IN celebration of Human Rights Day, Grade Two learners at Avon Primary School participated in a special lesson about autism, aimed at fostering awareness and inclusivity. The session featured an insightful presentation by the Padyachee family, alongside educational plays on human rights, prepared by Grade Two teacher Vijayluxmi Singh.

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Using their personal experiences, siblings Yoshodhron and Sanvika Padyachee highlighted the importance of embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination. Yoshodhron, a Grade Six learner who lives with autism, and his sister who is in Grade Two, shared important facts about autism and the crucial role of his guard dog, Kylo, in his daily life.

The family expressed their dedication to raising awareness: “Our son was created differently, and through these presentations, we hope to teach children that people like him exist. It has been a learning curve for us as a family, and we believe educating children will not only raise awareness but also promote inclusivity in our society.”

The Padyachee family was also joined by Kylo, Yoshodhron’s trusted guard dog. Speaking about their bond, the family shared: “Kylo is Yoshodhron’s support system and constant companion. He can sense trouble and prevent it, which is invaluable for us. Since Yoshodhron is very active, there’s a risk of him wandering off in crowded spaces, so Kylo remains attached to him for safety. Their relationship is truly special, and we are grateful for Kylo.”

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School principal Mala Maharaj emphasised the importance of practical learning experiences: “Our goal is to provide real-life examples that help learners better understand and connect with important lessons. A huge thank you to the Padyachee family, our dedicated teacher Vijayluxmi Singh, and the rest of the educators for their efforts in making this event a meaningful and educational experience for our children.”

Through this initiative, Avon Primary School not only celebrated Human Rights Day but also took a significant step toward fostering empathy, understanding, and acceptance among its learners.

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