Happy World Braille Day! Let’s celebrate the life and legacy of Louis Braille, who opened the doors of literacy and education for millions of people with his ingenious invention.

On this World Braille Day, let’s remember the words of Louis Braille: “Access to communication in the widest sense is access to knowledge, and that is vitally important for us if we are not to go on being despised or patronized by condescending sighted people. We do not need pity, nor do we need to be reminded that we are vulnerable. We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way we can bring this about.”

World Braille Day is a day to celebrate the power of reading and writing, and the amazing contribution of Louis Braille, who created a system of raised dots that can be felt with the fingertips. Braille is not just a code, but an assistive language of light and hope for many people around the world.

Are other Assistive Technologies available in Gilgit Baltistan?

The availability of other essential technologies such as hearing aids, speech-generating devices, and assistive language devices is notably deficient in Gilgit Baltistan. This deficiency is exacerbated by a paucity of financial resources allocated to initiatives addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Regrettably, both the general populace and educational institutions in the region demonstrate a lack of interest in integrating these technologies.

The imperative to advocate for equality within society is underscored by the prevailing inequities in access to assistive technologies. The marginalized position of disabled individuals, attributed to constrained financial resources and societal misconceptions, underscores the need for a more inclusive and discerning perspective. The question arises as to why individuals with disabilities are precluded from contributing meaningfully to societal discourse merely on the grounds of limited funding or understanding. Advocating for equal representation and influence for disabled individuals is not merely a matter of justice but also a necessity for fostering a truly inclusive and participatory society.

Upon this New Year’s Eve, Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement – GBGM would like to congratulate Khushan Bano for her services to the Mehnaz Fatima Foundation.

Khushan served as an intern in Mehnaz Fatima’s finance and HR department. On behalf of the GBGM team, we would like to thank Ms Tahira for her belief in our work.

#WorkingTogetherToMakeADifference 

#DisabilityIsNotInability 

#disabilityawareness

Its significance

in places like Gilgit Baltistan, where DPOs are ignored, this is a huge success for our people and our community. It shows that disabled/differently abled people can thrive within society. Goodwill has long struggled for the rights of disabled persons, in their educational skills, employment and vocational skills.

This is a huge SUCCESS!!

In a significant stride towards community empowerment, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of a transformative project in collaboration with the GB Scouts and the Goodwill Movement. This joint venture aims to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals by providing free meals to students undergoing training in our institution and extending a helping hand to persons with disabilities (PWDs) living in impoverished conditions.

Fostering Education and Well-being

Education is a powerful tool that has the potential to break the cycle of poverty. Recognizing this, our collaborative effort with the GB Scouts and the Goodwill Movement seeks to support students receiving training in our institution by providing them with free meals. By ensuring that these individuals have access to nutritious food, we are not only addressing their immediate needs but also creating an environment that fosters concentration, learning, and personal development.

Supporting the Vulnerable: A Commitment to Inclusivity

One of the key aspects of our initiative is the provision of food items to persons with disabilities who are living in challenging circumstances. We understand the unique struggles that PWDs face, especially those grappling with financial hardships. Through this partnership, we aim to extend a helping hand to those who are often marginalized and overlooked, ensuring that they too have access to essential resources for a dignified life.

Empowering PWDs for Self-Employment

Beyond the immediate support of free meals, our collaborative project places a strong emphasis on empowering persons with disabilities with skills that enable self-employment. By providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to gain independence, we are striving to create lasting change in their lives. This includes training programs tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of PWDs, equipping them with skills that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial spirit.

A Holistic Approach to Community Development

Our goal is not merely to educate but to uplift entire communities. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals, especially those living with disabilities. Through this initiative, we are contributing to a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

How You Can Contribute

As we embark on this journey, community support is crucial for the success of our initiative. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness, every contribution makes a difference. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, we can create positive change that resonates far beyond the confines of our institution.

In conclusion, our collaboration with the GB Scouts and the Goodwill Movement marks the beginning of a journey towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. Through the provision of free meals, support for PWDs, and empowerment through education, we are sowing the seeds of positive change that will undoubtedly bear fruit for generations to come. Together, let us strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and dignified life.

Friday, the 15th December : It is with immense pleasure that Icare Foundation has signed a long term agreement with GoodWill Movement to focus on inclusive operations within Pakistan. The Icare Foundation is a platform for organized and intelligent giving for donors of all levels – individuals, corporations, aid agencies and other non-profit organizations – with the goal of maximizing the impact and effectiveness of their donations. Together with the foundation, we can work on our shared objectives within the region of Gilgit Baltistan.

We are also attaching our link on the Foundation’s website, via the DONATE VIA ICARE Foundation RADIO button.

Together we can make a difference!

I hope this message finds you in good health.

In Gilgit Baltistan, despite being an educated region, the rights of disabled individuals often face neglect. Gilgit Baltistan boasts a higher number of educated individuals compared to other regions in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the practice of confining disabled individuals to their homes persists, highlighting a significant societal oversight. Despite these challenges, the disabled community initiated the Good Will Movement to create better opportunities. We inaugurated the Skill Development Center in 2022, aiming to provide training in various skills, including computer training and LED bulb making. Our organization, operating with limited resources, has been steadfast in its commitment to helping people with disabilities learn different skills.

The Good Will Movement has been actively raising awareness in society for many years. In addition to skill development, we are providing assistive devices to aid individuals with disabilities in walking and moving. It’s disheartening to note that while our organization strives to make a positive impact, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) occupies the building of the government’s Special Education hostel. This not only reflects the government’s misplaced priorities but also hinders the progress of initiatives aimed at empowering disabled individuals.

In contrast, our institution has stepped in to provide hostel facilities to some disabled individuals, facilitating their education and skill development. Despite the scarcity of resources, we have managed to create a supportive environment where disabled individuals can pursue higher education and acquire various skills.

It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our community. As we mark International Disability Day, let’s come together to lay the foundation for a society where every person, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to live a fulfilling life. While we celebrate our achievements, it’s crucial to acknowledge the gaps in our civil society and government’s approach to disability rights in Gilgit Baltistan.

The civil society in Gilgit Baltistan, despite its educated demographic, has not fully embraced the cause of disabled individuals. There exists a persistent mindset that tends to overlook the capabilities and potential contributions of people with disabilities. It is imperative for our civil society to undergo a paradigm shift, fostering inclusivity and actively supporting initiatives that empower the disabled community. Furthermore, the government of Gilgit Baltistan needs to reassess its priorities and allocate resources more effectively.

The occupation of the Special Education hostel by the National Accountability Bureau is a glaring example of misplaced priorities. The government should prioritize the well-being and education of disabled individuals, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support their growth and development. , let’s use this International Disability Day as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead. By criticizing and holding our civil society and government accountable, we can collectively work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Meet these incredible brothers at our institution who, despite their challenges with speaking, hearing, and visual impairment, are undergoing training with remarkable determination. It’s been a joy to witness their relentless hard work and commitment to education. One brother is learning International Sign Language, as well as the other brother learning sign language as well as Ms Word!

We’re calling on all to join us in supporting their journey and those like them. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping specialized training programs for individuals facing similar obstacles. Let’s make education inclusive for everyone!

Click the link to donate and be part of this impactful initiative ➡️ https://gbgoodwillmovement.com/donate-us/
Together, let’s empower and educate. 🌟

#InclusiveEducation #Empowerment #DonateForGood #diversityandinclusion

As disabled people, we are told that foreign aid is scarce in Pakistan.

The question is that where does this foreign aid go? Foreign aid is different from individual aid, whereby countries (donors) donate to others.

A recent Scottish Government development Report highlighted that SG gives educational fund allowances to the government of Pakistan (donor recipents). How much of this is spend on Disabled education : Keeping in mind that GB has the highest number of educated people?. Only time will tell.

Human right organisations should keep this in mind in GB while dealing with inclusion and should acconut their local governments.

A couple of weeks ago, we had questioned why the Social Welfare Department was non-inclusive, jobs. Here again we have seen the Jobs in Planning and Development Department Government of Gilgit Baltistan being non inclusive.

Logical fallacy

Most if not some of the jobs in the P & D Department would require some form of data entry. Why cant these jobs be given to disabled persons? We do not say simply employ disabled people but those with merit should be given a chance.

In the USA, disabled people are reducing the labor shortages by being employed in remote working conditions. The Wall street Journal Found that in the US over 30% of disabled people are now in remote work. This begs the question if the US, a superpower, can do it why cant the Government of Gilgit Baltistan?

Tech leaders should listen to the voices of disabled people in Gilgit Baltistan, and try to encourage them to be more active in the IT sector.