"This event was not only to applaud the hard work of all the deaf students and their teachers, but also honour their mothers for Mother's Day. These mothers work extra hard to help meet their children's needs, and they are so happy and fulfilled to see their children receive education and learning skills that will make them self-sufficient and contributors in their communities."
This was stated by Richard Geary, Executive Director of Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) at the annual year end graduation celebration for 125 deaf students and their parents, here at Arts Council, organised by Deaf Reach School, a project of FESF.
Special guest Amjad Sabri recited Naat and prayer to begin the ceremony. The event featured a Mother's Day presentation by Qadeer Baig, country head of Rutgers WPF. Three mothers of deaf students were presented with a "Mother of the Year" award, sponsored by Rutgers WPF, while and all the mothers present received an appreciation gift and card handmade by the students.
Deaf Reach is the only school for the Deaf in Pakistan that has a branch network - having schools located in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, and a large new school upcoming in Rashidabad, Tando Allahyar for 500 children. It provides quality education to the deaf in areas where educational opportunities are virtually non-existent.
Emphasis is placed on academic and vocational training, as well as assisting the older students to find gainful employment via the "job placement programme." Sign Language and Awareness Classes are taught on a regular basis to parents and family members of the children, as well as hundreds of volunteers via the FESF Volunteer Training Programme.-PR