KARACHI, Oct 7: Over 100 handicapped children enjoyed music for a couple of hours at a function on Monday.

The function was organized by social worker Jimmy Engineer at a restaurant under his food and music programme for special children, which he has been arranging at least twice a month in various restaurants.

The social worker said he felt sorry when he saw that handicapped children did not have any opportunities to have fun, nor any other entertainment facilities were available to them as compared to the normal kids.

He said even parents hesitated to take the special children out, fearing embarrassment.

He said with this in his mind nearly a couple of years back he planned to organize functions to take the handicapped children out so that they could also avail the opportunities. He said he had been taking the handicapped children out regularly to different city restaurants.

He urged the parents of the handicapped children not to feel ashamed of their children as special children needed special attention. He said if proper assistance was provided to these children they would be second to none and could compete with normal children in any field.

Jimmy Enginner urged the parents to take their special children out more often as with more exposure they would gain confidence and could face the world more confidently.

Nelson Fernandes of the Pappasalis Restaurant said when Jimmy brought up the issue of organizing the function, the management immediately volunteered to host one function every month, and now for the last many months the function has been going on. He urged other hotels and restaurants to join hands in the good cause.

SADA Welfare Foundation chief Fawzia Siddiqui distributed bags containing biscuits, juice etc., among the children.

Handicapped children — Akram, Imran, Sonia, Rahat, Sadaf, Arbab and others of the Ida Rieu — led by stage and television singer Farzana Naz sang national and folk songs and enthralled their colleagues.

Music was provided by Mr Riaz who teaches music at the Ida Rieu. Special children — Lolly, Polly, Rehan, Saleem, Rubina and others — from Darul Sukoon danced on the occasion.

Handicapped and poor children from Madawa Welfare Society, Prewa, Hope and Faith, Darul Sukoon, Burhani Blood Bank and Ida Rieu School and College for the Deaf and Blind attended the function.