At this point in time, more than 90% of persons with disabilities are out of the workforce in Pakistan. This exclusion is a grave loss for both the society and the Pakistan economy.
NOWPDP believes in innovative interventions to facilitate persons with disabilities earn their livelihoods and become Khudmukhtar - the state of being economically empowered and independent.
One of the oldest projects to have recently rekindled, The Rickshaw Project revolves around the retrofitting of rickshaws such that a control and usage is brought to the hands of persons with lower limb disabilities.
Pakistan continues to grapple with challenges on multiple fronts. While some of these have been addressed, there are many more which have not been prioritized.
Having studied in a mainstream school during my childhood, I was bullied for my disability. Because of this I stopped going out. I would just stay at home, take care of my siblings and parents and not do much for myself. Being a part of the sustainable bags project at NOWPDP has allowed me to do something I love doing – for myself- and to be financially independent.
First and foremost, persons with disabilities are trained in rickshaw driving and road safety. Graduates with a good performance receive rickshaws and can earn a living through so they can become Khudmukhtar.
The school is the first of its kind and a model of inclusive education for children with and without disabilities in Karachi, incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education at early years. Students’ academic levels range from Pre-K to Grade 3 with special emphasis on monitoring and evaluation of the individual education plans and integrating socio-emotional learning (SEL) in the core subjects.
An integrated classroom not only facilitates both children with and without disabilities, it also fosters a beautiful spirit of empathy and helpfulness that can be widely seen in the students within the first few weeks.
Two of those issues that needed continued attention for sustainable change were:
From an environmental perspective, Karachi is home to around 20 million people, and it has no solution to the 16,500 tons of waste it generates daily. The most detrimental of this waste is plastic, which when left uncollected in dump sites, pollutes the environment. The staggering population and inefficient waste management make for an environmental time bomb.
We upcycle the three most contributing pollutants (cloth, paper, and plastic) to create eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and disability-inclusive products that are a necessity in today’s day and age.
