Cultural programme by Autism Welfare Foundation
Mainul Hassan
Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF), an organisation working for the well-being of autistic children, celebrated their third anniversary with a cultural programme on May 31 at Shawkat Osman Memorial Auditorium, Central Public Library.AWF was established on April 4, 2005. The event started with a discussion. Chief guest at the programme was Tapan Chowdhury, adviser to the caretaker government. Dr. Rownak Hafiz, chairperson of AWF presided over the session. Speaking on autism Dr. Rownak said, "Autism is still a rather unfamiliar issue in our country and we hardly find anyone, except for the parents of autistic children, concerned about the problem." "Even parents are not always fully aware as the onset of autism is within three years of a child's birth," she added. Tapan Chowdhury said "Our society should lend a hand to AFW. With our help the organisation will be able to do more." A cultural programme followed the speeches. Students of Kanan, a school operated by AWF, along with participation by teachers, staged a colourful performance. The presentation was vibrant, spontaneous and heartening. AWF also held a two-day fair, featuring handicrafts by the autistic children, starting from yesterday at the organisation's school at Shyamoli.
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Students and teachers of Kanan perform at the programme. PHOTO: STAR |
