The 2nd of April is sanctioned by the United Nations as autism awareness and acceptance day, so for us here at Els for Autism it makes sense to make the whole month a celebration. As with every year, there are so many initiatives and campaigns all around the world celebrating and raising awareness for autism.
This year the team at Els for Autism, South Africa spent the 2nd of April in Phelang LSEN school in Kwa-Thema-Springs to celebrate with other organisations and the community at large. The event was attended by several organisations, including Autism South Africa, and the schools around Gauteng to help raise autism awareness in the community.
The team also got to celebrate the month of April with Sizanani LSEN school; they had an autism celebration day in Bronkhorspruit, during which the learners put on an amazing show that included a marimba band and dancing. We were showered with gifts ranging from flowers to chocolates all prepared by the learners in the skills department.
The team then attended and presented at the Special Education and Inclusive Learning conference that was help at the Gallagher estate in Boksburg, the theme being empowering educators and how that directly impacts the child. We are so thankful to PSM consulting for allowing us to be part of such an impactful event.
Meanwhile, UNICA school for autism in Pretoria celebrated 40 years being the second oldest school in South Africa. They had a fun day of outdoor activities for the children, including a pride walk, and rounded off with a giant cake cutting and releasing of balloons. What a spectacle it was and we were thrilled to be a part of it.