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The sixth batch of 17 students completed their elementary level education at the Indus Hospital & Health Network’s (IHHN) school – Indus Kay Sitaray (IKS). These students are patients of the IHHN and have been diagnosed with various types of cancer and other chronic diseases. In honor of the student’s achievements, a graduation ceremony took place at the Korangi Campus.
Indus Kay Sitaray is a hospital-based school that was initiated in June 2018. Since then, 105 children have completed elementary level of education while being treated. The hospital-based school provides efficient and effective educational experiences for school-aged patients.
The event started with the graduating procession marching in, followed by the national anthem and recitation of the Holy Quran by the students, and speeches of Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Indus Hospital & Health Network; Dr. Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director, Medical Services, IHHN. The graduation ceremony was attended by graduates and current students, their families, IKS faculty, and IHHN board members. Students received their graduation certificates at the end of the program.
While speaking at the event, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, Chief Executive Officer, IHHN, said, “Children with chronic illness are hospitalized for a long time or visit hospitals frequently for treatment, which may impede their school attendance. A hospital-based school is a child-centered service that provides an educational environment tailored to the specific needs of sick children. It offers formal programs that fulfill the educational standards. We are happy that IKS is serving its purpose to the fullest. I congratulate all graduates and their families for successfully completing the elementary level of education.”
Dr. Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director, Medical Services, IHHN, also addressed the attendees. He said, “Educating children with illnesses can assist them in dealing with their sickness and sharing the responsibility of taking care of themselves, thereby leading to improved disease outcome. At Indus, we believe that the learning environment should be friendly and safe. Therefore, we provide educational support and avoid unwanted damage that may impede learning for children with chronic illness.”
Dr. Mohammad Fareedud Din, Head of Pediatrics, spoke about the importance of education for pediatric patients suffering from terminal or chronic diseases. He said that it was a proud moment for us as we helped a hundred children study despite their illness.
Renowned singer and the lead vocalist of the musical band ‘Strings’ Bilal Maqsood said, “The one thing I learned by attending this event is that brave and strong humans aren’t always adults and wear red capes, they also come in the form of children as well.”
Children performed tableaus on Allama Iqbal’s famous poem ‘Hamdardi’. In addition, they performed one of Bilal Maqsood’s recently released poems.
Veteran TV artist Sania Saeed attended the ceremony. While speaking at the event she became emotional and said that after witnessing the ordeal of pediatric cancer patients I find our struggle insignificant.
TV actor Sajid Shah admired IHHN’s efforts to help children facing a deadly disease. He also applauded that Indus is not only providing free treatment but is also taking care of their academic needs.
Kaneez Fizza, teacher of IKS, concluded the event with a resounding speech while confessing to the attendees how fulfilling and rewarding had been her teaching experience at the IKS.
Students received their degrees at the end of the event.
