For too long autistic children have been neglected in our society. Due to superstitious beliefs, their birth is often associated with demon possession, witchcraft, or infidelity from the woman’s side. There is a lack of awareness of autism spectrum disorder. Parents often try the native ways of treatment, but due to a lack of adequate knowledge, these children are left with no proper care. Most of them are often raised by single parents or parents with poor living standards who can not afford good medical attention amongst others and so their full potential is not reached.

However, our school system is not designed for such children, as they face discrimination, bullying, and mocking from their peers in school. This makes the school feel unfit for them, and so they refuse to go to school and even their parents see it as a waste of resources to send them to school. Therefore, these children are left to be dependent throughout their life, not allowing them to be meaningful in society.

OUR SOLUTION

We created an organisation that caters for the welfare of autistic children in Sierra Leone.

We have opened a school for autistic children only (Sahid Autism School). We provide free schooling, bags, uniform, and books and supply their goods given to us by philanthropy. Due to their vulnerable condition, we also provide free lunch for them.

We are raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder, through community engagement and radio talk shows.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM

Supporting autistic children in their academic drive will allow them to discover their full potential to help them build vital skills that will last a lifetime. Thereby, making them people of value in society.

WHY ARE WE CROWDFUNDING?

We are a charitable organization that caters to vulnerable autistic children. We provide free schooling, clothes, lunch and necessary school materials. We raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder. To do all these effectively we will need funding.

• Campaign Category: Non-Profit Organization
• Sector: Education
• Why are you crowdfunding?:

  We are a charitable organization that caters to vulnerable autistic children. We provide free schooling, clothes, lunch and necessary school materials. We raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder. To do all these effectively we will need funding.

• What is your solution to this problem?:

  We created an organisation that caters for the welfare of autistic children in Sierra Leone.

  We have opened a school for autistic children only (Sahid Autism School).

  We provide free schooling, bags, uniform, and books and supply their goods given to us by philanthropy. Due to their vulnerable condition, we also provide free lunch for them.

  We are raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder, through community engagement and radio talk shows.

• Why is it important to solve this problem?:

  Supporting autistic children in their academic drive will allow them to discover their full potential to help them build vital skills that will last a lifetime. Thereby, making them people of value in society.

   

• Describe your Project/Cause:

  As an organization, we have short-term plans and long-term plans.

  Our SHORT GOAL is to;

  1. Create awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
  2. Construct a school for autistic children. (rent and construct).
  3. Provide their basic needs (Food, Clothes, and medication).
  4. staff payment
  5. fuel for vehicle

  LONG TERM GOAL

  1. To construct an autistic school in all district headquarters.
  2. To construct a hospital, one that cares for autistic children only.
• Describe your team/organization:

  The Co-founder and General Manager is Isha Sesay, she is in charge of all the funds that come in and she also liaises with other people or organizations to raise funds.

  The co-founder and project coordinator is Emmanuel Dawo, who runs the daily affairs of the organization and coordinates the affairs of the school.

  Case managers- teachers - caregivers and cooks.

  Institutions we partner with: the Sierra Leone psychiatric hospital, Reunion Sierra Leone, and Aurora foundation.

• How much are you fundraising?: SLE 500,000
• Location: 15 Fainkary, street calabatown Freetown.