MOSSEL BAY NEWS - World Autism Day is celebrated today, 2 April and the month of April is World Autism Awareness Month.
The Education and Training Hub for Autism Needs (ETHAN) in Mossel Bay runs two autism awareness campaigns in April.
There is the Light it Up Blue campaign today, when ETHAN encourages the Mossel Bay community to join the global Light it Up Blue for autism awareness and acceptance initiative.
You will see the Mossel Bay flags, Point Caves and some historic buildings in Marsh Street shining blue for autism during April.
ETHAN asks people to join in the initiative by dressing in blue, replacing one of the lightbulbs in your house or business with a blue light bulb and "liking" the ETHAN Project facebook page, or follow it on Instagram @ethanproject_za and spread awareness and acceptance for autism in the community, says Dianne Hobbs from ETHAN.
On 5 April, the ETHAN Autism Awareness Parade takes place.
This year promises to be a special one in true ETHAN style and everyone is invited. The float parade will start from Hartenbos Primary School at 18:00 and finish at the Langeberg Mall.
Registration is at the Langeberg Mall at 17:00. The short parade walk and a trolley decoration competition promises to be loads of fun at Langeberg Mall. Here a group of walkers will join with the float procession for the jolliest, "bluest" walk at Langeberg Mall.
"The walk is free and open to everyone looking for a fun night out," Hobbs says.
Be sure to bring your pre-made decorations for the trolley.
There are great prizes to be awarded to best float, best dressed individual, most spirited team, best decorated trolley, as well as a raffle and extra spot prizes.
The theme is anything blue, autism awareness, puzzle pieces and butterflies. Extra points will be awarded for using recycled goods.
ETHAN will be showcasing Mossel Bay’s local talent in the Langeberg Mall underground parking from about 19:00.
Biscus Makes Friends is an informative play about Biscus, a tortoise with autism, and his experience making friends.
The play will be performed by children from ZJ Hulpsentrum, an education facility for children with special needs. The ETHAN choir, comprising young adults from APD Great Brak River, APD KwaNonqaba and Siyanithanda centre for the disabled, will entertain. Children from the Leolan Academy for children with special needs will perform a heartwarming dance.
Search for the event at ETHAN Autism Awareness Parade on facebook. "We look forward to seeing you there," says Hobbs.
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