1st Pakistan Blinds Youth Conference would commence on 21st, 22nd and 23rd March, 2012, at a local hotel. It would be attended by around 200 participants, in which 60 to 70 will be blind participants and rest of them will be sighted youth. This conference would be held with die-hard efforts of a few individuals, the British Council recognised the efforts of these individuals and they have been awarded with 'Active Citizen of the Year 2009-10'.
In this connection, Rashid Mehmood Khan, CEO of Visionary Foundation Pakistan said in his statement that Youth Blind conference was a required step to be taken for the persons with disabilities to indulge them into the society mainstream and giving them equal opportunities for learning and showing their talent.
He said that Pakistan Blind Youth Conference (PBYC) is a youth forum targeting young people with disabilities and able youth between the age of 18-30 years from Pakistan. It is designed to guide young people with disabilities and youth towards ethical living and mature leadership and challenge them into transformative acts of service, he said.
He said that Visionary Foundation Pakistan is a network of people committed to the transformation of society based on change in individuals starting with themselves. The theme for the 1st PBYC will border around social awareness, issues of persons with disabilities and bringing positive change in society to become Disable-Friendly Society, he added.
"During the conference, participants will be challenged to examine their relationships and role in building a cohesive/harmonious society. They will be encouraged to look at their own hopes, fears and motivations through workshops, times of reflection, plenary sessions and community work," Rashid explained.-PR