Updated 4 May 2011
‘If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!’
A joyous message of undeniable hope, accompanied by a vision, strong and true – it speaks to us, empowers, uplifts, transforms…and humbles…
As we were humbled. Awed. Swept away, and off our feet by a dazzling performance undertaken by our ‘Little Stars With Big Hearts’ – our very own students at The World Federation’s Autistic Day Care Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who had staged a Fancy Dress Show on 2 April 2011 to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
In December 2007, the United Nations Assembly declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). By bringing together organisations from around the world that are focussed on autism, WAAD aims to give a voice to the millions of people worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.
The programme commenced at 10.00am, with a cordial welcoming speech by the Head Teacher to kick off the day’s proceedings! This was followed by the National Anthem and a traditional Kiswahili Welcome Song, most enthusiastically belted out by our little charges, who were positively quivering with the excitement of being on show and in the limelight!
Then came the highlight of the day – the Fancy Dress Show – wherein all the children glided onto the Stage one by one, dashingly attired in fine costumes, to introduce themselves.
These little doctors, nurses, politicians, policemen and chefs, amongst numerous others, won our hearts with their lively and animated enactment of their chosen roles. Their beauteous, smiling countenances regaled one and all with a sensation of renewed optimism and indeed, hope, that our beloved charges would, one day, with encouragement on our parts, take their rightful places as useful and productive members of our societies and communities.
The programme was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, a resounding success! This was celebrated in a manner befitting a king with the cutting, by all the children together, of a mouth-wateringly delicious iced Vanilla cake. Indeed, their sparkling eyes and gleaming smiles said it all!
It was an immense pleasure for The World Federation’s Autistic Day Care Centre to be able to organise this event and the parents of our charges were very appreciative and delighted with our efforts. We pray to Allah swt to grant us the Tawfeeq to continue to serve in His Way, Insha’Allah.
The World Federation’s Autistic Day Care Centre was established in Dar-es-Salaam on 19 February 2006. The first of its kind in the whole of East Africa, this Centre provides a well-structured, nurturing and supportive environment to children with autism and other disabling and chronic conditions such as Down’s syndrome, ADHD, ADD and other learning disabilities. It currently operates as a day education school, teaching social, communication, behavioural and essential life skills in addition to the basic curriculum.
The Health function at The World Federation appeals to one and all to join hands in reaching out and making a difference in whatever way we can to the lives of the disadvantaged amongst us. Collectively, we have the power to bring about this change – within our societies, neighbourhoods and communities across the globe.
For further information on The World Federation’s Autistic Day Care Centre, please email health@world-federation.org
Make a donation towards this noble venture.