Shayan: Autism Care and Awareness Project is an annual community service project which is organized by the Faculty of Pharmacy of Tishk International University to raise the awareness in the community and support Autistic Children in Erbil city. The main aim of this project is working to fulfill the needs of those little battlers. The project is conducted by the supervisors of this annual project, faculty staff members and volunteer students from all grades.
Every year, the organizers of this project plan several activities to raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autistic people. These activities include meetings, workshops, concerts, fundraising events, and visits to the autism centers to provide an opportunity for students to interact with tender-heart battlers and witness their daily life struggles. This project is held over several months and requires a series of gradual steps and arrangements.
On February 21st, 2022, the fundraising event which was designed to gather support and financial aid from TIU students, staff, and external people was accomplished. With the help of faculty-student volunteers, the organizers were able to collect funds through several activities including selling homemade foods and handicrafts, drawing henna, competitions, puzzles, and measuring blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. The event was launched in front of the main building of the university in the presence of Head of Board of Trustees Dr. Idris Hadi, and the President of Tishk International University Assistant Professor Abdul Samad Salahuddin Ahmad, as well as the deans and other staff members. The staff of Hana Autism Center and parents of some autistic children were other participants of this event. The visitors toured the stands, bought food and dessert, and participated in several other activities.
On behalf of the Faculty of Pharmacy, we extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all volunteers and members who participated in this event. Further, we would like to thank all participants and visitors for contributing to this project; all contributions will indeed make a significant difference in raising autism awareness and helping autistic children.