49 Satellite Classrooms and 20 Satellite Schools extend access to Deaf education across 26 districts of Sindh
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the expanded Deaf Reach Satellite Program on Monday, marking the start of International Week of Deaf People. The partnership between the Sindh Government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and Deaf Reach now includes 49 digital classrooms in Government Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers and 20 standalone satellite schools, extending access to education for Deaf children across Sindh in 26 districts.
The satellite schools serve remote communities where education was previously inaccessible to Deaf children. Six main Deaf Reach campuses, each serving an average of 300 Deaf students, act as regional hubs, providing oversight and quality assurance for the satellite network.
Each digital classroom combines a structured Pakistan Sign Language curriculum with Deaf Reach’s purpose-built digital learning resources, giving students access to lessons in a language they can understand.
“Every child in Sindh, regardless of circumstance, deserves access to quality education and the tools to build an independent future,” said CM Murad Ali Shah. “By integrating Deaf Reach’s digital learning tools and Pakistan Sign Language curriculum at the DEPD Centers we are ensuring no deaf child is left behind,” he added.
The inauguration took place at the Special Education and Rehabilitation Complex, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, where the Chief Minister cut a ribbon and unveiled a commemorative plaque. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries met students and praised the digital learning environment.
DEPD Secretary Tuah Ahmed Farooqui addressed the gathering, while Mr. Richard Geary presented Deaf Reach’s work in Sindh and its longstanding partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh.
“Education is the first step, and total empowerment is the goal. Together with DEPD, we are establishing a sustainable ecosystem, from sign language literacy and digital learning to teacher training and vocational skills, that equips Deaf youth to thrive independently. The Sindh Gov’t has led the way, and this model is replicable and scalable in other regions,” said Richard Geary.
The expanded network builds on this partnership to bring quality education closer to Deaf children’s homes and strengthen opportunities for learning, skills development and greater independence.
