5 Autistic students graduate in robotics and coding
Shortage of Therapists deprives Autistic children of job opportunities
Autistic children have got nowhere to go after reaching 18-years due to the dire shortage of therapists across Botswana and lack of transition programmes.
Project Officer at Autism Botswana, Intlafasto Kwapa, explained that Autistic children do not find job opportunities and end up forming part of the unemployed population.
She told The Midweek Sun on Tuesday during the annual commemoration of World Autism Day that Autism Botswana has initiatives including art therapy to help these children with co-curricular activities and utilise their talents.
They also offer caregivers’ training, and ensure that people with children who were just diagnosed feel included and that there is care for their children.
“We often do community outreach to capacitate more on inclusion for the autistic population,” she said, lamenting that lack of funding inhibits them from running their programmes as desired and so they plead with funders to come on board and assist them. Autism Botswana organised the commemoration in partnership with Orange Digital Centre and ShopRite. Kwapa applauded ShopRite, Kiddies Academy, FNB Foundation and Orange Foundation for recognising children with autism and being part of their lives.
She said the day was first commemorated in 2007 by United Nations, and in Botswana in 2013 and that they have made it their mandate to create awareness on Autism spectrum disorder and teach the communities to accept Autism.
She said it is important to include people with autism in all services offered in Botswana and this is what they are currently trying to promote. She is glad that suddenly people are now aware of autism and they are happy about this.
Acting Manager at Orange Digital Centre, Ann Moatshe urged members of the public to come together and fight for inclusion of the differentlyabled people. In commemorating World Autism Day 2024, Moatshe expressed gratitude that five autistic students have graduated from their robotics and coding programs. They started training them late last year, and they graduated early this year. She explained that it took them about two months to complete the course. “As we gather here today on World Autism Day 2024, we are not merely commemorating an event; we are celebrating a journey, a journey of empowerment, resilience, and progress. It is an honour to stand before you on behalf of Orange Botswana Foundation where we have witnessed the incredible potential and talent of individuals with autism in Botswana,” she said.
Moatshe said they have learned to advocate fiercely for inclusion, to challenge stereotypes, and to create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. She said that the theme of the day, ‘Stories of Empowerment, Challenges Faced, and Victories Achieved in Aligning SDGs with Autism Awareness’, has reminded them of the power of inclusion and the transformative impact of technology.
“At the Orange Digital Centre, we have made it our mission to foster digital inclusion and provide opportunities for all, regardless of their background or abilities,” she said, citing their partnership with Autism Botswana as one of the most inspiring aspects of their work.
She said through the coding and robotics program, they have witnessed first-hand the remarkable capabilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. The autistic students’ attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills have not only enriched their programs but have also challenged societal perceptions about autism.