My name is Ester Jane and I am visually impaired.

In 2006, after completing my university education, I was selected by the Pakistan Disabled Foundation to attend a 45‑day intensive training program in Delhi, India. The course ran daily from morning to evening, bringing together 30 participants, including three women with visual impairment from Pakistan. Despite the challenging summer heat, the dedication of trainers and the supportive environment made the experience enriching and unforgettable. A defining moment was witnessing visually impaired women confidently crossing the road, which deeply inspired me and strengthened my own confidence. The program was thoughtfully designed to cover nearly every aspect of independent living for persons with visual impairment. We received structured training in orientation and mobility, enabling safe navigation in unfamiliar environments. Equal focus was given to computer skills, language development, communication, and daily living activities such as grooming, hygiene, clothing care, and cooking.

This rare opportunity not only equipped me with practical skills but also instilled independence, resilience, and gratitude for a truly transformative experience.

Now as Vice Principal at GSE&RC, I can state that these sessions were not merely instructional but empowering, as they helped us reclaim confidence and independence. We were also trained in self-defence, including karate, which strengthened both our physical confidence and mental resilience. I made my first account during the computer training course, which was a milestone that symbolized self-reliance.

In addition to daily technical training, the program included highly informative weekend lectures on topics such as law, rights of persons with disabilities, psychology, and social awareness. These sessions broadened my understanding of disability rights, and my role as an active member of society. The trainers left no stone unturned; every possible effort was made to ensure that participants gained maximum benefit from the program. The learning environment was inclusive, respectful, and deeply motivating, fostering friendships, peer learning, and shared growth across national and cultural boundaries.

‎Looking back, I can confidently say the skills and exposure gained through this training greatly contributed to my personal and professional development. The confidence, independence, and practical skills I acquired continue to guide me in everyday life and career. I remain profoundly thankful to the Pakistan Disabled Foundation for selecting me and for consistently working toward the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Their commitment to providing opportunities, platforms, and life‑changing initiatives such as this training reflects genuine dedication to the community. This program stands out as a powerful example of how meaningful support, when delivered with sincerity and vision, can transform lives.