Just before my family and I were boarding the Air Blue flight from Skardu on June 13, 2024, I came to know about something special in the region. At the small but well-organized airport, I mentioned to someone that Skardu’s people impressed me and my family so much with their friendliness that I would like to do something for them. That person connected me to Assistant Commissioner of Skardu, Mr. Ali Zafar, who introduced me to the Khaplu Special Education School, which is like an oasis in a desert. I have never met Mr. Zafar yet but have exchanged thoughts on how the school is progressing.
This Special Education School was started in May 2023 and is currently educating fifteen specially-abled children of various ages. Ms. Hakimah and Ms. Aasiya are the forces behind this daunting endeavor. Ms. Hakimah, an MA in Special Education and a specialist in sign language and Braille, volunteered to teach in this school and moved to Khaplu from Skardu (about three hours drive). Ms. Aasiya, herself specially-abled, has also been trained in sign language and Braille. The curriculum includes sign language, reading and writing, development of motor skills, Quranic lessons, and basic computer skills.
In this far-flung region, running a school like this, mostly on a self-help basis, is no small feat. I felt bad that I came to know about this school after I had left Skardu; nonetheless, I am glad to learn about their progress. This blog post is a humble attempt to let others know about the school, which is doing its utmost to bring smiles to the faces of specially-abled children and to make their lives meaningful.
I thank Mr. Ali Zafar for continuing to inform me about this school. Also, I pray for the school and its children. This endeavor is still in its infancy and can use some support. Some contact details are given below. Donations can be sent to:
Habib Metropolitan Bank, Account title: Special Education School, Khaplu.
IBAN: PK60 MPBL 0404 4171 4013 6555.
In addition, Mr. Ali Zafar can be reached at: +92 331 4021606.
