Staff Correspondent

Twenty two-year-old Razu Ahmed, disabled at the age of five from polio, is only one of nearly 20,000 examples of successful rehabilitation through an approach called 'Persons with Disabilities Self-Initiative to Development.'

Experts from 27 countries of the world working for the disabled participated in a six-day international seminar that concluded in Dhaka on Thursday.

They discussed the approach developed by Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity. The participants visited Manikganj, Noakhali, Narshingdi and around the capital Dhaka to see for themselves some of the successful cases of rehabilitation, like that of Razu, that had brought some development in the families.

Razu studied up to class nine but his disability prevented him from doing any good to the family of his parents, two brothers, a sister and grandmother.

BPKS showed him a new way of life and the PSID approach taught him how to earn for himself and the family. Development facilitator of Bogra Ali Hasan Milon, made arrangements for himself he participated in a 3-month training on poultry management at the youth development centre which increased his self confidence. With a three-month poultry management training and a loan of Tk 60,000 from Bogra Disabled Peoples' Organisation and assurance from BPKS, Razu ventured on a poultry farm, which is supporting the family now.

Foreign participants appreciated the PSID model. Representatives from various social welfare organisations and members of the diplomatic corps including the Australian High Commissioner participated in the meet. Experts working in the field of rehabilitation for the disabled in different countries including Australia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Fiji, Finland, the Netherlands, Kenya and the USA joined the six-day event from February 9.

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