They say that when intentions are pure and the goal is to serve humanity, even a small step can change hundreds of lives. This is the story of Zobia Nazley Memorial Trust, a dream that transcended borders to become a beacon of hope in the lives of special children. The foundation of this dream was laid in November 2004 in the United Kingdom and was brought to life on the soil of Azad Kashmir in September 2009, with the primary aim of establishing an institution for the rehabilitation, health, and education of children with physical and mental disabilities.
The Trust established its first institution, Zobia School for Special Children, in Mirpur in December 2010, starting with the care of four children with physical and mental disabilities. Within approximately four months, educational activities were also initiated. In January 2011, a Physiotherapy Department was established under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist to provide rehabilitation services for children with physical disabilities.
As the number of children increased, the school introduced lunch, recreational activities, and other facilities. Considering the special needs of the children, additional therapies such as speech therapy, psychotherapy, and behavior therapy were also introduced. The journey did not stop there. The second branch of Zobia School was established in Islamgarh in April 2018, and the third branch was opened in Mirpur in October 2024. Currently, the three branches of Zobia School serve 115 children, while around 225 children have been registered to date. Each branch has a Physiotherapy Department under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists, where children receive daily physiotherapy sessions.
The Trust provides children with free facilities, including lunch, uniforms, books and notebooks, stationery, conveyance, and financial assistance when needed. Every year, during Ramadan, children receive rations along with cash Eidi. Additionally, children are taken on educational and recreational trips once a year, and medical check-ups are arranged whenever necessary.
Due to physical disabilities, the children primarily participate in Bocce. Representing Azad Kashmir, Zobia School became National Champions in the 2018 National Games organized by Special Olympics Pakistan, winning gold medals. In 2023, they represented Azad Kashmir at the Special Olympics in Germany, winning a silver medal, and in 2025, they secured gold and silver medals at the Regional Games.
One child from Zobia School was also honored to serve as the Chairman of the District Council for a day in 2023. From 2010 to 2024, Zobia School provided education from Nursery to Matric, and at the end of 2024, Intermediate classes were introduced. To date, 10 children have completed their Matric, while 5 children are in Grade 9 and 7 students are pursuing Intermediate education.
Zobia Nazley Memorial Trust has also launched the Special Children Sponsorship Program to support the education of physically challenged children. Under this program, one child has been provided education up to FA through a private college, along with a computer course and a three-wheeled motorcycle, while another child is currently pursuing a regular MA in Islamic Studies at Kotli University.
Zobia Nazley Memorial Trust is not just an institution—it is a beacon of hope, courage, and independence, where special children learn to turn their dreams into reality. Join this noble cause, because when we hold the hand of one child, we are shaping an entire future.