Instructing women at the Deaf Reach Training Center. Emphasis is placed on IT training, as well as learning the English language. Hifza, gaining valuable IT skills.

Making a Difference with the Deaf
Family Educational Services Foundation, Pakistan

Deaf Reach School and Deaf Reach Training Centers, which currently operate in Karachi and Lahore, provide a place of excellence where the deaf and hearing impaired can develop their full potential and increase their opportunities for success. Courses are designed to meet the academic and vocational needs of the deaf community, with particular emphasis on English and IT training, as well as communication skills, sign language and social skills. Through the Job Placement Program, graduates are able to obtain gainful employment whereby they can help to support their families and be self-sufficient.

Emphasis on language skills and IT development has made a real impact in the lives of hearing impaired women here -- part of our goal of empowering women.

Hifza, 17, is totally deaf, as is her 15 year old brother. Both have been students of Deaf Reach for the past four years. In addition to her courses in English and Sign Language, Hifza has also developed valuable IT skills. To compliment her training in MS Office applications, she is now beginning a course in Graphic Design.

In talking to Hifza, she tells us that her greatest desire is to become a teacher, so she can teach other deaf people. She is also interested in working at a part time office job where she can use her newly acquired computer skills. Hifza says, “I enjoy learning, and I am happy that I can have this opportunity. It is not easy for deaf women in our country. I want to be a role model for other young deaf women.”

For more information on this FCF project partner, Family Educational Services Foundation