ISLAMABAD
Sightsavers, the National Education Foundation (NEF) and the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS) have entered into a five-year partnership to implement a School Health Integrated Programme for children enrolled in non-formal schools managed by NEF.
The programme aims to address health and disability-related barriers that can affect children’s participation, learning and retention in school. It will bring essential screening and support services closer to children in underserved communities, with a focus on early identification and timely assistance.
Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, graced the occasion as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, she said: “Education is not limited to classrooms; it also requires ensuring that children are healthy, supported and able to participate fully in the learning process. This partnership is an important step towards making education more inclusive and equitable.”
The programme will also include teacher training, awareness sessions, referrals and follow-up support, while promoting inclusion, gender parity and child safeguarding across all activities.
Under the initiative, more than 7,000 children will be screened for vision, hearing and physical health conditions. Children identified with vision impairment will receive spectacles free of cost, while those requiring hearing or disability-related support will be provided appropriate assistive devices, including hearing aids and low-vision devices.
Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan and Middle East, Sightsavers, said that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and reach their full potential, regardless of disability or circumstance. By extending health and disability screening and support to children in non-formal education schools, this programme will help identify barriers that can affect participation and learning outcomes. Our partnership with NEF and PIRS is an important step towards making education more inclusive and ensuring that children who are often underserved are not left behind.
