Goal

Despite the UN Convention declaring equal rights, dignity, treatment, and independent living for people with disabilities, the application of this provision fails to integrate in the society due to strong stereotypes that exist in the society against people with special abilities. This social stigma forgets that despite the hindrances, the differently-abled possess an innate desire to contribute actively in the social aspects of life.

NOWPDP’s initiative to alleviate the gap that exists – the birth of ‘Colors of My World’ – an art competition. ‘Color of My World’ aims to

• Give the differently-abled children a public platform to display their talent to the society
• Provide them with an opportunity to interact, share and tell the world that they are to be accepted.
• Generate a broader level of awareness about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities and their potential as an active positive contributor to society
• Provide networking ground to member schools and organizations.

Impact

With the objectives of the art competition in line with the objectives of NOWPDP, and NOWPDP providing all the necessary art equipment, refreshments, and give- away; the first versions of ‘Colors of My Life’ was held on the following days,

Days	Venue	Cities
1st March 2009	Aga Khan University Football Ground	Karachi
7th March 2009	Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Library Lawn	Lahore
8th March 2009	Shamadan Court, Serena Hotel	Islamabad

witnessing 400 participants from all over Pakistan, with calligraphy and painting the two categories for the Art Competition. The spirit of competition was also mixed with hues of entertainment by lunch and concert that followed the competition in, which talented (blind) singer Bilal Patel entertained the audience in Karachi; and Ali Zafar in Lahore.

Karachi

In Karachi, art works were displayed in an exhibition at the end of the competition, attended by families of the participants, government officials, and prominent members of civil society. Murad Ali Shah, Minister for Irrigation and Power, was the Chief Guest; and reputed artists Jabbar Gul, Mitra Birdie and Amin Gulgee, judged submissions on concept and medium of expression used. The following winners were awarded art kits and trophies; and T-shirts and gifts were distributed among all participants as well.

Lahore

In Lahore, the Chief Guest, Ms. Salima Hashmi – Principal Beaconhouse National University and daughter of renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz recited the poem ‘Tote Batote’ amidst applause from the audience; and Ali Zafar distributed prizes after judges from National College of Arts – Ms. Leila Rehman, Ms. Qudsia Raheem, and Ms. Nuraiah Nabi judged submissions on concept and medium of expression used by the young artists.

Islamabad

Mr. Iqbal Sadruddin Walji, President of the Aga Khan National Council for Pakistan, distributed goody bags and certificates to all the children in the Art Competition organized in Islamabad, after judges – Ms. Alia Belgaumi, Mr. Asim Akhtar and Mr. Rahat Saeed judged the works of art. Mr. Imtiaz A. Qadri, Federal Secretary for Social Welfare and Special Education applauded the efforts of NOWPDP at its initiative.

Sponsors

The following sponsors made the event possible:

• Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Pakistan
• Clover
• Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan Limited
• Colgate-Palmolive
• Habib Bank Limited
• Igloo Ice Cream
• Ismail Industires
• Nestle Consumer Services
• Sapphire Group
• Islamabad Serena Hotel
• Shahsons Pvt. Ltd

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