school program
The IRADAH School for Children with Hearing Impairment stands as a beacon of hope for children who, in the past, were often left without opportunities for education, skill development, or social integration. Located in Chakwal, the school addresses a critical gap in services for children with disabilities in a district that has one of the highest disability ratios in the country—7.7% according to the 1998 census, representing over 83,000 persons with disabilities, including more than 36,000 children under 18.
Before the establishment of IRADAH, children with hearing impairments in the region had no access to educational institutions equipped to meet their needs. Their mobility was limited to their homes, and their lives were largely confined to dependence on family support or charity. The absence of skills and education made economic independence nearly impossible, pushing many towards a life of isolation or even begging. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, IRADAH’s founder, the late Mr. Izhar Hussain Awan, together with his associates, initiated a comprehensive program for rehabilitation, education, and empowerment.
The IRADAH School for Deaf Children was launched in 2002 in a rented building, a year after the organization’s inception. Its mission was clear: to provide quality education and skill-building opportunities to children with hearing impairments so they could become productive and confident members of society. In 2008, the school moved to its own purpose-built facility, offering an environment tailored to the learning and social needs of its students.
Today, the school caters to 52 students—28 girls and 24 boys—ranging from grade 1 to grade 10, following the Punjab Textbook Board syllabus. The institution ensures inclusivity by charging only a nominal fee to families who can afford it, while the majority of students study free of cost, supported by funds raised through donors and sponsors.
Beyond academic education, the school offers specialized services and activities designed to foster the holistic development of its students. A qualified part-time speech therapist visits weekly to help students improve their communication skills. Art classes in painting and calligraphy encourage creativity, while vocational training programs in sewing, embroidery, banner making, and other crafts prepare students for future economic independence.
Exposure visits and study tours form an important part of the school’s program, broadening students’ horizons and helping them gain real-world experiences. Female students in need have access to a hostel facility, ensuring that geographic or family constraints do not deprive them of education. The school’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident from the active participation and success of its students in sports, art, and other competitions at various levels.
The dedicated team behind this effort includes one principal, seven teachers (all female except the art teacher), a part-time speech therapist, a driver, a cleaner, and two attendants/watchmen. Together, they provide not only education but also care, discipline, and encouragement—transforming the lives of children who might otherwise be marginalized.
The IRADAH School for Children with Hearing Impairment continues to embody the organization’s vision of an inclusive Pakistan where persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential. It stands as proof that with the right opportunities, empathy, and support, disability does not define a person’s destiny.