AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organised an outreach programme for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Pulwama, under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
The initiative aimed at promoting inclusion, community engagement and exposure to university life.
Coordinated by the Office of the Dean Outreach in collaboration with the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, IUST, the programme brought around 60 students, accompanied by their teachers and parents, to the University campus. The students visited various university facilities, including the Rumi Library and the athletic track.
The Directorate of Physical Education and Sports organised specially designed sports and recreational activities, taking into account the diverse abilities of the participating children. The programme concluded with the felicitation of the students in recognition of their participation.
Anjum Raja, Chief Education Officer, Pulwama, appreciated the University’s initiative and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in providing children with special needs opportunities for exposure, interaction and confidence-building.
Dr Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, IUST, highlighted the University’s ongoing extension education and outreach initiatives, under which thousands of school and college students visit the campus every year.
She informed that over 3,000 students had visited the University during the last seven months. She said that bringing children with special needs into the ambit of these programmes was a meaningful step towards making university experiences and opportunities accessible to all.
Dr Iqbal Qureshi, Officer In-charge, Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, IUST, underscored the role of sports and physical activities in promoting confidence, teamwork and overall well-being.
He appreciated the students’ enthusiastic participation. The students were also briefed about the University’s academic programmes, career pathways and available scholarship and sponsorship opportunities to familiarise them with higher education prospects.
