The staff of the BVI Autism Centre is hosting ‘Zumba for Autism’, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Tortola to raise funds for the development of the centre on Saturday, November 12.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase resources for the centre’s library, build more storage facilities such as shelves and bins and acquire activities including games and projects geared towards cognitive skills building.

Zumba for Autism takes place at the Queen Elizabeth II Park. Registration is $12 for adults and begins at 7:30 a.m. while the Zumba dance-exercise sessions start at 8:00 a.m., with games and other activities up to 12 noon. Children’s registration is free.

Autism Programme Director, Ms. Lorna Dawson said that the Rotaract Club of Tortola has been heavily involved with working with the centre since December 2015 and has maintained involvement for the year.

To that end, ‘Zumba for Autism’ stemmed from the club’s sustained interest in the BVI Autism Centre and a community service project grant, totaling $2,000.

Rotaract Club President, Mr. Selvyn Dawson said the club aims to raise an additional $500 to ensure all costs are covered for the community service project.

Rotaract Club’s Public Relations Director, Mr. Jevaughn Rymer said, “The club is committed to fostering our relationship with the BVI Autism Centre going well into 2017.”

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to other people.  It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.  It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

The BVI Autism Centre provides services for children and adults.  They learn skills which help to improve their ability to communicate and respond more appropriately to their surroundings and enhance their social interactions. Academic skills are emphasised for children, while independent living skills are highlighted for adults.

The Rotaract Club of Tortola is a group of young adults ages 18 to 30 that take action in their communities and develop their leadership and professional skills.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development provides leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment as positive resources for healthy living.

Flyer. (Credit: Rotaract Club of Tortola)