The Government of Sindh and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) have launched a five-year partnership to strengthen inclusive education across the province. The initiative aims to improve educational opportunities for children with disabilities through specialised teacher training, research, and the establishment of a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit.
Sindh Government and AKU-IED Sign Five-Year Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Chief Minister House in Karachi after receiving approval from the Sindh Cabinet.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn and realise their potential.
He said the initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive education system that removes barriers faced by children with special educational needs.
Dedicated SEN Unit to Be Established
A key component of the partnership is the establishment of an Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit at AKU-IED.
The centre will serve as a hub for teacher training, research and innovation while featuring sensory rooms, therapy spaces and specialised resource centres to support inclusive learning.
The unit is expected to play a leading role in developing evidence-based approaches to special education across Sindh.
Thousands of Educators to Receive Specialised Training
Under the five-year programme, AKU-IED will train more than 2,000 educators through modular courses, Training-of-Trainers programmes and certification pathways focused on inclusive education.
The institute will also introduce a specialisation in inclusive education within its Bachelor of Education programme, with participating students receiving monthly stipends.
Through these trained educators, the initiative aims to positively impact an estimated 500,000 schoolchildren across Sindh.
Addressing Pakistan’s Inclusive Education Gap
According to UNICEF, approximately 96 percent of children with disabilities in Pakistan remain out of school.
Sindh faces a particularly significant challenge, with around 7.4 million children currently out of school, where disability, poverty, gender disparities and limited accessibility continue to restrict educational opportunities.
Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Tuaha Ahmed Faruqui, said the partnership reflects a commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities are no longer excluded from the education system.
Research and Policy Development
Beyond teacher training, the partnership includes a comprehensive research and policy framework designed to improve inclusive education across the province.
The programme will conduct baseline assessments, implementation evaluations and annual policy reviews to support evidence-based decision-making.
It will also organise biennial SEN conferences, policy seminars and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting disability inclusion through educational resources, community engagement and advocacy initiatives.
AKU Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education
Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, described the partnership as a commitment to creating an education system where every child is recognised, supported and empowered.
Meanwhile, Aga Khan University President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said the strength of any education system is measured by its ability to reach children who have historically been left behind.
He noted that preparing teachers and schools to educate children with special needs would help ensure that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Long-Term Vision for Inclusive Education
The Government of Sindh will provide grant funding for the initiative, while AKU-IED will contribute its academic expertise and institutional resources.
The newly established SEN Unit will also develop a long-term strategic roadmap designed to sustain the programme’s impact beyond the initial five-year partnership.
The initiative represents one of the most significant efforts undertaken in Sindh to expand inclusive education and improve learning opportunities for children with disabilities across the province.