Dear Friends

Approximately 4 million people are suffering from visual disorders in Pakistan. Generally these visually impaired persons receive minimal support from their family members and friends. In addition, the families of these persons are reluctant and in most cases they simply refuse to invest in their health and education. As a result, they are deprived of basic and advanced level educational opportunities. The negative attitude of families and the society as a whole transforms them into miserable, illiterate and non-productive individuals.

Pakistan Foundation Fighting Blindness (PFFB) is a non-government and non-profit organization striving for the betterment of the visually impaired individuals across Pakistan. Of the three main programs, Audio World is one of our major humanitarian programs which, provides education and information through a unique medium, ‘books on tapes’ also known as ‘talking books’. The idea of recording textbooks on audiocassettes was adopted because Braille books are expensive and hardly available. These cassettes are sent through out Pakistan to visually impaired students through a free registered postal doorstep facility with the objective of imparting education to the visually impaired.

Until now more than 2,400 visually impaired persons have benefited from this service and the number is growing everyday. We realize that there are many demands on your resources from various charities. However, you must understand that there are many organizations including UN Relief Agencies, which are providing support to most such situations. Unfortunately Audio World has no such source and can rely only on your generosity.

Unfortunately disability is a forgotten and ignored sector. It is for this reason that we urge you all to join our cause and help us make a difference. Please donate generously in order to help us improve the quality of life of visually impaired people in Pakistan. You can also donate inventory items like blank TDK (60-90minute) audiocassettes. Every rupee, every cassette, each and every donation will go a long way and will be remembered by those who have been deprived of reading choices for a long time. Your contributions will lead to freedom of reading choices, independent access to education, information and employment of those who have seldom known enough of it.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, Audio World has successfully completed the recordings of all textbook syllabi for the Federal, Punjab, NWFP and Sindh boards up to B.A in all arts subjects. The test papers for all these courses have also been recorded. Moreover Urdu translations of all English courses have been recorded. Syllabus textbooks of M.A Political Science of Punjab University have also been recorded. Furthermore, Audio World has a huge library comprising several hundred titles of all reading ranges.

Audio World’s efforts have brought recognition and support to more than 2,400 individuals. Majority of Audio world’s beneficiaries have now become independent and earning members of their family. In some cases they are earning more than their family members. The diverse reading materials provided by Audio world enhances their personality and provides them with a broader outlook for life.

The success of this program can be attributed to its donors/sponsors. These comprise of organizations and individuals. Audio world welcomes interested individuals who would like to work as volunteers. Donations in the form of 60-minute blank TDK audiocassettes would be highly appreciated. Furthermore, donations in the form of cash/bank drafts will be greatly acknowledged. It is worth mentioning here that the sponsorship fee of one student is Rs. 2,500/ annually.

Interested individuals/organizations who want to send cheques should contact:

v     Mrs. Saima Ammar at PFFB Head Office, Ph: +92-51-225-3709, +92-51-225-3775; Fax: +92-51-225-3972.

v     Mr Samar Faruqui at PFFB Lahore Office. Ph: +92-300-427-9064, Fax: +92-42-586-2254. 

(While corresponding at this email address please write the word: “Audio-World” In the “Subject line of your email)

“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another"-Helen Keller