09:55
On the 12th World Autism Day, a public welfare event under the theme "Just Like You" was held in Beijing to raise public awareness about autism.
The event was jointly hosted by the China Social Welfare Foundation, the Beijing Association for the Rehabilitation of Autistic Children, the Beijing BISS International School, Beijing-based ETU Education, and the Peking University Sixth Hospital.
The event began with the sale of autistic children's paintings and BISS students' artworks, followed by a performance from autistic children and students from BISS International School and ETU Education. The adult ceremony for the older autistic and senior students of BISS International School was memorable.
The Star Wing Program was also officially launched to help older autistic children gain basic survival skills.
"We will come up with a long-term volunteer service plan for teachers and students, and work together to enhance the awareness of autism and improve the living conditions of people with autism," said Chen Guoqiang, the director of BISS International School.
Zhou Jing, head of the Autistic Children's Relief Fund of the China Social Welfare Foundation, said, "The stage performance by students of BISS International School and autistic children, as well as the long-term plan to serve autistic people are the embodiment of the theme of the event."
As the first school for foreigners approved by the Chinese government, founded in 1994, BISS International School has promoted the development of international education in Beijing and China.
Li Yinuo, founder of ETU Education, believes that cooperation with charitable foundations helps children develop empathy for people from different cultural backgrounds, and helps them learn to help those in need.
The auction of autistic people's paintings raised a total of 43,000 yuan ($6,408). Some of these funds directly go to the painters, and some are special funds for the rehabilitation of autistic people through the China Social Welfare Foundation.
The event has been held for 12 consecutive years.
(Video shot and edited by Zhao Dantong)
