Introduction
In Pakistan, particularly in rural and hilly areas, people with disabilities face extreme hardships. They often live isolated lives, confined to their homes due to accessibility issues and a lack of medical and educational facilities. Poverty compounds these challenges, leaving families unable to provide adequate care. Many disabled individuals live in unhygienic and dark environments, often neglected as parents struggle with other pressing survival needs.
Recognizing these challenges, Ahsas Disabled People Organization proposes the “Special Family Friends Program.” This initiative aims to provide holistic care for individuals with disabilities by hiring caregivers from within their families, ensuring consistent support while simultaneously offering financial relief to the household.
Objectives
- Improve Quality of Life: Enhance living conditions, health, and emotional well-being for individuals with disabilities.
- Support Families: Provide financial stability by hiring family members as caregivers.
- Empower Communities: Raise awareness about disability rights and foster inclusion.
- Foster Donor Engagement: Build meaningful connections between donors and beneficiary families.
Target Beneficiaries
- Total Families: 50 families.
- Criteria:
- o Each family includes 2 or more individuals with disabilities.
- o Families must be very poor and unable to afford necessary care.
- Data Collection: The data of 50 special families has been meticulously collected by field officers of Ahsas Disabled People Organization to ensure the selection of the most deserving beneficiaries.
Donor Contributions
- Total Donors: 50 donors.
- Contribution Amount: £50 per month (£600 annually).
- Project Duration: 1 year, extendable based on donor support and program success.
Methodology
Caregiver Hiring
- A family member or trusted individual from each household will be hired as a caregiver.
- Caregivers will receive a fixed monthly salary and training to provide the following services:
- Home Tutoring: Deliver basic education and life skills training.
- Cleaning: Maintain hygienic and well-kept living spaces for disabled individuals.
- Feeding: Ensure timely and nutritious meals.
- Outdoor Activity: Facilitate daily exposure to sunlight and outdoor engagement.
- Counseling: Offer emotional support and encouragement.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Field Officers: Conduct unannounced inspections to ensure proper care and adherence to program objectives.
- Caregiver Reports: Monthly activity logs detailing tasks performed and progress of beneficiaries.
- Field Officer Reports: Inspection findings, including recommendations for improvements.
- Donor Reports: Bi-annual and annual updates showcasing success stories, data insights, and testimonials.
Donor Engagement
- Donors will have opportunities to visit their assigned families, fostering direct relationships and trust.
- Real-time updates and feedback channels will keep donors informed and involved.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Living Standards: Enhanced cleanliness, nutrition, and care for individuals with disabilities.
- Educational Progress: Basic literacy and life skills development for disabled beneficiaries.
- Financial Stability: Increased family income through caregiver salaries.
- Social Empowerment: Greater inclusion and awareness of disability rights within communities.
- Stronger Donor Relations: Increased donor satisfaction and sustained program funding.
Conclusion
The “Special Family Friends Program” is a compassionate and sustainable initiative designed to transform the lives of people with disabilities in Pakistan. By addressing their fundamental needs and involving donors in meaningful ways, this program offers a model for lasting change. Ahsas Disabled People Organization invites donors to join hands in this noble cause and help pave the way for a more inclusive and dignified future.