By Zartaj Asim (YES 2017-18, Pakistan, hosted by World Link in Freeburg, IL)

My Name is Zartaj Asim I am from Pakistan. While I was on my exchange in Illinois, I did many booths of henna tattoo to collect funding for Mashaal Initiatives Institute of Special Education Pakistan and I was able to raise 110 USD. Meanwhile, during my GYSD 2018 Project “Bringing Smiles,” I was able to make 100 ‘goody baskets’ for children in needy families to help them celebrate Easter and save 90 USD for children with disabilities in Pakistan. Now with this donation, I have done this project as an alumna in Pakistan.

Using the remaining money, I planned a YES Alumni Community Service Project “Connecting Hands of Kindness for Special Children” on September 29, 2018 with the help of YES Alumni Pakistan, volunteers, Institute’s teachers, staff, parents of special children, and community members at Mashaal Initiatives Institute of Special Education Pakistan. The main aim is not only to spend some quality time with these children with disabilities, but also to do something to fulfill their basic needs for education and give 100 gift packs to these children with disabilities. The participants were engaged in interactive learning activities as well as fun games. A total of more than 100 students, teachers, and volunteers participated.

At the event, volunteers played games with the children and distributed gifts. The YES Alumni gave a presentation about children with disabilities' education in the United States to the teachers and staff of Mashaal Initiatives Institute of Special Education Pakistan. At the end of the event, there was a ceremony where volunteers gave the donations to the school principal and Director of Administration. The Director of Administration and school principal also awarded certificates to the volunteers and shared a few words about our project.

This project's goal is to to let children with disabilities know that the whole society is behind them and they are no less than anyone. We want them to realize that they can achieve their goals and aims in life through education. We are also able to help the only institute for special education in this area, which is working great only on donations and without any school fees. This project will help them to be better financially, allowing Mashaal Initiatives Institute of Special Education Pakistan to explore the potential of these children and help them grow better. The project aims to strengthen, help, and appreciate the Mashaal Initiatives Institute of Special Education in the noble cause of education by spending quality time with special children and teachers, and providing them some basic stuff like stationery, 100+ gifts packs for children, and some student chairs, which they needed urgently to continue their work.

I believe at the end of project that we have created awareness among the community members regarding the acceptance and inclusion of disabled community members. The project boosts the skills of these special needs children and made lasting connections between them and the community. Overall, the project was a success.

Lastly, it is only the because of The Kennedy-Luger Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program that I am able to serve my community.