BY EPN REPORTER
MANZINI – Children on the autism spectrum finally have a place dedicated to their special needs as the Manzini Autism Centre was launched yesterday.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development HRH Prince Simelane officially opened the Manzini Autism Centre, which will service and provide much needed relief for parents and stakeholders who are affected by issues of autism spectrum disorder, according to an statement from official Government social media.
The Centre has been built by the Municipal Council of Manzini in collaboration with the help of the Government of Taiwan.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Prince Simelane remarked that “This is one of the most needed facilities in our country and it will provide relief to many parents and other stakeholders who are directly or indirectly affected by the issue of autism spectrum disorder. By spearheading this project, the municipality has demonstrated that indeed it practices its organisational value of inclusion.”
“Children who are on the autism spectrum tend to miss out a lot on early childhood education because of their inability to communicate. They also have difficulty accessing other essential services like medical, psychological and physiological services that they need for their mental development. This means that they often get denied enjoyment of most of their basic human rights,” added Minister Prince Simelane.
Minister Prince Simelane highlighted that this milestone is also in line with the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disability; which Eswatini ratified in 2012. At the national level, it is in line with the Eswatini National Disabilty Act, 2013 as well as the National Disability Plan of Action.
Minister Prince Simelane also added that, “As His Majesty’s Government, we are so proud of this achievement. It is not only the city’s milestone but that of the country at large. From now on, our country will be viewed differently in the global space as a country that is committed to attainment of Goal No:3 of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”
Taiwan Ambassador H.E Jeremy Liang noted that “Taiwan and Eswatini are equal partners and will continue to help each other in promoting and building sustainable and prosperous communities.”
Speaking for children living with autism, 14-year-old Inaki Shongwe stated that the facility would bring much needed relief for parents of children affected by autism spectrum disorder.
