Vocational
Rehabilitation Centre
The Vocational Rehabilitation Centre runs a microcredit scheme aimed at helping people with disabilities by providing interest-free loans. These loans are designed to help individuals to either start or expand their own businesses.
A dedicated team of VRC officers conduct comprehensive assessments for each loan applicant to evaluate their physical and mental capabilities. Based on these assessments, a sub-committee determines and approves the appropriate loan amount.
After the loan is disbursed, loanees benefit from a two-month grace period during which they are not required to start repayments. This allows them time to establish or expand their businesses.
Since the scheme began, a total of Rs. 33.43 million has been disbursed to 1,101 individuals with disabilities. From July 2023 to June 2024, Rs. 2.55 million was provided to 46 individuals, demonstrating ongoing support and commitment to empowering this community.
The project boasts an impressive loan recovery rate of 98.10%. This high recovery rate reflects effective management and the commitment of loanees to honour their repayment schedules.
VRC also focuses on enhancing the mobility and accessibility of deserving individuals with disabilities by providing various assistive devices at no cost. These devices include tricycles and wheelchairs, wooden and elbow sticks, crutches, commuter chairs, walkers, and tripod sticks.
Before disbursing loans, the VRC ensures that loanees receive relevant business management training to equip them with essential skills to manage operations, financial literacy, marketing strategies and problem-solving
Success Stories
Muhammad Sarfraz Ejaz, a 28-year-old man, lives with disabilities in both legs due to a previous battle with typhoid. After the death of his father, his mother worked tirelessly to support their family, which included Sarfraz and his two brothers, both of whom also have disabilities.
Sarfraz faced significant difficulties in finding stable employment to support his family of five. Despite his determination, his initial earnings from a small tuck shop at home, established with Rs. 10,000, were not sufficient to meet their needs.
Muhammad Sarfraz Ejaz
Upon learning about VRC’s loan scheme, Sarfraz saw an opportunity to expand his business. He applied for a loan and was approved for Rs. 40,000, which allowed him to enhance his tuck shop significantly. His expanded shop has improved his financial situation considerably, allowing him to provide better support for his family.
Muhammad Sarfraz Ejaz’s story exemplifies the transformative impact of microfinance initiatives on individuals with disabilities. By providing access to financial resources, PSRD empowers individuals to overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves and their families.