Highlights

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ED-USA NEWS | Issue#01-03 USEFP NEWSLETTER 7
PROGRAMS
USEFP Supports Alumni with
Disabilities
USEFP supports people with disabilities in an
attempt to improve their knowledge and
experience of the world by giving special
attention and preference to such students in
Pakistan. Every year a number of students
with disabilities are sent to U.S. on various
scholarship programs. For many the
experience has been life changing and the
impact is everlasting. Not only have these
students developed a good understanding of
the United States and its people; they have
become a valuable and productive asset for
Pakistan upon their return.
Ishtiaq Ahmed has been one such
outstanding example among many others.
He may not have the ability to see the world
through his eyes but this hasn’t kept him
away from pursuing his goals and objectives
in life. He was teaching at FG Sir Syed Boys
School in Rawalpindi when he was selected
for Teaching Excellence and Achievement
Program (TEA). The program provides
Pakistani teachers, from government schools
with unique opportunities to develop
expertise in their subject areas, enhance their
teaching skills, and increase their knowledge
of the United States. Ishtiaq Ahmed was
placed in the University of Northern Colorado
under the scholarship program. The world did
not stay the same for Ishtiaq Ahmed after he
went on the program. Here is what he had to
say about his experience:
What was your first impression upon arriving in
the United States?
I.A: I was excited and curious to know what
the U.S was like. I received a very warm
welcome when I arrived and this was a
pleasant surprise for me. Americans are very
hospitable and I was treated very well.”
What did you learn from the program?
I.A: I learned that the teaching methodology
in the U.S is activity-based and they
encourage student involvement. Going on
the program changed my mindset about
traditional methods of teaching and
conventional ideas like rote learning. I
believe students remain involved and more
interested with interactive methods of
teaching and you also get to know your
students better.”
What would you like to tell other people
interested in applying for the TEA Program?
I.A: Americans are very helpful and friendly
towards people with disabilities like myself.
They raise your confidence by their behavior
towards you and their system is designed to
help disabled people become truly
independent. Their courses are tailored so
that everyone learns at their own pace and
they guide you pleasantly. If you don’t
understand something you can keep on
asking your professors and they will not get
offended they will patiently explain the
concept until you understand it.”
Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed is now the proud recipient of
the Fulbright PhD scholarship. USEFP is proud
of its notable alumnus!
There are scholarship programs which cater to
the other sector of academia also. One such
program is Near East & South Asia
Undergraduate Exchange (NESA).
Undergraduates from Pakistan universities and
colleges are selected to study at a university in
the U.S. for a year under this program. A proud
recipient of this scholarship is Muhammad
Waleed Hashmi who has made the journey
through his academic years with impaired
hearing. A casual conversation with Waleed
revealed his deep insight on people with
hearing disabilities in Pakistan, his motivation
to improve the conditions for such people and
the inspiration behind his struggle. Here is
what Waleed had to say:
“I think that in Pakistan deaf people face many
social and other problems. Deaf people don't
get the proper opportunities or access to
mainstream education. Generally, deaf people
are not aware of the laws which protect their
rights of free education and access to other
facilities as compared to advanced countries.
Moreover, there are no awareness programs in
Pakistan to teach deaf people about the right
kind of education suited to their special needs.
This results in faulty selection of their goals
which ultimately result in loss of their precious
time and resources. I want to help and teach
them and change the laws for deaf people in
Pakistan. I hope that people support me in this
cause.”
Talking about his inspiration Linda Bove,
Waleed had the following thoughts:
“Growing up my inspiration was Linda Bove.
She was deaf and she created the character
of Big Bird on Sesame Street. Linda taught
Big Bird to sign his name in sign
language.Linda Bove also played a sign
language teacher on Sesame Street. She
started the Little Theatre of the Deaf. She
was a star in many plays for the hearing
impaired and children. Linda because a
famous deaf actress. She was a part of the
National Theater for the Deaf which travels
around the United States. She was a
successful deaf woman who reached her
goal.”
Introduction to Deaf History and Deaf Cuture in
America by Waleed Hasmi.
Ishtiaq Ahmed speaks at the TEA Pre-departure
Orientation about his experience on the program.