About Us

Friends of KDSP

Friends of KDSP is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (EIN/Federal Tax ID # 88-2980325) that supports the Down syndrome community of Pakistan. It has an active network of multiple chapters across the United States.

Among its activities, Friends of KDSP supports specific programs, initiatives, and projects of the Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP) in Pakistan, the only one-stop solution for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the country. KDSP Pakistan was started in 2014 by a group of concerned parents and passionate individuals who recognized the lack of local services for their children with Down syndrome. Over the span of 11 years, KDSP has built a 2600+ strong network of individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Pakistan and the globe. It now operates 5 custom-designed facilities, providing high-quality and affordable or free services to these families.

In addition, Friends of KDSP also supports and collaborates with multiple organizations within the United States that work toward raising awareness, funds, and opportunities for acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals with Down syndrome.

Friends of KDSP donors have supported these initiatives wholeheartedly. The Board of Directors exercises full discretion and control over the use of all donations and in making grants to support specific programs and projects in Pakistan and the U.S.

Contributions to Friends of KDSP are tax-deductible in the U.S. as charitable contributions to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Mission

Friends of KDSP supports the empowerment of the Down syndrome community in Pakistan by providing quality developmental services to individuals with Down syndrome and promoting and advocating for their inclusion in mainstream society.

Vision

Our vision is for a Pakistan where every individual with Down syndrome has one-stop access to quality affordable developmental services which enable them to become independent and contributing members of the society.

Board of Directors

Adeel Mandviwala

Adeel Mandviwala

Currently running a Creative Marketing Agency and a Signage business out of Houston. Adeel is the President & the Executive Director for Friends of KDSP and leads the operations.

Saira Bano

Saira Bano

Born in Dubai and shaped by her experiences in Singapore, she brings creativity and heart to everything she does. As a designer, entrepreneur, and community leader, she is passionate about giving back and creating meaningful connections that bring people together. Saira is the Director of Outreach at Friends of KDSP.

Syed Sameer Ali

Syed Sameer Ali

Dr. Syed Sameer Ali is an emergency medicine physician in Houston, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the city. He received his medical degree from Aga Khan Medical College and has been in practice for more than 20 years

Jawad Rawra

Jawad Rawra

Jawad serves as Group CEO of Rawra Group, leading diversified investments since 2020. He is also a Partner at Verge Capital Investments, where he has contributed to growth since 2016. In addition, he has held the role of COO at Verge Mobile LLC since 2007

Adeel Rasheed

Adeel Rasheed

An accomplished entrepreneur and strategist with a proven track record of scaling high-impact businesses across multiple markets. Adeel leads Resource Linked employing over 5000 employees. Currently is the Vice President of the organization and leads strategy.

Chapters

Our Chapters have been set up by a dedicated group of supporters who advocate and fundraise for the cause. If you would like to get involved in any of these or set up a new one in your city/state, please reach out to us via email.

Atlanta

Boston

Chicago

Dallas

DC, Maryland, Virginia

Houston

Los Angeles

New York City

San Francisco

Seattle

Chapters

Our Chapters have been set up by a dedicated group of supporters who advocate and fundraise for the cause. If you would like to get involved in any of these or set up a new one in your city/state, please reach out to us via email.

Houston
Chapter

Los Angeles
Chapter

Boston
Chapter

Silicon Valley
Chapter

Sacramento
Chapter

New York City
Chapter

DC, Maryland, Virginia
Chapter

Certificates