By Marianella Paul | Director Autismo en Voz Alta
On January 20, 2018 Cristina Elena (Kikis), my niece, turned 18. Kikis is the person who, at the age of six years old became the inspiration behind Autismo en Voz Alta. Her smile blowing her candles and kissing her family, her teachers, her caregivers, her peers, is worth more than a thousand words. She does not have to tell me – she is a non-verbal girl with autism – it shows. She, and all present that day, do share the optimism, the joy, and the pride of having grown and learnt together. To her all my gratitude, admiration, and love.
Growing up with Kikis taught us that resilience, perseverance, and teamwork makes what seems impossible, possible. In this case, building in Venezuela an institution dedicated to the education of children and adolescents with autism. As Kikis transitions into adulthood she leaves as her legacy an institution that serves today 106 children and adolescents, and 400 families annually through a psycho-educational program, therapy, evaluation and diagnostic services. She leaves behind an institution that provides financial support to 76% of its student body and, is an important reference in the autism community of Venezuela.
We are commited to preserve her legacy; a legacy that we can all feel very proud of. This year we want to tackle the profound humanitarian, political and economic crisis in our country by reinventing ourselves, and approaching challenges with creativity and agility. The impact we have had in our community, what we have built, what we have accomplished, give us the motivation and strength to persevere.
The current high turnover rate of our personnel, and the devastating effect of hyperinflation and scarcity of food and medicines feed hopelessness, frustration and impotence. To fight against it we are working hard, thinking outside of the box and taking operating, organizational and financial initiatives to protect the purchasing power of our personnel, support our student’s families, while providing our services at the standards and impact level we are known for. And in doing so, we are feeding optimism, hope, and resilience, just as Kikis and all her friends have given to us.
If you are already part of Autismo en Voz Alta, THANK YOU, you have made it a reality. If you are not, I invite you to join us! The recurrent and continuous support of our donors, sponsors, volunteers make it possible.
Kikis, we continue working mi bella, always forward, as you do every day. Happy birthday!!!
Love you! Carpe Diem!
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