Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP)

The Policy Dialogue on "Inclusive Development and Emergency Response" was held on December 28, 2023 at the National Library of Pakistan. The panel discussion focused on the impact of Flood 2022 on people with disabilities and the role of organizations such as the UNHCR Pakistan Humanitarian Forum and the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) in providing emergency response and support. The representative of the UNHCR and STEP shared their insights on the importance of inclusive development and emergency response, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in emergency situations. The panel also discussed ways to improve emergency response…

The panel discussion on "Panel Discussion on Disability Inclusion and GBV Services" was organized by the UNFPA and STEP on 09 December 2022 in Islamabad. The event was chaired by the Ex Federal Minister and current NCSW chairperson Madam Nilofer Bakhtiar, along with deputy UNFPA, Amina Beg SP, and Hassan Abbas. The audience was particularly noteworthy, as it included a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector, as well as persons with disabilities and their families. The panel discussion focused on the challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare…

Project Partner In partnership with British Council Pakistan, 14 workshops were conducted by STEP under Active Citizens Program. More than 400 young people from diversified backgrounds and educational institutions were engaged in these workshops and have initiated 28 social action projects. Active Citizens links civil society networks, community leaders and community networks in Pakistan, UK and 22 other countries across the world to deepen trust and understanding within and between communities. Participants become skilled in cross cultural communication and dialogue, and its effective role in community action. Linkages are developed with young people in UK and other countries in the…

Project Partner British Youngsters has been visited Bangyal Community School Islamabad. Bangyal is a small town located some 20 kms from Chak Shahzad, in the outskirts of Islamabad. It is a town lacking the very basic facilities of life, one of them being education. Rizwan, a physically disabled member of STEP took the initiative to start a primary school in the area with the prime support of STEP. The school holds 40 students of classes 1 to 5. Rizwan along with his sister Asia are serving as teachers in the school. During a bilateral exchange visit to Pakistan organized by…

Project Partner Being a partner with Sightsavers and CHIP on the project Inclusive Development through mainstreaming people with disabilities in social mobilization in District Jehlum, STEP is contributing towards empowerment of people with disabilities by including them in the mainstream development. Citizen Community Boards (CCBs) and Women Organizations (WOs) have been sensitized through disability equality sessions to include people with disabilities in decision making processes which affect their lives, through social mobilization. Team of resource persons from STEP had meetings with leading persons with disabilities these areas to establish their self-help groups which will help in addressing the rights-based approach…