Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP) on Friday celebrated International Day for Persons with Disability by organising its 2nd Art Competition titled "Mere Dunya ke Rang" for children with disabilities. The event brought together 200 children with disabilities from 24 schools/academies in Karachi to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The event started off with a workshop organised by the students of Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, to encourage the children present at the event. The chief minister's advisor on special education Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, who was the chief guest on the occasion, distributed prizes among the winners. He also announced Rs 10,000 prize for the winners. He said that he was highly impressed by the talent of the children and assured that the government would strive harder to do as much as possible for persons with disabilities. He was presented with the best painting of last year's art competition.
Amin Hashwani, President NOWPDP observed that children with disabilities live within a world of their own and this event would bring out the potential ability of these children. He said the objective of holding such events was to encourage the children and to provide a platform where they could express themselves through paintings and colours.
Renowned artists Jimmy Engineer and Naheed Raza were the judges at the event. Prizes were awarded in recognition of the ability and potential of children with disabilities. The first prize was won by Arshad from Deaf Reach I, whereas second and third prize was won by Mahmoona from Deaf Reach I and Kamran from Deaf Reach II respectively. NOWPDP will be exhibiting the artwork from the event in coming months, to increase awareness about the talents of children with disabilities.
The event concluded with some overwhelming performances by the children of JS Academy. The audience appreciated their performances and applauded the efforts made by the hearing impaired students. The International Day for Persons with Disability is celebrated on December 3rd across the globe with the aim to promote an understanding of issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.