Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made significant strides in supporting individuals with special needs by laying the foundation for Pakistan’s first government-run autism school and launching the Himat Card program, designed to assist differently-abled individuals across the province. These initiatives underline her commitment to enhancing the lives of those with special needs and ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
Foundation of the Autism School
During her recent visit to the site of the autism school, CM Maryam Nawaz was briefed on the state-of-the-art facilities being constructed. The autism school, which will serve as a pioneering establishment, is designed to accommodate various needs of autistic children, promoting an inclusive environment for learning and development.
The school’s architectural plan includes a ground and first floor, featuring a total of 21 classrooms—11 designated for the junior section and 10 for seniors. This carefully planned layout ensures that children receive personalized attention and appropriate educational resources tailored to their developmental stages.
In addition to the classrooms, the school will be equipped with specialized rooms designed for various therapeutic needs. These include:
- Cubical Speech Session Room: A dedicated space for speech therapy, essential for enhancing communication skills among autistic children.
- Therapy Room: A versatile area for various therapeutic interventions.
- Pre-Vocational Training Room: This facility aims to prepare students for future employment opportunities, focusing on skill development.
- Daily Living Activity Room: Designed to teach essential life skills that promote independence.
- Computer Lab: A modern facility to help students engage with technology and digital literacy.
On the first floor, additional resources such as a multi-purpose hall, committee room, library, and resource room will enhance the educational experience. The school’s design allows for future expansion, with provisions to add two more floors, thereby ensuring its capacity can grow with the increasing needs of the community.
The construction is expected to be completed within one year, with an emphasis on high security features including fire alarms and a telephone exchange, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.
Recruitment of Specialists
Maryam Nawaz has instructed that autism experts be recruited immediately, emphasizing the importance of involving specialists in shaping the school’s operational plans. This initiative highlights her recognition that effective education for autistic children requires trained professionals who understand the unique challenges and needs of these individuals.
Himat Card Program
In addition to the autism school, CM Maryam Nawaz launched the Himat Card program, which is set to benefit 65,000 differently-abled individuals across Punjab. The Himat Card aims to provide essential financial support to those unable to earn a livelihood. Initially, recipients will receive a quarterly allowance of Rs. 10,500, which, while modest, can significantly alleviate the financial burden on families.
The Himat Card will also function as a travel card, allowing holders free rides on the Orange Line and Metro Buses in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, starting from October 15. This aspect of the program underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring mobility and accessibility for differently-abled individuals, promoting their independence and social inclusion.
During the launch event, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted that additional cards would be made available through applications sent directly to her office, further enhancing access to this essential program.
Symbolic Gestures of Inclusivity
In a moving gesture of inclusivity, Maryam Nawaz invited differently-abled individuals to sit beside her during the launch event, while ministers and officials were seated behind them. This symbolic act emphasized her dedication to elevating the voices of those with disabilities, demonstrating that their needs and rights are a priority for her government.
She distributed the Himat Cards to attendees and engaged personally with recipients, showcasing her affection for the children present. One young boy, Muhammad Azeem, expressed his gratitude by gifting the Chief Minister a pencil drawing, calling the Himat Card a “blessing” for him and his peers.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of differently-abled individuals, stating that they deserve “kindness, empathy, and love.” Her emphasis on the need for a compassionate approach in the educational and social systems reflects a broader understanding of the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Broader Impact and Support
The Himat Card program is not just about financial assistance; it represents a holistic approach to supporting differently-abled individuals. Maryam Nawaz reassured attendees that the government would also provide assistive devices such as artificial limbs, further demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
At the ceremony, she praised her team for their efforts in launching the Himat Card and acknowledged the resilience of differently-abled individuals. Her remarks celebrated their hope and courage, reinforcing the notion that support systems must be in place to empower these individuals.
Achievements of the PML-N Government
CM Maryam Nawaz took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, emphasizing that welfare and progress initiatives have been prioritized despite economic challenges. The event featured a documentary titled “Hope and Success Journey,” showcasing the Punjab government’s initiatives, including the Himat Card project.
Additionally, attendees were treated to a presentation of the national anthem in sign language, celebrating the contributions and rights of the differently-abled community. This inclusive gesture reinforced the message that every individual, regardless of ability, has a place in society and deserves recognition and respect.
Educational Initiatives
Earlier this month, CM Maryam Nawaz also launched the registration process for the Honahaar Scholarship Programme, aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students seeking higher education. This program is designed to ensure equal access to quality education for talented individuals across the province, with scholarships set to be awarded to 30,000 students across 68 disciplines.
The Honahaar Scholarship Programme aligns with the demands of the global job market, facilitating students from 50 public sector universities, 16 medical colleges, and 131 graduate colleges. By empowering the youth through education, the Punjab government is fostering academic excellence and preparing the next generation for future challenges.
The initiatives launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, including the autism school and the Himat Card program, mark a significant step forward in the support and inclusion of differently-abled individuals in Punjab. Her commitment to improving the lives of those with special needs, combined with her government’s focus on education, highlights a broader vision for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As these programs unfold, they promise to enhance the quality of life for thousands of individuals and their families, promoting a culture of empathy and support within the community. The Punjab government’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for the differently-abled and empower youth through education are commendable, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and equality.
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