PTCL Group marks International Day of persons with disabilities

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited Group, PTCL and Ufone, has successfully concluded its flagship “Justuju Internship Programme”, an exclusive development programme for persons with disabilities to mark the International Day of persons with disabilities, falling on December 3, a statement said.

The PTCL Group, in collaboration with the Network of Organizations Working with Persons with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP), introduced an exclusive six-week internship programme aimed at providing equal internship opportunities to the persons with disabilities at their headquarters and zonal offices, it added.

The internship offered a sound structure and development features where the PTCL Group directly mentored 20 interns based in the major cities of Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

The main objective of the programme was to enable these people to be part of the country’s mainstream socioeconomic system.

According to a report, around 371,833 people in Pakistan are disabled but that does not mean that they should be restricted in any way. The persons with disabilities have just as much right to live a normal life as anyone else. This includes earning opportunities and employability, as well.

Based on this mantra, PTCL introduced Justuju, a one-of-a-kind internship programme last year aimed at enhancing the employability of persons with disabilities through skill development, mentoring, and training.

The programme included a structured professional development plan for the interns, as well as several custom-designed webinars that focused on motivating these people to overcome adversities and coming out on top.

The internship programme was conducted digitally for the main part. However, it was also made possible for them to visit the offices of PTCL and Ufone to work alongside the employees on various projects in person and experience professional work setting.

Syed Mazhar Hussain, group chief human resource officer of PTCL and Ufone, said: “PTCL Group endeavours to enable PWDs [persons with disabilities] in honing their skills so that they can be well-equipped for today’s competitive working environment.”

“Being the national company, we endorse and practice inclusivity where all individuals can contribute to the business growth and the country’s economy. I am proud of these young and capable groups of individuals, who are not only multi-talented but also are eager to learn and grow. Moreover, it is an honour for us to provide them with this opportunity that will enable them to realise their full potential to work as professionals.”

The PTCL Group believes that sustainable, equitable progress of organisations must include persons with disabilities. With the initiatives such as this, PTCL is determined to provide an environment of inclusivity, support and empowerment to the disabled.

PTCL and Ufone are modifying their office buildings to ensure accessibility, complementing the organisation’s vision to protect and promote the rights of the people with special needs.

The organisation remains committed to taking similar initiatives in the future, focusing on the capacity-building of youth from all walks of life.

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