The backdrop of the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to have a deadly social-economic impact on various communities in Kenya. Among the most adversely affected are children living with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, as the lockdown measures have disrupted not just supply chains but also critical therapy services for children in dire need of it.
Many children who had achieved major milestones in the past three years have regressed as a result of the lack of therapy services, that Ready Aiders Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under Mr. Kenneth Apopa with Therapy centers in Mathare, Kawangware and Kajiado and Step Up 4 Autism,a Community Based Organization (CBO) under Madam Ruth Tenai, with a therapy center in Mathare, hosted the Fourth Light Mr. and Miss. Autism Kenya event as part of the commemoration of World's Autism Awareness Month usually the whole of April whereby the Day is celebrated on April 2 every year since 2007 in all United Nations (UN) Member States.
The Light, Mr. and Miss Autism Kenya event is a beauty pageant and talent show in honor of persons living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopment disorders in Kenya.
The main objective is to showcase the talents of people in the spectrum and provide an opportunity for society to come together in recognition of their unique abilities, talents, and challenges.
At an event that took place on Saturday, 17th April 2021 at Sportsview Hotel, Kasarani,
Nairobi County Woman Rep, Hon Esther Passaris addressed the event via zoom as it was a virtual event and the fact that she was out of the country.
The women representative who was the chief guest emphasized the need for acceptance and inclusion. She highlighted the amazing projects she has been doing through the National government affirmative action fund to furnish and equip over 17 classrooms for learners with special needs in Nairobi.
She Promised for continued support to all Projects relating to autism with the use of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in the Entire Nairobi county.
Senator Dr. Getrude Musuruve Inimah,also emphasized on the need for the National Government to support Autism,which as a Nominated Senator representing Persons with Disabilities (PWD),promised to push for proposals in the Senate Assembly.
The following were crowned Winners:
Light of Autism Kenya 2021
Light of Autism Kenya is a person of any gender with Autism who is chosen to be the main ambassador of autism awareness
1.Paula Ndirangu- Light of Autism Kenya 2021
Male Category,for Light of Autism Kenya 2021
1.Ephraim Ndirangu-1st runners up
Light of Autism Kenya
Light of Autism Congeniality kenya 2021
1.Jehanna Postwalla- Light of Autism Congeniality Kenya 2021
This is a person of any gender with autism who is chosen as a result of her/him being voted as the kindest and most hardworking autistic contestant. He or she works alongside the other ambassadors to raise funds and create awareness.
Miss Autism Congeniality Kenya 2021
1.Swabrah Baris- Miss Autism Congeniality Kenya 2021
This is a female adult individual without Autism, who is chosen as a result of being voted as the kindest and most hardworking female contestant who inspires the rest, she is tasked with leading key projects within the partner organizations.
Female's Category for Mr. Autism Kenya
This is a female adult individual without Autism, who is chosen to support and assist the Light of Autism Kenya utilize his/her platform and be an autism ambassador to the youth.
1.Keren Baraka- Miss Autism Kenya 2021
2.Effie Otieno-1st Runners up miss Autism Kenya
3.Jackline Mbuthia-2nd runners up Kenya
Men's Category for Mr. AutismKenya
Mr. Autism Kenya is a male adult individual without Autism, who is chosen to support and assist the Light of Autism Kenya utilize his/her platform and be an autism ambassador to the youth
1.Mordecai Wekesa-Mr. Autism Kenya 2021
2.Hei Martin-1st runners up Mr Autism Kenya
3.Gerald Maina-2nd runners up Mr Autism Kenya
The Light, Mr. and Miss Autism Kenya organizing committee wishes to thank all its partners who made the event possible,
The Champion Studios, Uradi Films, The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Young Boss Foundation and the events founding organizations Step Up 4 Autism and Ready Aiders Foundation.
Above all a big thank you to all judges, Leakey Odera, Robi Chacha, Meghna Visaria, and Collins.
The contestants' trainers and the teachers from the schools that brought their learners to participate were also highly appreciated.
HERE AT K254 NAIROBI NEWS WE SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CROWNS
Story by
Muhoro_P_Wamuyu
K254 Nairobi News
0792002265/ +254792002265
Good work
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