Disabled Individuals IT Capacity Building Livings

Project Overview

This project remains deeply close to our hearts and represents the core mission of our organization: restoring dignity, independence, and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.

In many of our target communities, persons with disabilities are still perceived as a financial burden rather than individuals with untapped potential. Limited access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities pushes families into long-term dependency cycles. Through this project, we aim to change mindsets, build skills, and create sustainable livelihoods using Information Technology as an enabler.

Why This Project Matters

For families living near or below the poverty line, disability often results in:

• Loss of household income
• Social exclusion and stigma
• Dependence on caregivers
• Intergenerational poverty

By equipping persons with disabilities with market-relevant IT skills, this project directly addresses:

• Economic empowerment
• Social inclusion
• Self-reliance and confidence
• Reduced dependency on families

Our vision is not charity—it is capability, contribution, and dignity.

Progress During This Reporting Period

Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Continued awareness and advocacy with families and community members on:
• The economic potential of persons with disabilities
• The importance of skills-based empowerment rather than dependency
• One-to-one discussions with families to address fears, misconceptions, and cultural barriers

Program Continuity (Non-Fundraising Activities)

• Internal curriculum review for IT capacity-building modules
• Identification of adaptable training approaches for different types of disabilities
• Strengthening referral networks for future participant mobilization

While large-scale implementation activities were limited during this period, program readiness and commitment remain strong.

Fundraising & Organizational Update (Transparency Note)

During this reporting period, fundraising activities for this project were temporarily halted due to an internal organizational restructuring process.

This pause was necessary to:

• Strengthen internal systems
• Improve financial controls and compliance
• Align fundraising mechanisms with updated operational structures

We want to reassure our donors that:

• This project has not been abandoned
• Our commitment to persons with disabilities is unchanged
• The pause is temporary and strategic, not a withdrawal

Transparency and accountability remain central to our values, and we believe honest communication builds long-term trust with our supporters.

Challenges Faced

• Persistent societal perception of disability as a liability rather than ability
• Temporary funding constraints due to restructuring
• Need for continuous family-level counseling and advocacy

These challenges reaffirm why this project is critical—not optional.

Next Steps (Coming Quarter)

• Resume targeted fundraising efforts post-restructuring
• Re-activate training cohorts as funds become available
• Expand advocacy to local influencers and community leaders
• Strengthen monitoring frameworks for skills-to-income pathways

Message to Our Donors & Supporters

Your belief in this project helps us challenge stigma, change narratives, and create pathways to independence for persons with disabilities.

Even during periods of transition, your support keeps the vision alive—a future where disability does not define limitation, but potential.

Thank you for standing with us.

Summary of the Project

The Disabled Individuals IT Capacity Building Livings project aims to empower persons with disabilities by providing them with accessible digital literacy and IT training opportunities. The goal is to help them gain financial independence through employable skills, freelancing, and remote job opportunities.

Through this initiative, Sanash Welfare Foundation seeks to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusion by offering tailored capacity-building programs in information technology, data entry, e-commerce support, and virtual assistance.

2. Progress Since the Last Update

Although the fundraising and reporting timelines were affected due to multiple external factors, the Sanash Welfare Foundation team remains strongly committed to this project.

During the past period:

• We conducted needs assessments through local community partners to identify suitable participants from vulnerable and disabled groups.
• The curriculum framework for IT and digital skills training has been finalized with a focus on accessibility and practical job skills (basic computer use, MS Office, freelancing, and e-commerce support).
• Coordination has been established with local training institutes and digital learning centers to provide technical assistance and adaptive equipment for physically challenged participants.
• A pilot group of 15 individuals was identified to begin the initial training once funds are available for hardware and setup.

3. Challenges Faced

The delay in project execution was mainly due to the following:

1. Due Diligence Process: The verification and onboarding procedures with GlobalGiving required additional time to meet documentation and compliance requirements.
2. Flood Relief Activities: Sanash Welfare Foundation was simultaneously engaged in small-scale emergency response activities in flood-affected communities, which required immediate resource mobilization and diverted limited manpower.
3. Multiple Engagements: The organization was managing several ongoing humanitarian and capacity-building initiatives, which caused temporary rescheduling of project deliverables.

Despite these challenges, the Foundation has maintained its determination to proceed with the project as soon as the next tranche of funds becomes available.

4. Upcoming Plans

Looking ahead, the following actions are planned for the next reporting period:

• Launch of Pilot Training Batch: Commence digital literacy and IT skills training for the first cohort of 15 disabled participants in Lahore.
• Procurement of Equipment: Purchase laptops, adaptive tools (e.g., voice-to-text software, ergonomic accessories), and internet devices for the training center.
• Partnership Expansion: Strengthen collaborations with IT professionals, freelance platforms, and inclusive employment partners for post-training job placements.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a simple tracking system to assess learning progress and income improvement among trained participants.

5. Reflections and Commitment

The Sanash Welfare Foundation team remains deeply committed to the empowerment of disabled individuals through technology and education. While the initial progress has been slower than anticipated, we are confident that with continued donor support and institutional collaboration, this initiative will significantly transform the livelihoods and confidence of many participants.

We sincerely appreciate GlobalGiving’s understanding and continued support during this period of recovery and adjustment.

6. Gratitude to Donors

We express heartfelt thanks to all donors who believe in inclusion and equal opportunity. Every contribution to this project moves us closer to creating a more dignified and independent life for individuals living with disabilities in Pakistan.