JS Academy for the Deaf launches Pakistan’s first Islamiat dictionary in sign language

JS Academy for the Deaf is pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Farang-e-Isharati Islami’ – an Islamiat dictionary in sign language, a first one of its kind in Pakistan for the deaf people.

The Islamiat dictionary has over 600 Islamic terms which took over 3 years in the making.  The words have been depicted in signs to facilitate deaf people to understand the meanings and get clarification of these words. Given that there aren’t any comprehensive sign language books on Islamic teachings; JS Academy for the Deaf has paved the way for others by launching Farhang-e-Isharati Islami, an Islamic dictionary in sign language.

The research for this work was conducted by the expert teachers of JS Academy for the Deaf with support from other deaf schools in Karachi. It is hoped this dictionary will enable the teachers of the deaf students to use it as a reference tool and enhance their knowledge and vocabulary.

The book unveiling was done by Mrs. Mahvash Siddiqui, Chairperson Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation who stated that it is our duty to ensure a more cohesive society exists and there are numerous examples of individuals who have had special needs whom have gone on to become world leaders and head major business organizations once given an opportunity to excel.

Ms Laila Dossa, Patron of JS Academy for the Deaf also speaking at the occasion thanked everyone for their contributions to make this initiative a reality which will support educating all those in need who would be able to gain not only within Pakistan but also regionally.

Mr. Muhammad Ali Charanya Chief, Operating Officer of MJSF, Dr Imran Ashraf Usmani, Independent Scholar and Ms Shehla Ali, one of the teachers of JS Academy for the Deaf associated with the work for the past many years also shared their views and experience in regard to compilation and finalization of the book.

JS Academy for the Deaf is a project of Mahvash; Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation. The school was adopted from the government of Sindh under the adoption scheme 12 years ago and is one of the leading schools in Pakistan. It imparts quality education to 180 deaf boys and girls from Kindergarten to Bachelor of Arts degree.

The school has an ‘open door policy’ where no deaf child is denied admission on the basis of their age or financial status.  The philosophy is that every child has a right to avail education and disability is no excuse for denying them this right with the goal to break the barriers of communication through sign language and provide opportunities for deaf children.

The JS Group firmly believes that Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives need to be based on flawless ethics and values bound together with an effective implementation strategy. Abiding by the Group’s philosophy, Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation being the charitable arm is committed to improving the society as a whole. The aim is to cultivate activities that improve the wellbeing of individuals, to create accessible health and education services, to create sustainable livelihood options and to improve the quality of life.