Most of us are unaware about World Down's Syndrome Day which is celebrated on March 21. This day is celebrated to spread awareness about down's syndrome which was first observed by the United Nations in 2012.

There are organisations, forums and NGOs around the world that are now trying to spread awareness about mental ailments. Such illnesses, especially in the developing countries need more awareness because either the people are not educated, or the government is not doing sufficient work to cater to such a niche segment since economic growth and political structure comes first for these countries.

In Pakistan there are hardly any education centres to cater to the special needs of children. Those that are functioning are struggling on their own without any substantial government support. Most of them are in shambles. They lack the resources and infrastructure.

At least 2.49% of the Pakistani population is differently abled. What will be the future of these 2.49% in our country? Most of us aren't even aware that such a percentage needs special attention and care. There is not only the lack of resources for the differently abled but there is a lack of awareness especially about mental illnesses. Families of such people are oblivious to the predicament of the differently abled other than that they are also reluctant in seeking out help. That owes to the financial burden such treatment incurs.

Secondly it is also because of the stigma our society has attached to people with disabilities. They feel ashamed to bring them out in the public.

One brave woman has realised the need of the hour and stepped out to take matters into her own hand. Dream Children Rehabilitation and Special Education Centre of the NGO Peelu Organisation in Multan is Shaista Bano’s brainchild.

Shaista Bano worked in the private health sector for almost 10 years. She saw a lack of awareness and support for the mothers of such children. Not only their children but the mothers of such children were ridiculed, cursed and discriminated against by their in laws, relatives and public at large. They were blamed for the condition of their children, they were called unlucky and were cursed.

Belonging from an educated background and serving in the education sector, Shaista always educated them, encouraged them, gave them confidence to step out and seek help. She saw their plight and tried her best to support and encourage these women. She felt a deep connection for these children and their families, thus she began her own venture.

It has been almost two years since the establishment of Dream Children and it was not without struggle. It caters to children with cerebral palsy, down syndrome and autism.

Just after a year of its inception the organisation harboured 30 children. Amongst them 20 were suffering from cerebral palsy, five from autism and the remaining from down syndrome. These children have their customised educational plan. The teacher gives their full attention to the child’s learning and helps them to develop confidence.

Moreover, speech therapy and physiotherapy is also provided to these children by qualified staff. In addition to this, Dream Children tries to provide school like facilities including arts and painting, music classes and transportation services. But it also provides proper meals according to the nutritional needs of individual students.

Shaista is not only focusing on these children but she is also focusing on donations and public awareness campaigns which are conducted every now and then to disseminate information and to educate people that with proper treatment these illnesses can be handled.

While talking to Shaista, she expressed how difficult it was to convince the parents especially the mothers. The mothers are also the ones suffering. They not only go through with the tedious care of bringing up their children but they also have to shield themselves from those who intimidate them and ridicule them.

She counsels the parents every now and then and bucks them up for their endeavours. Shaista wants to expand Dream Children and she hopes that more people will be willing to donate for such a selfless and noble cause.