PSDF, SDA partner to boost skills and jobs for hearing-impaired youth

LAHORE -- PSDF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sir Syed Deaf Association (SDA).

The partnership is formalized under PSDF's upcoming UMEED (Skills for Inclusion Program) - Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan. It is designed to extend accessible vocational training and employment pathways to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and transgender individuals. 

The agreement was signed by Ali Akbar Bosan, Chief Operating Officer (COO), PSDF, and Ghazanfar Shah, Director, SDA. The signing ceremony was in the presence of Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF, and senior management from both organizations.  Under the MoU, SDA will leverage its nationwide network to identify and mobilize eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing candidates for PSDF programs. SDA will also contribute its expertise in sign language, adapted training delivery, and inclusive curriculum design including AI and emerging technology skills to inform how PSDF develops and delivers training for hearing-impaired participants.  

"Inclusion is only meaningful when it is built into the design from the start not added as an afterthought. This partnership will help us build a training and employment pathway meeting the hearing-impaired youth where they are and takes them where they deserve to go," said Ahmed Khan, CEO, PSDF. 

PSDF will engage and fund training service providers capable of delivering accessible, ability-appropriate training, ensure training facilities meet accessibility standards for PWDs, provide transportation allowances and support structures to facilitate participant attendance, connections to micro-finance, social protection programs, and industry placement networks for trained graduates.  

"SDA has been working to ensure that Pakistan's deaf community is not left behind in education, employment, or civic life. Together with PSDF, we will identify the structural barriers our community faces and ensure that Punjab's skills development agenda builds an inclusive workforce," said Ghazanfar Shah, Director, SDA. 

Under this alliance, both organizations will jointly track outcomes including enrolment, training completion, certification, and employment placement of PWDs across Punjab. It will contribute to a stronger and inclusive TVET ecosystem that equips every segment of society with the skills, credentials, and pathways required to participate fully in Pakistan's growing economy.