About Us
Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) is a charitable organization committed to education and social impact in Pakistan. We focus on the empowerment of disadvantaged deaf children and youth through a holistic approach to deaf education, skills training, job placement, and sign language development – creating lasting change in their lives and that of their families.
Our Story
The Deaf Reach Program was established in Pakistan in 1998 to meet the tremendous need for Deaf Education in the country. From its early beginnings as a club for the deaf, today it is a growing network of eight schools, training centers, and colleges.
Deaf Reach developed an innovative technology approach for Deaf Education, which includes the production of the first-ever 6,000-word Pakistan Sign Language dictionary, digital stories, and tutorials. FESF’s digital innovations were awarded the 2018 World Innovation Summit in Education (WISE) Award and Pakistan’s P@SHA 2018 Award.
“If we view the Deaf community not as a disability group, but as a minority culture that speaks another language (sign language), our perception changes. We then realize that to succeed the Deaf simply need empowerment through education; the same opportunity that is everyone’s right.” — Richard Geary, recipient of the 2020 civil award of Sitara e Khidmat by the President of Pakistan.
Our Values
Respect
We respect all people, and support and advocate for children and youth who face challenges due to disability.
Inclusiveness
We succeed by working effectively with others in common cause to create and implement solutions in our local communities.
Empowerment
We believe that every child deserves access to language and education that will empower them to reach their potential.
Lasting impact
We embrace innovation and technology to become agents for development and change and to achieve lasting impact.
Meet Our Team
Richard Geary
Founder & Director Programs
Heidi Gustanski-Geary
Founder & Education Director
Muhammad Osama
CEO / CFO
Daniel M. Lanthier
Operations Director & Company Secretary
Francis Doherty
Donor Engagement Director
Maria Paola Doherty
Philanthropy Director
Deaf Reach Schools Annual Impact
Students enrolled in 8
Deaf Reach campuses
Teachers trained as Deaf
Educators each year
Pick and drop for students
in urban and rural areas
Volunteers’ Voice
FESF counts on the generous help of our volunteers to meet the needs of the people we serve throughout Pakistan. Their involvement is crucial to the success of our programs. A special thank you to all our amazing volunteers! Learn More
FESF is set up under the license from S.E.C.P. under section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. Approved U/S 2 (36)(c) of the income Tax Ordinance 2001, read with I.T. rule of 2002. View Incorporation Certificate. FESF is approved and eligible for Zakat by Zakat & Ushr Dept., Gov’t of Pakistan.
All donations are tax exempted. Zakat donations are collected and utilized under the supervision of a three-member Shariah Advisory Committee in consultation with AlHamd Shariah Advisory Services PVT Ltd (SECP approved). Click to view Certificate.
Working Together to Empower Deaf Children
By sponsoring deaf students or classrooms, we can work together to provide them with a brighter future.
