The widespread misunderstanding and inadequate support for autistic children. This lack of understanding often leads to significant challenges in communication, social interaction, and inclusion within educational settings. Autistic children may face barriers in expressing themselves, forming meaningful connections with peers, and accessing appropriate support systems that cater to their unique needs.
By shedding light on these challenges and offering targeted awareness courses, Vuyolethu’s Haven aims to bridge the gap between the current state of education and the inclusive environment that autistic children require to thrive. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, we seek to create a more compassionate and supportive educational landscape where autistic children can reach their full potential and be fully embraced as valuable members of the school community.
“Own Comments on Launch of Vuyolwethu Haven for Autistic Children:
In general the launch took place at a time when very little is known by communities about autism.
Autism exists diagnosed and undiagnosed as also evidenced by the number of parents, care givers concerned communnity members’ questions and concers raised at the Vuyolwethu launch
I personally picked up an atmosphere of pain, helplessness, feelings of not knowing what to do and where to go for help.
Benefits of the launch session:
*It shared detailed information on autism.
*The information was delivered and pitched at the level of attendees making it easy to understand and internalise.
*The mode of sharing the information was very effective e.g use of parents, persons with autism themselves, people working with autism, etc.
*Not sure what kind of attendance and target was expected but to me it seemed good and relevant. I can confidently say a seed was definitely sown and awareness created.
Recommendations:
*More awareness creation workshops are needed.
*Workshops need to be taken to the people / communities for easy accessibility eg schools, churches, hospital / clinic waiting rooms, identified conferences, identified professional groups, etc.
*professional counseling services should be part and parcel of autism services.”
Executive Chairperson of Vuyolethu’s Haven
Ayanda Larkin-Harrison is the Executive Chairperson of Vuyolethu’s Haven, a dedicated organisation focused on supporting individuals with autism and their families. With a strong background in advocacy, Ayanda has been a passionate leader in the autism community for over 11 years. Her commitment to raising awareness, training, education as well as promoting inclusion, aims to transform countless lives.
Ayanda brings a wealth of experience in both nonprofit management and autism education, combining personal dedication with professional expertise. Under her leadership, Vuyolethu’s Haven has expanded its programs, including educational workshops, support groups, and outreach initiatives.
Driven by a vision of a more inclusive society, Ayanda continues to inspire others through her tireless work and unwavering commitment to the autism community.
Executive Director
Pearl is an expert in Communication with over 18 years of experience in Capital Markets. She specialises in developing and managing mutually beneficial relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and is passionate about investor education.
During her 21-year tenure at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Pearl was responsible for running the Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE). She also participated in various high-profile committees, including the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), the Committee of Insurance Securities and Non-Banking Financial Authorities (CISNA) with regulators from different SADC countries, the Committee of Central Bank Governors (CCBG), and the SADC Secretariat meetings in the region.
Pearl played a crucial role in organising annual conferences and regular workshops on relevant and pressing issues in Capital Markets in the region. Before this, she served as the Head of Education at the JSE, focusing on demystifying the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the public, particularly learners and students.
In addition to her professional achievements, Pearl is passionate about autism education. She is dedicated to understanding the unique needs and challenges of individuals on the autism spectrum and is committed to raising awareness among educators and parents in this area
Boitumelo is a Business Studies Educator currently located at Mondeor High School. She obtained some of her qualifications in the US where she was based for a number of years. She is a member of the School Governing Body, representing Educators. She is an expert in assisting Educators in resolving discipline issues and communicates on a regular basis with parents
She is very active in assisting children with learning disabilities, she assists the school in finding solutions in assisting these children and placing them in schools or facilities where they are able to get proper attention. As a result, she is better placed in dealing with Autistic children in the school environment
Mapholo Ratau is a highly qualified Financial Director. She is a Sponsor for many JSE Listed companies as well as sitting on many Boards of JSE Listed companies.
She has over 20 years’ experience in Corporate Finance and Advisory Services. She is a successful entrepreneur and mentors a lot of young people that come to her for help.
She is very passionate about Autism and plans to educate and assist family and members of her community about Autism.
Sewela Molewa is a dynamic Management Accountant with skills in Reporting, Planning, Presentations, Training and Strategy.
With her Financial Background we believe she will add a lot of value to the organisation. She has been in the Autism space for close to twenty years, and therefore has a lot of experience and her contribution is immense.
Jackie Samson, a member of the board brings valuable experience from the education and public service sectors. She has worked with an education-focused NGO and in public works, where she partnered with communities to develop social infrastructure, including places of safety for marginalised children—many of whom face mental health challenges. As a mother of a neurodiverse child, she is personally and deeply invested in building a more inclusive and supportive world for autistic individuals and their families. Her work on the board is informed by both professional insight and lived experience.
Nombulelo Phiri is a young and professional accountant that strives to enrich and assist SMMEs in our country to better our economy not only for ourselves but for generations to come.
Her passion at Vuyolethu is solely driven by what it exactly stands for, the awareness of autism. Her first encounter with Autism was when she started bookkeeping and accounting services for a school in Soweto Naledi that specialises in children living with autism.
Joining the organisation for her personally meant being a part of a team that seeks to inspire, encourage and mostly teach parents and the community at large about this very condition.
Nonhlanhla Mazaleni is an Auxiliary Nurse by profession, who is well versed with what is happening in the HIV space. She has done courses on Palliative care, VCT Counselling, Adherence Counselling and many other HIV related courses. She has her own NPO called Tholulwazi Phakathi.