Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

A beautiful and exciting event held recently was aptly named ‘Collection of new hopes’.  This was a fashion show in which the talented work of designer, Mino Komroni was displayed. IRODA partnered with Mino Komroni for this event in which her designs were modelled by young adults with disabilities. 

Mino Komroni is a young fashion designer who began her brand at the age of 18. She has a love for clothing and design and sees it as an important form of self-expression. Every piece included in the ‘Collection of new hopes’ told the story of the model, many of whom have experienced challenges and indifference within society. Designed individually for each model the colours, cuts, and styles were chosen to express aspects of their life, interests, personality, and dreams. 

This event was not only a beautiful expression of diversity but a means through which to continue to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities within all aspects of life in Tajikistan. Thank you for your ongoing partnership that allows us to continue working to not only directly support children and young adults with disabilities, but to also change the society they are growing up in. Your partnership with IRODA goes a long way towards seeing ‘new hope’ for children and young people in Tajikistan. 

IRODA is committed to creating new opportunities for young people in Tajikistan. We are excited to share about a mentoring program that is doing just this. Community members volunteer their time to mentor young people and help them to follow their interests and learn new skills. Currently, the interests that young people are pursuing, with the support of a skilled mentor, include cooking, music, dancing, videography, pottery and sports.  

Not only are young people learning new skills and developing their interests, but they are building relationships with others in the community. Misunderstandings and stigma have often kept children and young people with autism and other disabilities isolated from their communities and with limited opportunities to engage in recreation. We are pleased that community members are volunteering their time and building relationships with previously isolated young people. This is contributing to long-term societal change. IRODA is taking the opportunity to highlight this program in the local media to assist in changing attitudes more broadly. 

Thank you for your ongoing support enabling IRODA to develop new programs such as this. We hope to expand the mentoring program to include work skills in the future and hope that you will continue to partner with us.