Moved by the plight of their four blind children, the courageous parents of an unfortunate family have taken up the challenge to ameliorate their lot by providing education through an educational institution set up on a self-help basis.

The heart–rending tale of one Shahzad Ali khan describes the tragedy of his family whose four children, Ehsan Khan, Zeeshan Khan, Aroosa and Nadia, have gradually lost their sight due to an innate genetic ophthalmic disorder called retinitis pegmentosa, which eventually leads to complete blindness.

Shahzad Ali Khan and his wife, instead of feeling brought down by the misery of their four blind children, have started a welfare project called the Shahzad Khan Institute for Blind Children, under the aegis of Shahzad Khan Special Educational Society (22 Nishtar Park Larix Colony Mughal Pura Road, Lahore Pakistan) to improve the lot of poor handicapped children. They have also launched a website: www.shahzadkhansociety.org.

Shahzad said that the disability of his four children prompted him to think about establishing an organization for the betterment and welfare of disabled children – especially blind children. He explained that the institute aimed to provide free education, books and uniforms for poor, needy and deserving students, especially disabled children, in addition to granting scholarships to intelligent and hardworking students.

The Shahzad Khan Special Educational Society, a registered non-governmental organization, is run entirely on a self-help basis. Shahzad confirmed that sponsorship and financial assistance from the government, local and international donor agencies and philanthropists would be of great help to further the cause – the Society cannot run a school on its own for long, it needs contributions from donors to function effectively. He appealed to donors all over the world to support this worthwhile cause, to help disabled children get the education they need in order to become a helping hand for their destitute families.

In addition to giving cash donations, philanthropists may also offer support through technical help and equipment – for example, items such as Perkins Braille machines (a system of writing or printing for use by the blind), Braille boards and kits, audio-visual equipment, computers, a transport service for blind children, uniforms, etc. Donors may also contact the Society on phone number (0092-322-4688960 and 0092-42-38340770) or email ss_khan2000@yahoo.com

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