Disabled Individuals IT Capacity Building Livings

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.