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GRACE Public School & Access Centers Mark World Disability Day 2025 with a Renewed Commitment to Inclusion

Skardu, Baltistan – 3 December 2025
GRACE Public School & College (GPSC) and GRACE Access Program Centers across Baltistan commemorated World Disability Day 2025 with coordinated, student-centered events reaffirming their dedication to inclusive, dignified, and rights-based education for children and youth with disabilities.

Activities were held simultaneously at GPSC Skardu and Access Centers in Khaplu and Shigar, bringing together students, teachers, parents, community leaders, and volunteers. The events featured student speeches, storytelling, posters, discussions on disability rights, and reflections promoting empathy and respect for diversity.

Celebrating Ability, Dignity & Diversity

At GRACE Public School, students led an inspiring assembly, sharing poems, reflections, and awareness posters advocating for equal rights and accessible learning spaces.
The Skardu Access Center hosted renowned visually impaired vocalist Abbas Abdal as chief guest, who shared his journey and performed soulful Sufi kalams, inspiring students with his resilience and talent.

Across Khaplu and Shigar Centers, learners engaged in:
• Speeches addressing stereotypes and discrimination
• Poster and slogan-writing on inclusion
• Reading circles featuring stories of change-makers with disabilities
• A tribute sketch by student Ahmad Ruhullah honoring Mr. Khadim Hussain, CEO GRACE Association Pakistan, for promoting inclusive education and youth empowerment despite his own disability

Voices of Courage and Hope

Students shared personal stories, highlighting challenges and aspirations.
Muhammad Abdullah, a young boy with a mobility disability, said, “People should not decide how far I can study. I will continue my education—accessible schools make it possible.”

Teachers emphasized the need for continuous professional development, accessible classrooms, and empathy-driven teaching strategies to ensure all learners thrive.

A Shared Community Responsibility

GRACE coordinators and management stressed that inclusion is a collective duty of families, schools, communities, and policymakers. The GPSC Principal noted, “Every ramp, every accessible lesson, and every child encouraged to speak brings us closer to a Baltistan where no learner is left behind.”

Participants pledged to advocate for inclusive attitudes at home and in community spaces while supporting improved infrastructure and services for people with disabilities.

From Awareness to Year-Round Action

GRACE institutions concluded the day by endorsing a five-point pledge to:

1. Enhancing physical accessibility in schools
2. Strengthening teacher training in inclusive pedagogy
3. Amplifying student leadership for learners with disabilities
4. Engaging parents and communities in dialogue
5. Building partnerships to expand education, skills, and livelihood opportunities for youth with disabilities

Through these commitments, GRACE aims to transform the spirit of World Disability Day into sustained action—creating a Baltistan where every learner, regardless of ability, can grow, succeed, and thrive.

GRACE E-STEAM Expo 2025 Showcases Youth Innovation and Climate Action in Skardu

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan — 29 September 2025:
GRACE Association Pakistan organized the GRACE E-STEAM Expo 2025 at GRACE Public School & College, Astana, bringing together more than 1,200 students, parents, teachers, community leaders, and partners for a vibrant celebration of youth innovation, climate action, and hands-on learning.

The Expo featured 300+ student-led projects demonstrating how children from grades 1–9 are applying Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (E-STEAM) to address real-world challenges such as climate change, waste management, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Highlights of the Expo

Students showcased models and prototypes across four major themes:

• Climate & Environment: Eco-systems, glacier models, climate-resilient home designs, and waste management solutions.
• Makerspace & Engineering: Recycled-material bridges, machines, and energy models.
• Digital Futures & Storytelling: Student-produced videos and environmental awareness presentations.
• Girls in E-STEAM: Zero-waste initiatives, kitchen gardening, rainwater harvesting, and social entrepreneurship ideas.

The Expo is part of the internationally recognized GRACE E-STEAM Initiative, supported through the Global E-STEM Innovation Grant by Pratt & Whitney and NAAEE.

Learning Beyond Classrooms

In preparation for the Expo, students conducted field visits, surveys, and project-based learning activities, documenting environmental challenges and designing practical, low-cost solutions. Their reflections, models, and videos were displayed throughout the event.

Leadership Reflections

Khadim Hussain, Founder & CEO of GRACE Association, emphasized:
“This Expo reflects our children’s courage and creativity. Innovation can begin in a small village classroom.”

Principal Mustafa Aqeel added:
“We ensure every child—especially girls and marginalized learners—experiences joyful, meaningful E-STEAM learning connected to real-life futures.”

Teachers as Mentors

Teachers integrated hands-on experiments, teamwork, and reflective learning using low-cost materials. Through portfolios and observation tools, they documented students’ creativity, communication, and environmental responsibility.

Inclusive and Equitable Participation

The Expo prioritized inclusion by:

• Supporting girls to lead climate and sustainability projects
• Providing materials to students from low-income families
• Ensuring accessibility for children with diverse learning needs

Community Engagement

Parents, elders, local leaders, and civil society groups visited the stalls and appreciated students’ confidence and problem-solving skills. GRACE acknowledged the contributions of teachers, parents, volunteers, and partners in strengthening climate-conscious education in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Looking Ahead

Building on this success, GRACE aims to:

• Make the E-STEAM Expo an annual event
• Expand makerspaces and E-STEAM clubs
• Launch student-led green entrepreneurship and digital storytelling labs
• Strengthen documentation and research on E-STEAM’s impact

Principal Aqeel concluded:
“Our dream is that a child from any remote village can become a scientist, environmental leader, or entrepreneur—while staying rooted in their culture and identity.”