Key Takeaways
- English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) and NOWPDP inaugurated Pakistan’s first Neuro-Inclusive Discovery Room.
- The room is designed to support cognitive, sensory, motor and social development of children with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.
- Approximately 3.1% of Pakistan's population lives with a disability.
English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) in collaboration with NOWPDP has launched the country’s first Neuro-Inclusive Discovery Room at the Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Korangi, Karachi. This initiative aims to provide an engaging learning environment that supports children with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.
Developed by The Dawood Foundation's MagnifiScience Centre, the Discovery Room is designed around the strengths of neurodiverse children, offering interactive play as a means to support their cognitive, sensory, motor and social development. According to Pakistan’s 2023 Population Census, approximately 3.1% of the country’s population lives with a disability.
Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director and CEO of EBM, emphasized the company's commitment to inclusivity: 'For sixty years, EBM has believed that nourishing Pakistan means nourishing all of it. That means creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow and realize their potential.' The Discovery Room is a testament to this belief, bringing together science, play, and therapeutic learning.
Inspired by experiential learning, the Discovery Room adapts interactive science exhibits into therapeutic learning experiences that support sensory integration, executive functioning, motor development, and social interaction. Omair Ahmed, CEO of NOWPDP, highlighted the importance of such initiatives: 'True inclusion is built on sustainable infrastructure. The Discovery Room at our NOWPDP Korangi Facility stands as a premier example of how corporate commitment can create physical pathways for equity and learning.'
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of EBM and NOWPDP to advancing inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities have greater opportunities to learn, participate, and thrive. By partnering with The Dawood Foundation, both organizations are working towards creating more accessible and inclusive learning environments.
Dr. Zeelaf Munir further elaborated on the significance of this partnership: 'We are proud to partner with NOWPDP and The Dawood Foundation on an initiative that demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration can make learning more inclusive, engaging, and accessible.'
Omair Ahmed echoed similar sentiments: 'By investing in this infrastructure, EBM has not just funded a room; they have partnered with us to build an environment that honors dignity, fosters interactive learning, and ensures children of all abilities have an equal space to thrive.'
For sixty years, EBM has believed that nourishing Pakistan means nourishing all of it. That means creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow and realize their potential.
Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director and CEO of EBM
True inclusion is built on sustainable infrastructure. The Discovery Room at our NOWPDP Korangi Facility stands as a premier example of how corporate commitment can create physical pathways for equity and learning.
Omair Ahmed, CEO of NOWPDP
