By Phiwa Sikhondze
Autism Eswatini, a non-governmental organization that advocates for the rights and welfare of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the country, has revealed its plan to raise E2 billion to construct a facility that will provide specialized services and support for people with ASD and their families.
The facility will include a school, a clinic, a therapy center, and other amenities that will cater to the needs of people with ASD.
The plan was revealed by the board chairperson of Autism Eswatini, Senzo Hlatshwayo, at the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) offices in Mbabane, where the organization received a E50 000 donation from the ENPC.
The donation was part of the ENPC’s corporate social responsibility program, which aims to support various causes and initiatives in the country. The donation was handed over by the ENPC CEO, Nhlanhla Dlamini, who expressed his appreciation and admiration for the work and vision of Autism Eswatini.
Hlatshwayo thanked the company for the generous donation and said that it will help Autism Eswatini to achieve its goal of building the facility, which he said is a response to the growing demand for ASD services in the country, as well as a vision to change the perception and understanding of ASD in the society.
“We are under Pressure CEO. Autism is a dire straining issue and the sooner we can set up this facility, the better for the response in the Kingdom,” he said.
He said that the organization has secured land for the project, with the help of micro-projects and communities, and that the construction will start soon. He said that the project will be implemented in phases, starting with the clinic, which is expected to be completed in a year or two.
He further called for more companies and sympathizers to extend hands and contribute to the initiative. He said that more support would go a long way toward catalyzing the vision that is being pushed by the organization for the betterment of the lives of the autistic community.
Hlatshwayo disclosed that the organization has been working closely with the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, which is their line ministry, and that they have received a lot of support and guidance from that office.
He also said that the organization has been collaborating with the media, the European Union, and other partners to raise awareness and educate the public about ASD and the challenges and opportunities that people with ASD face. Hlatshwayo concluded by stating that the organization has been organizing various fundraising events and activities, such as a golf day, a gospel festival, and a walk, to mobilize resources for the project and the cause.