My share of the project proposal

PROJECT PROPOSAL

·         Project title:        Caring for Autism in Sri Lanka

·         Name of implementing agent(s):   Guiding Light Association

·         Project location:    Colombo 06

·         Proposed starting date:    01-Aug-2015  

·         Project duration:         01 year

·         Amount requested from Voluntary Fund (US$):

·         Government inputs:          

·         Implementing agent inputs:

·         Other donor inputs:

The Project Proposal Application for ‘Caring for Autism in Sri Lanka’ includes;

I.                    Background and justification of the project:

Guiding light Association is an organization which was established in the year 2010 in Colombo, Sri Lanka in order to enhance the quality of communal work as well as look in to the development and the welfare of the underprivileged citizens of the rural areas around Sri Lanka. Our non-profit organization involves a body of dedicated social workers within the island and is highly dedicated to transforming the status and the standing of the social work profession in which the ultimate benefit is given to those who are in need.

Autism is not a disease and it occurs across a large range of cognitive abilities, language skills and on a basic life span and affects several number of children. Social problems that are connected with autism are a few highlighted characteristics of the disorder. Individuals who have high IQ’s as well as substantial language skills also struggle with a wide range of interpersonal skills when entering adulthood.  During the developing stage, children pick up play and social skills quite naturally. Children who have autism need to be taught skills in a very specific learning environment in order to be bale to adapt to the social world as they grow older. It is evident that in a country such as Sri Lanka, where autism is not highly recognized, it is important to make people aware of the right methods that can be adapted in order to help these children with special needs.

The focus of this particular project is to incorporate an “Autism child friendly teaching environment” model into all the programming aspects of a basic education and to create a surrounding of compassion and acceptance for children with autism. The project established by Guiding light association focuses on creating a training module for young people that could aid in coaching these children with special needs with the final outcome of forming a long term student- mentor relationships.

II.                  Objectives of the project:

• Promote optimal development and learning of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with intellectual disabilities.
• Increase the number of highly qualified personnel serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with intellectual disabilities.
• Increase the capacity of schools and districts to implement evidence-based practices.
• Provide ongoing professional development to those teaching learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with intellectual disabilities.
• The effective training model is used to increase the competency of social workers in social skills programming.
• To help provide technical support and expertise to professionals and agencies serving autistic children.
• To help conduct research on treatment and training efficacy.