Deaf Reach Schools. Training Centers. and. a project of

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1 Deaf Reach Schools and Training Centers a project of

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3 Pakistan has upwards of 1.5 million deaf children of school age yet the majority of them have no educational opportunities. The Deaf World There is a distinct cultural group that is a part of every nationality, and is commonly referred to as The Deaf World or Deaf Culture, written with a capital D. This concept of the Deaf as a minority group rather than a disability group greatly changes the way we view the challenges of a deaf child growing up in the world today. Upwards of 9 million people in Pakistan (5% of pop.) suffer some form of hearing loss. Of this group, there are approximately 1.5 million profoundly deaf children of school age, the majority of whom have no educational opportunities. Education equals empowerment, thus it is important to ensure that deaf children are given the chance to attend school, and to excel in skills that will enhance their opportunities for success. It is equally important to create awareness in the general population to help the community better understand that Deaf people are very capable and intelligent individuals who can make a positive contribution to any organization and to society at large.

4 Deaf Reach Program Deaf Reach Schools and Training Centers offer academic and vocational skills training for deaf children, teenagers and young adults in urban and rural areas - empowering them to become knowledgeable, self sufficient, and diverse in their talents and abilities. Five Schools and Centers are located in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Lahore, with a new large campus under construction in Rashidabad. Focus on the training of parents, families and communities is also emphasized. This holistic, community-centered approach is an educational model to meet the increasing need for Deaf education in Pakistan, and is replicable in all areas of the country. Deaf Reach was established in Pakistan in 1998 by Richard and Heidi Geary, directors of Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF). They are parents of a deaf child, and have been involved in Deaf Education for over 30 years.

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6 Deaf Reach Schools: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore Deaf Reach Schools provide an enabling environment where deaf students can excel in a variety of academic studies and vocational skills. Education is provided on a pay-as-you-can-afford basis, with the majority of students on full scholarship. Each student receives a daily healthy snack/lunch, pick and drop transportation, uniforms, and all school materials. We see so many positive changes in our son he is totally The academic curriculum is based on internationally accredited changed! We also learned sign language and can finally standards and adapted to meet the needs of the Deaf. Classes range communicate and understand each other. from KG Class 10, with emphasis on interactive learning and student Nadeem Khan (father of a deaf child) - Hyderabad participation, and includes a variety of outside field trips. We are so happy to see our children progress now learning All schools are equipped with visual and media aids in each classroom, Maths, English, Science and Computer. Now we know they have and include a state of the art IT lab and well designed facilities for a bright future. vocational skills training.

7 Deaf Reach Training Centers Deaf Reach Training Centers offer courses for deaf teenagers and young adults to prepare them for gainful employment. The goal is to empower them to lead a successful and self-sufficient life. Certified courses offered: Teacher Training Sign Language IT Skills Graphics and Web Design Hardware and Networking AutoCAD Language Skills (English and Urdu) Sewing and Embroidery Tailoring Cooking and Nutrition Arts Handicrafts

8 Financial Inclusion and Microenterprise Program Deaf Reach builds capacity in deaf students via training in marketable skills and preparing them to enter the job market. The in house job-placement services has a remarkable 50% employment rate for graduating students. Many are now working as teachers in Deaf Reach schools, in KFC s deaf-staffed restaurants, as part of Shell Petroleum s countrywide Awaz program, and in a number of positions in the banking, retail, catering, printing, and pharmaceutical industries. We also assist students in the marketing and sale of their indigenous handicraft items. I am deaf. I studied at Deaf Reach, and mastered computer programming, web design, and AutoCad. I went on to enter the teacher training program, and am now a fulltime teacher. I love working with my younger deaf students, helping them to learn and to become self confident. -M. Ashraf Mushtaq, teacher at Deaf Reach School

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10 Teacher Training Program Deaf Reach has instituted a highly successful Teacher Training Program to train candidates in the field of Deaf Education. Via this work-study internship, trainees work side by side with more experienced teachers in the classrooms gaining hands-on experience. We are proud to note that 65% of our teaching staff are Deaf themselves, and serve as role models for their young students. Additionally, regular training sessions are held throughout the year for all of the teaching staff.

11 Parent Training Program Deaf children need a nurturing home environment, yet most parents are not able to communicate in the child s native tongue which is Pakistan Sign Language (PSL). Deaf Reach provides regular training workshops for parents and family members to teach communication and sign language skills, as well as information and guidance needed for the care of their deaf children. As parents improve in their communication skills, the overall quality of life for the children and all family members improves dramatically.

12 We see so many positive changes in our son he is totally changed! We also learned sign language and can finally communicate and understand each other. Nadeem Khan (father of a deaf child) - Hyderabad We are so happy to see our children progress, and now learning Maths, English, Science and Computer. Now we know they have a bright future. A big thanks to Deaf Reach for starting this school in our city. Muhammad Muzaffar (father of 3 deaf children) - Sukkur

13 Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) Lexicon The native language of any Deaf community is their signed language, which is different and unique in every country. Currently, there exists very little resource material available in dictionary form to assist students in strengthening the language skills necessary for academic achievement. To bridge this gap, Deaf Reach has begun developing a digital PSL video lexicon. Once complete, this will provide a standardized language resource for deaf students and parents, and be an invaluable tool for all those involved in Deaf education, greatly aiding in the training of teachers and interpreters for the Deaf.

14 In addition to Deaf Reach, FESF conducts the following educational and service programs: Educational Development Programs: Capacity building workshops for mainstream and special needs teachers and parents. Motivational Volunteer Empowerment Program (MOVE): Youth leadership program with focus on volunteerism. Children s Benefit Concert: Annual event for upwards of 4,000 handicapped and underprivileged children. FESF Summer Camp: Annual event for orphan and deaf children. Hospital uplift programs and visitation. Library set up and renovation in needy schools. Mentoring of less privileged children.

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16 How You Can Help Make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of those who most need and will benefit from your support. All donations and Zakat are tax exempted and may be given as follows: Family Educational Services Foundation Account # (PKR/USD/EUR} Standard Chartered Bank Clifton Branch, Boat Basin Karachi, Pakistan Swift Code: SCBLPKKXXXX FESF is a non-profit, educational, volunteer organization established in Pakistan since Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community, especially those who are disadvantaged. Head Office/ Secondary School - Karachi: 2-K, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S, Sharah-e-Faisal Tel: , Fax: Primary Campus - Karachi: Plot 50-J, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S, Sharah-e-Faisal Tel/Fax: Hyderabad: 32-A, Sindhi Muslim Society Tel: , Sukkur: A-3, Govt. Housing Society, SITE Chowk, Shikarpur Rd. Tel: , deafreach@fesf.org.pk Web: Set up under a license from Securities & Exchange of Pakistan under section 42 of the Company Ordinance, Approved U/S 2(36) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, read with the rule 212 of the income rules, 2002.