1. MORIRO MARKAZ

Moriro Markaz is the first Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion, providing a comprehensive solution for the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities. Managed by NOWPDP and funded by the DEPD (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities), Government of Sindh.

The Story of Moriro:

Moriro’s story of valor and courage is deeply rooted in Sindh. Honored by the great Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai in Shah Jo Risalo, Moriro, despite his disability, rose above his challenges. Moriro avenged his brothers' deaths by retrieving their bodies from a crocodile and laying them to rest in their native village. Inspired by this heroic tale, NOWPDP named the Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion "Moriro Markaz" to reflect the profound cultural impact of Sindh.

How Moriro Markaz Came Into Being:

By 2013, we identified a significant gap in special and inclusive education in Pakistan, particularly in Sujawal, one of Sindh's poorest districts. In response, NOWPDP proposed the First Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion to the Government of Sindh. Following the creation of the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), NOWPDP signed an MoU with DEPD, transforming a dilapidated building in Sujawal into Moriro Markaz, which launched in 2020.

What Moriro Markaz’s Logo Entails:

The Moriro Markaz logo is rich in meaning. The bolt shaped like a human represents the strength and progress of people with disabilities. The book symbolizes the importance of education, while the leaves on either side signify the collaboration between Moriro Markaz and the government.

Our Partners:

Moriro Markaz has four partners assigned for different types of assistance that NOWPDP deals with.
They are as follows:

1. Family Education Services Foundation (FESF) - for the hearing disability
2. Ida Rieu Welfare Association - for the visual disability
3. Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IPM&R) - for rehabilitation
4. Special Olympics - for physical education

2. SAHELI PROJECT

Women with disabilities face compounded discrimination in Pakistan, where only 21.4% of females participate in the workforce and over 90% of PWDs in developing countries are unemployed. Recognizing that including PWDs could boost Pakistan's economy by up to $15.4 billion, NOWPDP has focused on engaging women with disabilities in employment initiatives. Due to environmental and attitudinal barriers, it has been challenging to encourage participation.

To address this, NOWPDP has launched the Saheli project, training selected women with disabilities to become community leaders and bridge the gap between NOWPDP and other women with disabilities. This initiative aims to help women overcome barriers and achieve financial independence.

Objective:

The Saheli Project aims to empower women with disabilities by engaging community leaders, professionals, and influencers to mentor and support others through outreach and events. Over 3 years, across Karachi, Sujawal, and Islamabad, the project seeks to reduce poverty and enhance economic opportunities for women with disabilities in Sindh and Punjab. Funded by FCDO and managed with British Asian Trust, NOWPDP is one of six partners working on this women’s economic empowerment initiative.

Through the proposed project, NOWPDP aims to:

• Build capacity of and train 260 women with disabilities in the following demand driven employable trades
  • Data Entry/ Computer Operator
  • Call Center Training
  • Stitching
  • Hand Embroidery
  • Screen and Block Printing
  • Machine Embroidery and Peco
  • Graphic Designing/ Web Designing
  • Receptionist
• Ensure women economic empowerment through job placements of 156 women with disabilities in various partner organizations
• Self-employment of 10 women with disabilities
• Provide facilitation with disability certificates and Special CNICs to 120 women with disabilities

3. heARTwork

heARTwork was established in 2012 as a skills development program to provide training to students with disabilities enrolled in our partner schools. To date, more than 330 persons have completed trainings conducted by heARTwork.

Training:

heARTwork conducts training sessions for persons with disabilities in the skills of textile design, screen printing, weaving and papermaking.

Production:

heARTwork promotes the craftsmanship of persons with disabilities through its spectacular line of products, which serves as a symbol of empowerment. These products are showcased and sold at various exhibitions held in Karachi.

4.The Rickshaw Project

Launched in 2012, The Rickshaw Project improves on-road access for persons with disabilities through advocacy for legislative changes, sustainable mobility solutions, and community engagement through awareness activities.

Community Engagement:

Focuses on raising awareness about disabilities by conducting sensitization sessions at educational institutions and baithaks at public spaces, aiming to break down attitudinal barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Advocacy & Mobility Solutions:

Focused on enhancing on-road access for persons with disabilities by developing sustainable mobility solutions and collaborating with government departments on licensing, duty-free import of retrofitted vehicles, and making public spaces and transport accessible.

Artpreneurs for Change (2011 - 2014)

Initiated in 2011 in collaboration with Naya Jeevan, this project served as a therapeutic intervention for children with intellectual and physical impairments. The aim was to provide children with a secure and healthy opportunity to express themselves emotionally and encourage social engagement. The program trained Art Therapy Practitioners, who further engaged with children with disabilities at various schools to use art as a therapeutic tool. AfC was reinitiated in 2017.

Accessible Cycle Design (2016)

A national challenge aimed at improving the design of tricycles commonly used by persons with lower-limb impairments.

NOWPDP Art Competitions (2009 & 2011)

Organized in 2009 and 2011, with more than 565 participants nationwide in categories like calligraphy and painting. The objective was to provide children with disabilities an opportunity to express themselves, raise awareness about their rights, and harness their potential as contributors to society.

Disability Inclusion – Yaqeen (2014–2016)

A capacity-building project with Engro Corp to raise disability awareness and promote inclusivity. Activities were conducted at 10 locations, involving over 900 participants. Recommendations on workplace accessibility were shared, HR policies were reviewed, and an internship program for persons with disabilities was initiated in Karachi, Sukkur, and Sahiwal.

Project Awaz (2016)

Collaborated with Shell Pakistan to employ 16 persons with hearing and speech impairments at 11 Shell sites in Karachi

Project Shapar – Dastoor (2017)

Partnered with the Aman Foundation and Special Olympics Pakistan to facilitate vocational training opportunities. Trainees with hearing and intellectual impairments underwent Auto Body and Paint training at AMANTECH.

Project Khud Mukhtar (2017)

A business idea competition empowering persons with disabilities. In collaboration with Planet N Group and IBA Aman-CED, the project supported over 30 participants, providing mentorship and funding for the best ideas.

Zero Project (2018)

NOWPDP’s 'Workplace Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Pakistan' was recognized as an Innovative Practice in 2018 by the Zero Project. It was featured in their report, and the initiative was presented at the UN headquarters in Vienna.