Down in Defense Phase 4, very
near the Imam Bara, is a three story building, which functions as a salve to
our open wounds in Karachi. It houses some 150 people who walk, smile, eat and
live as if they are ordinary humans…unfortunately they are not. You just need to talk to them to realize that
there is a problem…they are the ones who we locally call “buddhu”.
Their problem is that they fall
in the vague territory of 70 IQ. Per se
there is nothing wrong with these people and at an early age they are sent to
school, only to be sent back because they cannot work with the class. Imagine
going through life, looking and hearing through a haze and not understanding most
things, not being able to comprehend simple things and with no hope of
recovery. But now there is some hope. By some miracle, these same desperate people
have been blessed with an innate ability. They are able to take up repetitive
tasks, do them extremely well and therefore function in the normal world and
even sustain a living. So the real question is to find a vocation which suits
them and train them to do it well and then they are on the road to
independence. That is where KVTC (Karachi Vocational Training Centre) comes in
to do this training.
For 21 years, KVTC has functioned
as a beacon of hope for these people, in this unequal battle of numbers. It has
managed to train hundreds and has released them into the world successfully. A 12-18 months program makes the pupils capable
to handle a vocation. He/she is then employed at various organizations.
Vocations can be as varied as mina kaari, stitching, mechanical repair, painting
etc. The teachers at KVTC are very dedicated. They are specially trained to handle
these pupils and have great emotional control, also show lots of patience and
love to the pupils. Invariably, visitors to this centre are totally emotionally
overwhelmed with what they see and most have come out in tears.
The KVTC has flirted with extinction all of its 21 years and it is a
credit to its teachers and administrators - who work on a pittance - and
a dedicated band of people who continue to sponsor it, come what may to
ensure that these poor students get the necessary support. It is now in
desperate need of help to continue to function and make a difference.
Really not much is required beyond what is being done…..for instance a 1000 people giving 500 a month will see
this place comfortable and working well. We, who have food on the table and
healthy children in our houses, have a lot to thank Allah for. It is to your
type of thankful individual I am appealing, that you should go and see this
place. Once you have done that, the battle will be won, as you will yourself
take time and commitment out to do whatever is required for its survival.
The contact for KVTC is a
gentleman called Aamir, who manages the place. His number is 0300 254 8886. I
exhort you to have a look at this exceptional facility, as it will change your
outlook on life.
Dated : Apr 2nd 2012
