A countrywide project to help dozens of acid burn victims rebuild their lives through medical and psychological treatments as well as professional trainings, concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony held at a local hotel. The ceremony aimed at honouring, encouraging and expressing support for acid burn victims who completed vocational training and self-reliant business education plan.
The project was initiated by Depilex Smileagain Foundation which was extensively supported by Philip Morris Pakistan Limited (PMPKL). This larger than life initiative has gone a long way in enabling the burnt survivors to join the mainstream socioeconomic fabric of the society.
Under this project, some 50 burn victims got medical treatment and four psycho-social workshops were held in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As many as 12 victims in each workshop got beautician training, out of which eight survivors got reasonable employments and are running their businesses in the form of beauty saloons.
On the occasion Masarrat Misbah, President DSF, outlined the objectives and activities of the organisation. Sekar Menon, Director Regional Corporate Affairs, PMPKL appreciated the successful completion of the project. He met with the beneficiaries and express his views on joining hands with Depilex Smileagain Foundation for the betterment of the acid and kerosene oil burn victims.
Irfan Khoosat and Sajjad Mir the columnist emphasized the importance of vocational training for women empowerment.
It is pertinent to mention here that since 2003, DSF is supporting acid and kerosene oil burnt victims through medical treatment, psychosocial support and vocational training for their rehabilitation in society. Some 766 acid and kerosene oil burnt victims are registered with DSF.
They are treated without discrimination of cast, creed or religion. Many girls have been treated or are at different stages of the medical procedures. In many cases, a victim has to undergo multiple surgeries depending upon the severity of the burns.