Autism Learning Centre to benefit from pictogram project through ‘Run for a Good Cause’ project |25 January 2020
As the calls for participants to register for the 13th Eco-Healing Marathon to be held at Beau Vallon on February 23 get more frequent, one participant, Joel Melanie, is intensifying his training in preparation for the full-marathon, which will set off from Beau Vallon at 7am, covering the northern, north eastern and north western areas of the main island of Mahé, as well as the capital, Victoria.
Mr Melanie, aged 59, made headlines last year after raising a whopping amount from sponsors and donors for Cancer Concern Association, through his personal project, ‘Run for a Good Cause’. This year, he has chosen to dedicate the marathon and proceeds raised to Autism Seychelles, towards a pictogram project for the Autism Learning Centre, North East Point, which is expected to open its doors to children on the spectrum as well as their parents and educators in April this year.
Pictograms are visual supports that can be used to communicate with people on the autism spectrum. They are adaptable, portable and can be used in most situations to help provide structure and routine, encourage independence, build confidence, improve understanding, avoid frustration and anxiety, and provide opportunities to interact with others.
Pictograms are also useful to facilitate communication, rather than fleeting and inconsistent like spoken words can be.
Chairperson of Autism Seychelles, Lynn Lavigne, noted that any form of donation towards resources for the centre is well appreciated, and that the pictogram project by Mr Melanie is one which is close to the hearts of many parents with children on the spectrum who have speech problems or are non-verbal.
“Pictograms cover many aspects and comprise visuals. Many children on the spectrum rely on visuals to learn and considering that each child on the spectrum is different and each have their own way of learning, we intend to have a trainer who will be able to identify each child’s individual needs and therefore teach them accordingly to ensure that no child is left behind. For instance, some children can relate to cartoons while others prefer real imagery like photographs and will learn better from this representation of reality,” she said.
As part of the project, Autism Seychelles plans to send an individual overseas to pursue training in pictograms and their application. Upon the trainer’s return, they will also share their knowledge and acquired skills with parents, home-carers as well as educators from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, with whom Autism Seychelles is finalising the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“Pictograms is a very specialised course and we will therefore need to send someone to be trained. We have a good relationship with the association from la Reunion but they also don’t have someone qualified in pictogram but receive support from professionals from France,” she noted.
“The association is currently also finalising the MoU with the Ministry of Education. As an association, we cannot afford to finance teachers full time so we are finalising the terms and conditions. The MoU will represent the first of its kind partnership between the ministry and an association, and as per the agreement, the government will pay the teachers and trainer who will also be useful to them and can impart knowledge and skills to other teachers while we cover the running costs,” Ms Lavigne added, noting the progress towards the opening of the learning centre, including the recruitment of one teacher.
With regard to Mr Melanie’s project, Ms Lavigne noted that all the members of the association are really touched by his gesture to push himself and raise money for the cause.
“We are all really touched by the gesture because most people don’t understand and are not motivated towards a cause unless they are directly affected or impacted, but Mr Melanie’s gesture is much appreciated and one which touches the hearts of all of our parents with children on the spectrum,” Ms Lavigne said.
“We are all behind him and we will be cheering him on the big day. If there is anything we need, I would say is public understanding and support. I hope society can be helpful and compassionate, lend a hand and support those they know as it is not easy having children on the spectrum,” Ms Lavigne urged.
Mr Melanie has been training for the 42.2km marathon since last year after he successfully completed the 21.1km half-marathon. His training regimen has included runs of various distances coupled with swimming, weight training and stretching exercises to ensure he is in perfect form on the day.
Moreover, he has actively participated in numerous marathons and running activities held at national level over the year.
“I have been training consistently since last year and am confident that I can do it. For the time being, I am concentrating mainly on race management as I have been focusing on other important elements like building up my endurance and covering longer mileage during previous months,” he said.
“Personally, I am excited for the run and for the project as it will benefit at least 75 children who have so far been diagnosed with autism, and will also be of great support to those around them and to be part of it is special,” Mr Melanie concluded.
The 13th Seychelles Eco-Healing Marathon is set to take place on Sunday February 23 at Beau Vallon.
Laura Pillay