Education Tajikistan Project #12427

Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

by IRODA 'Parents of Children with Autism Initiative'

Project Report | Jan 8, 2018
Ready to work

By Renee Townson | Project Leader

Working hard at "Dar Yak Zamin" Cafe

IRODA’s work has grown as the children that it supports have grown up. In October 2017 IRODA opened a training café to provide opportunities for the young people it supports to gain skills for employment. Named after a song produced by a popular Tajik singer “Dar Yak Zamin” (On One Land) the café is another way to advocate for opportunities for young people with autism two work and participate in society alongside their peers – ‘on one land’.

IRODA staff create a supportive environment in which to teach young people social and communication skills important in a work place. The training café is giving them specific skills useful in the hospitality industry as well instilling in them the importance of punctuality, presentation and commitment to a job.

Young volunteers work alongside the adolescents that IRODA supports creating wonderful opportunities for inclusion and positive social interaction in the work place. Over the last 3 months it has been encouraging to see an increase in skills, confidence and self-esteem of the young people at ‘Dar Yak Zamin’.

Thank you for your support that is enabling children with autism to grow into young people who are ready to work as valued members of society on (this) one land. Dar Yak Zamin!

Thankful for the community support of our cafe

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Oct 11, 2017
A new school year

By Renee Townson | Project Leader

First day of school in Tajikistan

The 1^st of September marked the beginning of a new school year in Tajikistan. IRODA would like to share with you the words shared with supporters as the school year commenced:

Congratulations to everyone on the start of the new school year!

We believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of any physical, mental or sensory differences. Therefore, we are glad that with your help, today there are children with autism are going to schools and kindergartens!

September 1 is a day of knowledge..... For parents who have been preparing for this day for many years there are tears of joy. Five years ago the inclusion of children with autism in mainstream schools was just a dream. Now as a result of the perseverance and incredible effort of parents and parent-led organizations in promoting inclusion it is now a reality. Mainstream schools (No. 54, No. 70, No. 29, No. 28 and No. 72) in the city of Dushanbe are examples of this dream come true.

Today our children, who are graduates of early intervention programs and adaptive classes at IRODA, are attending school. 11 children with autism commenced first grade. 12 students progressed to higher grades in mainstream schools. 30 children who have autism and additional challenges are supported in special classes at 2 different Dushanbe schools. IRODA is extremely thankful to all involved in making this dream a reality. Our thanks goes to the school directors, teachers, specialists, parents, employees of public organizations and tutors for their solidarity and persistence over the last 5 years.

Meetings between IRODA staff and teachers of schools in Dushanbe, who are working towards inclusive education, preceded the success of today. Teachers of 8 schools took part in a workshop on how to develop and adapt the curriculum for children with autism or intellectual challenges. Participants shared their experiences with each other and discussed opportunities to improve the learning process for children with differences in their development. Important discussions were also had on the need for training for high school teachers and support for young people transitioning to the senior years.

Once again we thank you for your on-going support of IRODA’s work. We trust you share in the excitement of momentous days like the 1^st of September that mark dreams becoming a reality in Tajikistan.

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Jul 12, 2017
Promoting Relationships

By Renee Townson | Project Leader

Promoting parent child relationships in Tajikistan

IRODA has been privileged to be involved in the beginnings of ‘Mellow Parenting’ Programmes in Tajikistan. One of the very important aspects of IRODA’s work is providing support to parents who are raising children with autism in Tajikistan. The Mellow Parenting programmes have been a wonderful way help parents as they develop a strong and positive relationship with their child. For 14 weeks parents meet together as a group on a weekly basis to share their own experiences of parenting, and develop new skills or ways of relating to their child. Reflections on videos of parents interacting with their children are used in the sessions, and there are times in which parents engage in fun activities with their children as a group.

It has been particularly encouraging to see mothers of children with autism now trained to facilitate mellow parenting groups. IRODA is committed to parents of children with autism in Tajikistan being well supported in everyway possible and has been pleased to see the support that these groups provide. The Mellow Parenting programmes have been a wonderful way to promote the development of relationships between parents and children in Tajikistan.

Parents involved in the programmes have said that:

“I felt that my child didn’t love me as he didn’t want to play with me. Now I can see some changes in our relationship.”

“When my child was diagnosed I had a hard time with stress and endless depression. After starting the group I understand how it’s important to have my own time and pay attention to myself. I’m starting to smile and feel a taste of life again”

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to seek to bring about positive changes for families in Tajikistan.

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