2nd cohort of COMSTECH–Ida Rieu Schools’ joint master trainer programme inaugurated

The inaugural ceremony of the 2nd Cohort of the Master Trainer Programme in Special Education for OIC Member States, jointly organised by COMSTECH (the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation) and Ida Rieu Schools, was held at the Ida Rieu School for the Blind and Deaf.

The Ida Rieu School, a premier institution dedicated to transforming disability into ability, has been a beacon of hope in the field of special education under the dynamic leadership of Nadira Panjwani, president of Ida Rieu Schools.

In her welcome remarks, Panjwani warmly greeted the guests and the participants selected for this year’s cohort, hailing from Nigeria, Uganda, Gambia, and Kenya. She emphasized that the candidates were chosen after a rigorous selection process and expressed her appreciation to Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, coordinator general COMSTECH, for initiating this joint programme aimed at empowering special education teachers across the Muslim world. She acknowledged the joint efforts of Ida Rieu and COMSTECH teams in making the programme a reality.

The second cohort will reside at the Ida Rieu Campus for three months, where participants will undergo extensive hands-on training in modern tools and techniques of special education, particularly for the education and care of blind and deaf children.

Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Choudhary welcomed the participants of the programme and lauded Nadira Panjwani’s vision and philanthropy for supporting the cause of special education. He highlighted the success of the first batch of trainees and the positive feedback received from OIC member states. Prof Choudhary also proposed the establishment of an OIC Training Centre in Special Education at Ida Rieu, envisioned as a legacy institution for strengthening the special education community across all 57 OIC member states.

The ceremony also featured a captivating performance by blind and deaf students of Ida Rieu Schools, who presented a moving rendition of Pakistan’s national song, showcasing their exceptional talent and spirit.

The event marked another important milestone in the shared commitment of COMSTECH and Ida Rieu Schools to promote inclusive education, capacity building, and collaboration in special education across the Muslim world.