‘Glam’ for autism

It is estimated that autism affects one in every 150 children in Ghana, however, there are very few facilities that provide support for children affected by this neuro developmental disorder and their families.

To help raise funds in support of children with autism, My Sister's Keeper Foundation, in collaboration with Glam Africa Magazine, last Thursday organised the ‘Glam Africa Ball' with proceeds from the event donated to the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre (AACT).

Established in 1998, the ACCT  is one of the few facilities that provides all round support for children and young adults with autism.

Aside from selling dinner tables, items including outfits from the Nineteen 57 by KOD clothing line, Modella B fashion, paintings from the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre and art work by Ghanaian artist Kofi Agorsor were auctioned at the highly patronised event.

According to co-founders of the My Sister's Keeper Foundation, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Valerie Obaze and Edwina Akufo-Addo (daughters of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo), it is important to provide a conducive environment for children with autism so they do not feel rejected by the society.

“It is imperative for Ghanaians to be educated on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to stop the stigmatisation that is usually associated with the disorder. It is sad that in Ghana, some people attribute autism to witchcraft and in the process, ostracise the affected persons instead of providing an enabling environment for them to be able to gain crucial therapy which will give them the independence to assimilate into ‘conventional’ society.”

Every year, the foundation will choose a new project and raise funds through a series of events and initiatives.