Dar-ul-Sukun

Dar-ul-Sukun (Urdu: دارالسکون ‎) (House of Peace) in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan is a home for physically and mentally challenged children and adults, both men and women in poverty or unable to address their challenges. It has three branches across Karachi. The branch at Kashmir Road cares for almost 150 people. The home has 53 staff members.[1][2]

Some of the residents of Dar-ul-Sukun participating in rehabilitation activities

Background and facilities

Dar-ul-Sukun has taken responsibility for care of the underprivileged persons from various backgrounds, such as those who are mentally challenged, those who cannot be treated or accommodated at home, physically challenged, or abandoned people. It is one of many organizations in Karachi that care for people in need; another example is the Edhi Foundation.

It was founded in 1969 by Sister Gertrude Lemmens (14 July 1914 – 27 October 2000) and was run by her successor Sister Ruth Lewis until her death on July 21, 2020. Their three-story building claims to offer clean and well-lit rooms and recreation facilities for residents. Among the rooms are physiotherapy, resting and electrotherapy rooms.[3][4]

The centre sends people abroad to compete in the international Special Olympics. One noteworthy winner is Jacky Master, an HR officer in a local tobacco company who was born with brain damage.[5] Master won one gold and four bronze medals in swimming.

On 18 February 2019, Darul Sukun celebrated its golden jubilee with Mass con-celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Coutts along with three priests.[6]

Recognition

On March 23, 1989, Sister Gertrude Lemmens received the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam award in recognition of her work at Darul Sukun and for founding additional homes for the disabled, the aged and homeless.[2][7]

On August 14, 2020, the President of Pakistan posthumously granted the civil award Sitara-i-Imtiaz to Sr. Ruth Lewis for her Public Service.[8]

References
  1. Mifrah Haq (19 August 2012). "To give is to receive". The Express Tribune (newspaper). Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  2. Missionary nun who pioneered work with special children, dies ucanews.com website, Published 31 October 2000, Retrieved 21 January 2018
  3. Meera Jamal (6 August 2007). "Darul Sukun - Caring for the Forgotten". Dawn (newspaper). Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  4. "Head Office Karachi – Dar ul Sukun". www.darulsukun.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  5. Catholic Center in Karachi helps empower, give skills to the disabled ucanews.com website, Published 10 August 2007, Retrieved 21 January 2018
  6. Christian Voice, 3 March 2019
  7. German, Dutch Sisters Get Pakistan National Day Awards uca.com website, Published 4 April 1989, Retrieved 21 January 2018
  8. Dawn August 15, 2020

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.