Partnerships and Collaborations
There is a pressing need to fund deep research and engagement within communities and practitioners to understand how to address the needs of neurodiverse individuals in Southern Africa.
Research and consultation should focus on identifying specific challenges and barriers faced by people that present with neurodiverse conditions, enhancing policy responses, showcasing current innovations, and highlighting good practices that empower these individuals and raise societal awareness. Clear and impactful actions should be included in an Autism Innovation Strategy to respond to identified challenges, complemented by ongoing actions under existing national strategies.
The Paul & Humile Mashatile Foundation aims to partner with:
- Families of children with neurodiverse conditions.
- Educators to recognize and understand their learners and alert them about children who present behavioural signs.
- Non-profit organizations supporting similar causes, with whom we could fund, partner on campaigns, and create barter trade-offs.
- Businesses to advocate inclusivity, arrange speakers, and train employees to treat colleagues equally through inclusion and diversity training.
- Government agencies such as the Department of Education, the Department of Health, and Social Services to support children medically and provide education and disability grants.
- Academic institutions to create more awareness.