VIVA, through its corporate social responsibility program “VIVA Jusoor” launched a campaign to support autistic children marking the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the disorder through the various media channels and also through fundraising and building bridges between segments of society in order to provide specialist educational support for autistic children from needy families.
Autism is one of three diseases of concern to the United Nations as has been issued for its global repercussions and the amount of effects on communities it has. The rapid speed of Autism’s spread in the world and the importance of early screening and education to reduce the factors require major public awareness.
One in every 150 children has Autism, 90% of those do not receive proper education and 75% are bullied by peers. It is worth mentioning that autism is a disorder affecting the brain and hence the child’s ability to adapt and communicate with the outside world, it evolves negatively over time if not addressed at a young age.
Autism appears during the first three years of the child’s age and lasts a lifetime. It has been proven through research that intensive training programs are crucial in reaching practical results leading to a life of more independence and productivity.
“The aim of launching this campaign is to support children with autism and to spread awareness about the disorder highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and proper intervention to overcome it,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, VIVA Chief Executive Officer.
“The programme is designed to enable members of the community with special needs to build bridges between them and the community through sustainable programs creating limitless opportunities. There is no cure yet, but there is always hope”.
VIVA opened the door for its customers to take part in supporting the education of autistic children via SMS text messaging with donations deposited to Alya School for early intervention for the education of needy children with autism. The Centre will issue a report of the number of beneficiaries of this program when the campaign is concluded. The campaign will last for two months starting from World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2011.
To contribute with the amount of one dinar, VIVA customers can send the number “1” via SMS to the number 88143; customers can donate up to BD10 a month.