Summary Report: Program Rundown: Press News: Picture Story:
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Summary Report: Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) in collaboration with Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundatin, US based Walkabout Foundation and UNHCR distributed 300 specially customized wheelchairs to the flood affectees as part of its initial phase at Marriot Hotel Islamabad. To mark this occasion, Mr. Richard E. Hoagland, Deputy chief Mission – US Embassy Islamabad, Ms. Carolina Bunster, CEO – Walkabout Foundation and Mr. Ali J. Siddiqui, CEO – Mahvash and Jahngir Siddiqui Foundation, Mr. Ali Munir – a UK based Pakistani investor and entrepreneur, and may other notable dignitaries were present and spoke regarding the initiative. Ms Carolina Bunster, CEO Walkabout Foundation noted, “A staggering 6 Million People are living with paralysis in the united states, which is approximately 2% of the population. This number translates to nearly I in 50 people, which means that everyone is ONE degree of separation away from paralysis. Additionally, there are 100 million people in the world in the world that need a wheelchair but cannot afford one and up to 6% of the population of most developing countries need a wheelchair but cannot afford one. Since inception, Walkabout Foundation has donated over 1500 wheelchairs to people in countries such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Malawi and Chile. It is Walkabout Foundation’s first time in Pakistan, but these 300 wheelchairs, which are donated and delivered in conjunction with the Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, is part of a larger project to collectively donate thousands of wheelcharis in the next few years to come”. Mr. Ali J. Siddiqui, CEO Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation commented,” Such humanitarian efforts are the building stone of a prosperous society based on moral equality and quality living for people from all walks of life. He further added that, the Mahvash and Jahangir Foundation has always been in the forefront to support and initial such endeavors”, The Mahvash and Jahangir Foundation is a not –for-profile organization that aims to provide healthcare, education and social enterprise through sustainable development to underprovided members of society with a special focus on women, minorities, children and disabled individuals. Mr. Richard E. Hoagland, Deputy Chief Mission US Embassy Islamabad appreciated the noble efforts of Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP), Walkabout Foundation, Mavash and Jahngir Siddiqui Foundation and JS Bank. He also emphasized that the look forward to contuinue promoting such initiatives for the social development of the Pakistani society as a whole Mr. Atif Sheikh, President Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) also added, “This is a unique initiative in a way that persons with disabilities have been directly engaged throughout the process. Mr. Ali Muner, a UK based private equity investor and entrepreneur commented, “it has been a pleasure introducing the Walkabout Foundation’s efforts to Pakistan, not least because of the quality of local NGO’s and partner organization. “Mr. Munir commented that “there is no shortage of support or good will for the people of Pakistan and that the challenge for international donors and organizations is one of identifying credible counterparties.’’
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Program Rundown: Date: February 26, 2012 Venue: Marriott Holtel, Islamabad S No.
Activity
Time
1
Recitation from Holy Qura’an
04:00 pm
2
Welcome Note Mr. Muhammad Atif Sheikh President STEP
04:10pm
3
Initiatives by Mahvash& Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and JS Bank Pakistan Mr. Ali Siddiqui
04:20pm
4
Remarks by Ms. Carolina Gonzalez-Bunster CEO Walk About Foundation
04:30 pm
5
Remarks by Syed MustafainKazmi Director General Special Education, Social Welfare, Child Welfare and Development
04:45 pm
6
Address of Chief Guest Chargé de Affaires, Ambassador Richard Hoagland
04:55 pm
7
Memento Handing over
05:10 pm
8
Group Photo
05:30 pm
9
Refreshment
05:35 pm
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Press News: Tribune Express
Link: http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=94863&Cat=2
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Picture Story:
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Special Talent Exchange Program 724-G, Street 178, G-11/1, Islamabad Tel: +92 51 2111 331, Website: www.step.org.pk, email: office@step.org.pk