KARACHI: Deaf Reach Schools & Training Centers, a project of Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF), has a new custom-built campus in the model city of Rashidabad, Tando Allahyar. USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program has been a key supporting partner of FESF and one of the biggest driving forces behind the expansion of the Deaf Reach network across Sindh. The new Rashidabad campus provides services to many more deaf children and youth living in rural areas surrounding Tando Allahyar.

USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program has generously granted FESF significant funding for the academic education of 125 deaf children, vocational training of 50 teenagers and training of 18 teachers who are currently enrolled in Deaf Reach – Rashidabad. The campus has the capacity for up to 500 deaf youth. USAID’s funding encompasses the cost of furnished classrooms, vocational training workshops, IT lab, staff residential units, sports and playground area.

With the help of USAID, one family member of each Deaf student was provided training in Pakistan Sign Language (PSL). Relatives and parents are encouraged to learn PSL from the PSL book, CD or online website if they aren’t able to attend regular training sessions. This helped facilitate and improve the communication between parents and children. Find out more about PSL at www.psl.org.pk.—PR