By Hafeez Khan
Islamabad:In a significant move toward Islamabad”education, the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), has initiated a series of reforms and developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of differently-abled children.
Speaking to the Daily World Tribune, the Director General of DGSE, who also serves as Joint Secretary at MoFEPT, highlighted the efforts being undertaken under the leadership of Federal Secretary Mr. Nadeem Mahbub. “Secretary Mahbub is taking special interest in ensuring that every child, regardless of physical or mental condition, receives quality education — a constitutional right,” said the DG.
At present, five special education centres are operating in Islamabad. “When I took charge, the enrollment stood at 1,400. Now, it has crossed 1,800 — and we are actively campaigning to encourage more parents to send their children to these schools,” he said.
All services, including education, meals, transportation, and personal assistance, are provided free of charge by the government. Notably, the DG has made it easier for parents to enroll their children by allowing admission even without a disability certificate, which can be submitted later. “No child should be turned away for lack of paperwork,” he emphasized.
Addressing a longstanding gap, a new initiative has been introduced for toilet training. “Parents can now accompany their children for three months, working alongside trained staff to help children adjust to daily routines and develop basic hygiene skills.”
A major development is the construction of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence on Autism in Sector H-8, with an allocated budget of Rs 1.34 billion. “Thanks to the support of the Minister and Secretary, the funds have been arranged, and construction is set to begin soon.”
The Directorate has also renovated classrooms, upgraded buses, and is remodeling existing facilities to ensure accessibility to playgrounds and recreational areas.
To further boost public awareness, an Awareness Walk will be held on August 14 focusing on inclusive education and the rights of children with disabilities.
Comparing the public sector to private institutions, the DG criticized the latter for charging exorbitant fees — often between Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000 per month — without offering adequate facilities. “Parents should know that our schools offer trained staff, proper infrastructure, and holistic care — free of cost.”
In addition, the National Institute of Special Education is actively involved in training both professionals and support staff to ensure children with special needs receive expert care and education,he added.
DG further said that “we are empowering every special child with equal opportunities, Our goal is to create a society where no child is left behind”.DG added.
