Sania Ashique Criticizes Special Education Facilities in Punjab

In recent years, the importance of special education has gained significant attention in Pakistan. Special education centers play a crucial role in providing tailored support to children with disabilities, ensuring they receive the education and care they need to thrive. However, the facilities at these centers have often been criticized for being inadequate, leaving many children without the necessary resources to succeed.

On Saturday, Sania Ashique, the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Special Education, expressed her strong dissatisfaction regarding the current state of these facilities. During her visit to several special education centers, she conducted a thorough assessment and chaired a briefing to evaluate the existing conditions. Her findings were alarming, prompting her to issue a strict ultimatum for significant improvements.

Sania's frustration was evident as she highlighted the lack of adequate services for children with special needs. She directed officials to expedite the completion of the Centers of Excellence for special education and to fast-track procurement processes to address immediate needs. This urgency reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by these children and the necessity for prompt action.

One of the critical issues raised by Sania was the transportation of students. She emphasized the need to mobilize special education school buses by hiring temporary drivers to ensure safe transportation for children. This step is vital, as reliable transport can significantly impact a child's ability to attend school regularly and participate in educational activities.

Moreover, Sania Ashique called for the formation of specialized teams, including psychologists and special education experts, to provide comprehensive support within schools. She pointed out, “It is regrettable that some students have been retained in the same grade for five years,” indicating a pressing need for a more effective educational framework that caters to the diverse needs of these children.

In her remarks, she stressed the importance of integrating mentally capable children into mainstream schools, stating, “If children’s mental and physical conditions do not improve, it could lead to parents losing trust in the special education system.” This statement underscores the critical role that a supportive environment plays in the development of children with special needs.

To further enhance the quality of education, Sania announced plans for training and counseling sessions for special education teachers. This initiative aims to equip educators with the skills necessary to support their students effectively. The well-being of children with special needs is a top priority for CM Maryam Nawaz, and efforts are underway to ensure these children become productive members of society.

In addition to improving educational practices, Sania Ashique's directives included ensuring an inclusive learning environment that accommodates visually, auditory, and mentally challenged students. Providing education, training, and a nurturing environment tailored to their needs is essential for their growth and development.

As the review meeting concluded at the Commissioner’s Office, it was clear that the commitment to improving transport facilities would continue, with buses being prepared for immediate deployment. The participation of key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sandhu and others via video link, highlights the collaborative effort required to address these challenges.

The recent actions taken by Sania Ashique and the Punjab government reflect a growing awareness of the needs of children with special needs. By prioritizing improvements in facilities, transportation, and teacher training, there is hope for a brighter future for these children. It is essential for society to rally around these initiatives, ensuring that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.