By Emmanuel Elder | Chairman of the Keshatot Children Foundation
Eighty children on the autism spectrum from the age of 3 to 13 are enrolled in two kindergartens and eleven homeroom classes in the Keshatot [“Rainbow”] Center, a magnet school of the Menashe Regional Council, Israel; which serves the local communities and other communities which lack facilities for autistic pupils.
The Fund for Keshatot Children [reg. no. 580540532, recognized charity, clause 46, Israel Income Tax Authority] was established in 2011 by parents of pupils who study at the Keshatot Center in order to support and expand the work of the center. The fund seeks contributions for complementary para-medical treatments [which are not among the therapies and treatments provided by the Ministry of Education], therapeutic and technological equipment and infra-structure improvement. The fund also organizes enrichment and recreational activities provided by local volunteers. Because the Fund for Keshatot Children is run solely by volunteers, all funds raised go directly towards these activities.
The Fund for Keshatot Children and the school staff have decided to undertake our most ambitious project: the complete renovation of our playground. The sand-covered play area, which is not only impossible to keep clean, but is not suitable to the sensory needs of autistic children, will be replaced with artificial grass that meets the approved standard. All of the play equipment [much of which is out-dated and broken] will be replaced by new structures, equipment and sun-shades chosen by our education and therapy staff. Every day our pupils will be stimulated and encouraged to improve social, motor and problem-solving skills, balance, coordination, muscle tone, perceptual functioning and self-esteem while having fun in their playground.
We have alredy held a bid and have a contractor ready to renovate the playground. The contractor has been approved by the local council and the national othorities. Thanks to contributions from veteran supporters and members of the Fund for Keshatot Children, large organizations and small businesses, we have raised 90% of the 300,000 shekel cost of the project [$1= 3.6 shekels]. With your help, the Keshatot children will soon be playing in a welcoming and stimulating play environment.
We invite all the supporters of the Keashtot School to visit us and see the amazing work done with the children, please feel free to contact us through our website; http://www.ykeshatot.org.il/he/t/1449-english
We wish all the friends of the Keshatot Center a happy passover, hoping that this spring will bring with it a new playground to the autistic children at the Keshatot School.
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By Emmanuel Elder | Chairman of the Keshatot Children Foundation
By Emmanuel Elder | Project Leader
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