Community joins autism centre’s family fun day

THE Colours of Bliss Autism Centre hosted an exciting family fun and sports day to commemorate the centre’s first anniversary, as well as to create awareness on autism.

Residents were able to participate in the non-competitive events along with the centre’s special needs learners and their families.
The event was aimed at encouraging interaction and integration between families in the community, and children with autism.

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The centre’s founder, Kubashnie Padayachee, a teacher who left her profession in 2015 to tend to the needs of her daughter, Saiantha, who was diagnosed with autism said, “What started off as an autism awareness programme has created a ripple effect of something phenomenal.

“Community activists, members of the community, members of sporting clubs, principals, educators and learners came together to support this event.
“It has been a uplifting experience to see our community embrace this project and offer their support and assistance, physically, financially and otherwise.

“The committee worked diligently and tirelessly to ensure the success of this event,” added Padayachee.
The centre also launched an art and poster making competition at primary schools in the area, which has been instrumental in creating the autism awareness.
“We are pleased that many schools have become involved. The creativity and enthusiasm of learners from schools in south Durban has been heartwarming.

ALSO READ: Community urged to join autism awareness and fundraising fun walk

“This may have been an exciting event to many, but to the lives of the autistic children that were able to participate in such a spectacular sports gala and their families, this was a life-changing event and a step towards people of the different spectrums of autism feeling included, valued, listened to, supported and loved,” Padayachee said.

For more information, call 084 252 5837 or email coloursofblissdbn@gmail.com.

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