamental needs of these children from the time of their birth.

2. Early diagnosis and intervention: Early diagnosis is essential. Medical professionals should collaborate to establish Early Intervention Programmes. This ensures that children’s needs are addressed as early as possible, allowing for proper therapies during the critical developmental period of 0 to 5 years.

3. Tailored academic programmes: By age five, parents should have a clear understanding of their child’s abilities. This knowledge guides the selection of appropriate academic programmes or schools for their child. When services align with the needs of these children, the people around them become more aware, facilitating their integration into society.

4. Parallel programmes and media support: Implementing parallel programmes and garnering media support play a vital role in creating a better understanding of these issues. These initiatives contribute to increased awareness and foster an environment of inclusivity in society.

You! What are the common challenges persons with disabilities face in our society?

SH: Individuals with special needs in Pakistan encounter significant challenges due to the limited resources available, spanning early intervention, special education, and vocational training. Unlike in developed countries where such services are often part of federal and state education budgets, the financial burden for supplemental services like speech and physiotherapy remains a challenge even there. In Pakistan, the availability of these services does not guarantee accessibility for most people due to financial constraints. SCEI tackles this issue by not only providing therapies but also delivering special education with a commitment to maintaining a 3 to 1 student-teacher ratio while keeping fees as affordable as possible.

Addressing the broader issue requires the active involvement of NGOs to establish therapy centres within hospitals or clinics, expanding the reach of essential services. Furthermore, there’s a crucial need for increased training in this field, ensuring a growing pool of qualified professionals capable of addressing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the challenges faced by these individuals in Pakistan and enhance the overall accessibility and affordability of crucial support services.

You! How do you think our society can change its treatment of its disabled segment?

SH: I believe that shaping how we raise our children directly influences social change. To alter society’s approach to individuals with disabilities in Pakistan, we must reshape how the younger generation perceives them. Currently, disability is often unconsciously linked to poverty in our minds, hindering genuine understanding. It’s only when we have a direct connection with someone facing these challenges that we begin to grasp the reality of parenting a child with a disability. Sympathy isn’t what parents of special children seek; they desire understanding. Increasing awareness involves educating ourselves and fostering a deeper understanding, laying the foundation for meaningful social change.

You! Please tell us about the vocational centre in detail.

SH: As our students grow older, they transition into the vocational programme, utilising the skills they’ve developed to contribute to the creation of our products. For instance, we engage them in making piñatas from papier-mâché, ensuring that every student can participate, regardless of their developmental stage. This process is not only beneficial for cause-and-effect understanding but also provides tactile stimulation and enhances visual closure.

Moreover, the products they create often represent characters’ familiar to them, generating excitement and motivation when they see the finished product come to life. This experience has a positive impact on their self-esteem and curiosity, particularly when we introduce new products.

You! You’ve showcased the children’s works in exhibitions, giving them a lot of exposure. Can you tell us more about that?

SH: We’ve organised several art and furniture exhibitions in commemoration of UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). These exhibitions serve as significant platforms to showcase the capabilities of individuals with special needs, emphasising their potential as valuable contributors to society. It underscores the importance of patience and compassion in creating opportunities for them to thrive alongside us.

While our past exhibitions have focused on art and furniture, we are now looking to expand our reach. Although we haven’t ventured into fashion weeks thus far, we are actively planning collaborations with designers on this platform. This strategic move aims to further highlight the creativity, talents, and capabilities of individuals with special needs in diverse fields, fostering a more inclusive narrative.

You! Tell us about your recent collaboration which left a profound effect on the institute.

SH: Sajid Hasan’s visit to SCEI left a profound impact as he witnessed the remarkable confidence and enthusiasm displayed by our students. Touched by their joy and passion for learning, he became aware of our financial struggles in maintaining the programme and the aspiration to make it accessible to all, irrespective of economic challenges. Inspired to contribute, he initiated the event ‘Mein Bhi Pakistan Hoon’. This event served as a platform to highlight the potential of Pakistan to become an inclusive society, despite the challenges. We emphasise the urgent need for the corporate sector to step forward and support individuals with special needs, especially in a society where their opportunities are limited, and progress is overdue.

You! Running a school for mentally challenged children is no mean feat. What keeps you motivated?

SH: Undoubtedly, it’s the children! While everyone refers to them as ‘special children’, it’s only when you truly get to know them that you realise how genuinely special they are. I believe these individuals are a gift from God, serving as teachers of virtues like patience, gratitude, and unconditional love. As humans, we may think they need us, but in reality, to truly embrace our humanity and understand the essence of humanity, we are the ones who need them.

You! What roles do the parents of special children play in the well-being of their child?

SH: The parent’s role is pivotal in a child’s development and daily well-being, but they face challenges if societal resources and services are lacking. In Pakistan, there’s a tendency to blame parents without recognising their need for support and understanding. Raising a child with a disability profoundly alters a family’s life, and it’s essential for society to acknowledge and provide the necessary assistance to these parents.

You! What are your future plans for the institute and the students?

SH: We hold a firm belief that, under the right leadership and with improved access to information, collaborative efforts and corporate partnerships should unite to bolster and sustain programmes like ours. Recognising that relying solely on donations may not be sufficient, we emphasise the necessity of forging strategic collaborations and partnerships within the corporate sector. This multifaceted approach ensures the longevity of professional institutions and enhances the impact and reach we aim to deliver.