The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHCA), in collaboration with CHINAR Kashmir, ENABLE India, and Benetech, successfully launched a 15-day digital literacy program for visually impaired children on January 18, 2025. The program, held at CHINAR Kashmir’s state-of-the-art campus in Khanpora, Budgam, was designed to provide computer training to visually impaired children, empowering them with essential digital skills and enhancing their confidence in navigating technology.
JKHCA played a pivotal role in facilitating the overall program, coordinating efforts with partner organizations to ensure its success. The laptops used for the training were generously donated by ENABLE India, while the training sessions were sponsored by Benetech. CHINAR Kashmir provided its world-class infrastructure, meals, and operational support, creating an inclusive and comfortable environment for learning.
CHINAR Kashmir’s campus offered outstanding facilities, including a modern computer lab, a well-stocked library, spacious training areas, a dining hall, clean toilets, comfortable accommodations, and nutritious meals, ensuring that the children had everything they needed to focus on their training.
The program also saw the distribution of laptops and accessories to the children, enabling them to continue their learning journey beyond the classroom. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of digital literacy as a tool for fostering independence and creating opportunities for personal and professional development.
The event was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including:
- Abdul Rashid Bhat, President, JKHCA
- Wali Mohammad Malik, Director, CHINAR Kashmir
- Humayoun Qaisar, Former Director, Radio Kashmir Srinagar
- Javid Parsa, CEO, Parsa Foods
- Ashiq Ahmad, VMS Bemina
- Akhtar Ahmad Khan, Braille Quran Instructor, Numania Banihal
- Feroz Ahmad Khan, Member, Child Welfare Committee, Budgam
Driven by the shared vision of empowering differently-abled individuals, the initiative was led by two dedicated volunteers, Abrar Ahmed from JKHCA and Abdul Wajid from CHINAR Kashmir, with significant support from their respective teams.
During the event, Abdul Rashid Bhat, President of JKHCA, highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to create inclusive opportunities for differently-abled individuals. He applauded the collaborative spirit of the program and reaffirmed JKHCA’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the differently-abled community.
The program was met with overwhelming appreciation from children, parents, and staff, who commended the collective effort and its positive impact. The event concluded with a renewed pledge from all involved to continue supporting initiatives that empower differently-abled individuals through education and technology.
The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association remains dedicated to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for differently-abled individuals across the region. Through collaborative efforts like this program, JKHCA continues to make strides toward a more equitable society.