Understanding Our Philosophy, Model, and Ways to Contribute

At the Literaria Education Foundation for the Blind (LEFB), we’re committed to creating positive social impact through a distinctive approach. Instead of focusing on monetary donations, we emphasize volunteerism, inclusion, and genuine collaboration. This FAQ provides insight into our guiding principles, operational methods, and how you can get involved whether you’re a volunteer, educator, or simply interested in our mission.

1. What is LEFB’s Philosophy on Donations and Volunteering?

LEFB’s philosophy centers on the belief that meaningful social change comes from people, not money. Our approach sets us apart by emphasizing the importance of volunteering over financial contributions.

Our Stance on Donations

• We do not ask for or accept financial donations from individuals, institutions, or sponsors.
• Our model is rooted in sustainable volunteerism, not charity.
• We value the time, skills, and efforts of volunteers far more than monetary support.
• We avoid creating dependency on funds, believing that sincere effort yields lasting impact for visually impaired students.

Our Approach to Volunteering

• Our entire operation relies on volunteers narrators, editors, sound engineers, and tech experts.
• Even small contributions, such as a half hour per week, can make a significant difference.
• We offer flexibility, allowing volunteers to contribute their unique skills as their schedules permit.
• Service is driven by genuine care, not by recognition, financial incentives, or rewards.
• Volunteers join a community dedicated to making education accessible for blind students.

In Summary

What does this mean for you? You can participate by offering your voice, editing skills, or time no need to donate money. You’ll join an effort where volunteering is valued above financial contributions, empowering others through collaboration rather than reliance on funding.

2. How Can the LEFB Model Be Integrated in Classrooms?

Educators seeking to support blind or visually impaired students can adopt the LEFB model in several practical ways:

1. Use Accessible Learning Materials
2. Download LEFB’s audio textbooks and computer
3. readable materials from literaria.edu.pk
4. Share these resources with students via USB, memory cards, or digital devices
5. Favor screen reader friendly documents (clear headings, Unicode formats, avoid scanned images in PDFs)
6. Apply Inclusive Teaching Strategies
7. Describe board work aloud for all students
8. Provide assignments in accessible digital formats
9. Allow the use of assistive devices like JAWS or NVDA
10. Incorporate tactile materials or audio descriptions into lessons when possible
11. Promote Collaborative Learning
12. Pair blind students with sighted peers for group activities
13. Encourage mutual support and participation in inclusive debates and presentations
14. Connect with the LEFB Volunteer Network
15. Engage LEFB narrators or content creators to support your classroom needs
16. Invite LEFB trained volunteers for sessions, either in person or online
17. Seek Teacher Development Opportunities
18. Request LEFB’s guidance or training for inclusive education
19. Attend webinars and make use of LEFB’s consultancy services
20. Encourage Student Participation in Extracurricular Activities
21. Promote involvement in debates, critical thinking exercises, and oral presentations
22. Use LEFB’s debating resources to practice structured argumentation

Quick Reference Checklist

3. How Can You Apply LEFB’s Volunteer Based, No Donation Model in Your Educational Projects?

1. Define Your Mission
2. Choose a social cause, such as creating accessible content or supporting community teaching
3. Clearly communicate that your project relies on volunteer participation, not donations
4. Build a Volunteer Community
5. Invite students, teachers, and professionals through your network or social media
6. Highlight that even small, regular contributions make an impact
7. Offer Meaningful Roles
8. Allow volunteers to contribute their unique skills writing, recording, designing, etc.
9. Publicly recognize their efforts
10. Promote Transparency
11. Keep communication open about goals and progress
12. Ensure volunteers feel valued and informed
13. Avoid Financial Dependency
14. Utilize free platforms and encourage skill sharing
15. Focus on exchanging expertise, not collecting funds
16. Lead by Example
17. Contribute regularly yourself, regardless of scale
18. Motivate others through action, not pressure

4. How Can LEFB’s Working Model Be Applied to Other Social Welfare Projects?

The LEFB model is built on four key principles:

• Projects are driven by volunteers, not donations
• Diverse, skill based participation
• Minimal financial reliance
• Flexibility, dignity, and sincerity in service

Here’s how you can apply this approach to various social welfare initiatives:

1. Prioritize Skills Over Donations
2. Ask for time, expertise, or in kind support instead of money
3. Encourage contributions such as counseling, cooking, tech setup, or legal guidance
4. Build a Decentralized Volunteer Network
5. Use digital tools to coordinate and allow flexible participation
6. Break tasks into manageable micro activities
7. Make Dignity Central
8. Treat everyone involved with respect and equality
9. Avoid labeling people as “needy”; invite them to “join a cause” or “contribute their skill”
10. Communicate Openly
11. Share clear goals and transparent progress updates
12. Focus on real impact rather than promotion
13. Use Accessible, Free Technology
14. Run projects with free digital tools and platforms
15. Encourage Replication
16. Support others in creating their own local initiatives without central control

Ultimately, LEFB’s philosophy demonstrates that social change is fueled by dedication and decentralized effort rather than fundraising. Applying these values can help other causes like women’s literacy, environmental awareness, or disability inclusion become self sustaining and genuinely impactful.

In essence: Don’t raise funds raise hands. Don’t seek followers encourage fellow doers.

5. Sample Project Idea: “Yaad e Baqi”   Elderly Storytelling & Companionship

Inspired by LEFB’s model, here’s a project designed for elderly care that relies on volunteerism and dignity.

Purpose

Provide companionship, recognition, and mental well being to older adults through recorded conversations and storytelling powered entirely by volunteers, without any monetary contributions.

How the Project Works

1. Create a Volunteer Network
2. Recruit volunteers willing to spend 30 60 minutes a week
3. Roles include listeners/callers, recorders (with consent), editors, and distributors
4. No Money Just Time and Skills
5. No donations accepted; volunteers use personal devices
6. Share content on free platforms like WhatsApp or YouTube
7. Respect and Dignity First
8. Elders are recognized as story owners, not beneficiaries
9. Volunteers introduce themselves as companions
10. Stories are shared only with consent, honoring privacy
11. Flexible Participation
12. Volunteers can record stories, make calls, or help with editing as their schedules allow
13. Open Communication
14. Regular updates are shared via volunteer groups
15. Progress reports highlight impact, not fundraising

Intended Impact

• Reduce loneliness among the elderly
• Preserve personal and community history
• Foster intergenerational respect
• Encourage a culture of listening and sharing

Example Story Themes

• Life lessons and memories
• Traditional recipes
• Personal achievements
• Community history

Pilot Project Suggestion

Launch with 10 volunteers and 10 elders in your community for a three month pilot. Assess success based on stories collected and feedback received.