KARACHI, June 6: Sindh Minister for Women Development, Dr Saeeda Malik has underscored need for training programme for parents of invalid children, to help them to provide effective care without unnecessary physical and emotional exertion.

Inaugurating a four-day workshop for caretakers of special children, organised by the Al-Umeed Rehabilitation Association (AURA) on Friday, the minister said short duration sessions, meant not only to provide tips for efficient handling of such kids, but also, to offer social and emotional support to the concerned persons, were prerequisite for the welfare of such children, as well as for their families.

She, particularly addressing the parents and caretakers, said those bestowed upon with such special children were the chosen people, provided with opportunity to signify the traits of mercy, patience and tolerance.

Regretting the practice to abandon such kids or to hide their existence, she said this was not only a sin, but also adversely affects the emotional and psychological growth of the former.

“A little care and adequate handling can help them grow as considerably independent individuals,” she said.

Maria Anwar, a young student, who, despite being handicapped, got registered as a regular student with the School of Physiotherapy, Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre, made a passionate appeal to the people, to not to underestimate capabilities of the special people.

Dr Ruby Anwar Abbasi, AURA general secretary, speaking on the occasion said the workshop was being largely attended by activists associated with different NGOs, attending such kids and their parents.

Mentioning that disability of any sort requires proper medical and psychological support, she said senior neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists had been invited to train the participants in capacity of master-trainers, as well as trainees.

The session was also addressed by Razia Shoro, Zarina Fazal, Dr Major Anwar and Mohammad Rafi Khan.

Earlier, the minister undertook a round of the institution and appreciated the spirit of students and their trainers.—APP