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For the fifth year in a row, with the support of the Orange Foundation, 16 autistic children from Yerevan and the regions of Armenia, accompanied by their caretakers and special educators, spend their summer holidays in the summer recreation camp in Aparan. Alongside with necessary treatment the children will be able to enjoy their days filled with various games, events and interesting leisure time, the press service of Orange Armenia reported. 

“Supporting vulnerable children is of a major importance to Orange Foundation. Among the projects we implement in the frame of our philanthropic activity, we have been cooperating with “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation since the year 2010 and are very glad to arrange summer holidays for autistic children in Aparan camp already for the fifth time. One of the most important objectives of this partnership is to create the necessary environment for autistic children, which will
contribute to the integration of these kids in the society” noted Francis Gelibter, Chairman of the Board of the Orange Foundation.

The summer recreation camp is only a part of the “Let’s Help Autistic Children” project, supported by the Orange Foundation. The latter includes training of medical staff, teachers, pupils and parents of autistic children, with an objective to implement contemporary methods (CHAT and ADOS tests) for early detection and intervention of autism as well as to raise awareness of autism, implemented by “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation. An important part of the “Let’s Help Autistic Children” project is supporting children diagnosed with autism to integrate in the society providing them with opportunities for vocational education. In 2013 a pilot project for vocational education of an autistic child was organized in the French-Armenian Vocational Educational Center in Yerevan, with the support of the Embassy of France in the Republic of Armenia.

As stated by Professor Ara Babloyan, member of the Board of Trustees of “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation and Scientific Adviser of “Arabkir”: “For the past five years the Orange Foundation carries out this wonderful program that allows creating the appropriate conditions for social integration of children with autism and their quality of life. The program has made significant investments in this area, which would especially like to mention a community-based integrated health-educational-social model and professional education in Armenia for autistic young. The most expressive element of the recreation program for children with autism is organized by the Aparan summer camp. 16 children will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a summer vacation in this wonderful place. Camp life is a great impact on the socialization of children, the children who have no problems learn to be careful and take care of their friends. It is of course our dream to have a greater number of children visiting the camp, which I hope that one day we will be able to implement.”

In 2014 the project focuses on establishing a community-based comprehensive model of integrated services for children with autism and other communication disorders. The kindergarten and school in Malatia-Sebastia community are currently being adapted to the needs of autistic children - necessary tools will be provided as well as corresponding training and experience sharing sessions will be organized for mentors and teachers working with these children.