Latest news from the Ernie Els Centre for Autism in South Africa, providing lower resourced families of children on the autism spectrum with free access to effective education for their child via e-learning programs.
1. COMING UP: The Els for Autism Annual Fundraiser at The Els Club, Copperleaf
Please come and join us at The Els Club Copperleaf (pictured above) on Friday 27 June for the ever-popular annual Els for Autism Fundraiser golf day, a tournament with attractions both on and off the course. The format on the day is Fourball Alliance and it promises to be a splendid day’s golf, with a morning tee off and concluding with dinner, prizegiving and an opportunity to participate for some exclusive Ernie Els auction items. The entry fee is R900.00 per player and includes:
– A direct charitable contribution to the centre
– Green fees
– Shared golf cart
– Gift bag including a bottle of Ernie Els Wine and a six pack of the NEW Big Easy ice tea/lemonade drink
– Halfway house refreshments
– Buffet dinner
– Prizegiving
– Charitable auction for exclusive Ernie Els memorabilia
RSVP: Claire Youngman, claire.youngman@ernieels.com 011 484 7254
2. The first ever Ernie Els Centre for Autism support group
On Saturday 31 May the Ernie Els Centre for Autism had its very first support group attended by 15 parents who are on the centre’s autism program. It was a positive experience for all and we look forward to hosting many more. “I cannot explain to you the overwhelming joy this brought for every member present,” said Shani Zuk, the Centre Manager at the Ernie Els Centre for Autism. “The excitement, shared feelings and group mood felt exhilarating. Not because things were perfect, but because things felt genuine and promising. We had such a range of attendees – mixed race, gender, age and life experience, as well as socioeconomic status. The parents took to each other like long lost friends, sharing, laughing, crying, talking or even sharing supportive silences between them.
“When asked to tell the group about the person they were partnered with, it was incredible to hear the similarities and differences, and the support they all felt for each other. We all laughed, shared combined shakes of our head, or felt the pain of disappointment of the outside world. We were all different, but at the core all the same. We landed up going way past our initial hour, continuing to the better side of 100 minutes. Parents were hungry for support amongst each other, for a chance to share their experiences and views with people who understand and who give no judgement. The rules established by the group emerged so naturally – those of trust, anonymity and confidentiality, safety and unconditional support. We ended off discussing ideas for future groups, with each parent desperate for whatever would be offered. Alex and I left there carrying what we hope was the experience of every person who attended – one of excitement, relief, anticipation, unconditional support and best of all, hope.”
3. Changing lives for the better at the Ernie Els Centre for Autism
The Els Centre for Autism in South Africa is the first international link to the Els Center of Excellence in Florida. Its aim is to provide lower resourced families of children on the spectrum with FREE access to effective education for their child via e-learning programs. Thus it was wonderful to receive a testimonial from the mother of a child who attends the Centre, and of course humbling that it should be having such a positive and meaningful influence on their day-to-day lives.
Synthia Latha writes…
To everyone at the Els Centre for Autism,
This Centre is of great help for me and my daughter Fentse who is now 9-years old. I am proud and honoured to have had the benefits of having Fentse Latha, who is an autistic child, join the Els Centre for Autism. The staff are very helpful, they are kind, warm hearted and loving. One can tell by the way they interact with the kids and the parents. My daughter, Fentse is now well potty-trained thanks to the Els Centre for Autism. I am grateful for their help and appreciate their willingness to always help. Her gross motor movements have improved, she likes puzzles, matching, and after every meal wipes her mouth and washes her plate. She can now follow instructions very well.
I’ve learnt a lot at the Els Centre for Autism, where the team believes that every child with Autism can learn and that they deserve access to effective education. I’m still learning a lot about my daughter’s condition, but the staff have made it easier for me to deal with the day-to-day challenges. I would strongly recommend that parents with kids diagnosed with Autism must consider the Els Centre for Autism for help and personalised programme to help their kids one day become more independent in life. Thank you so much to everyone at the Els Centre for Autism and the facilitators who are with us in this journey. It is not easy, but they are always there for us and that means a lot for my entire family. – Synthia Latha
4. The Anahita, Mauritius Golf Day in aid of Els for Autism
On Friday 30 May, Anahita Mauritius hosted a golf day at the exclusive Blair Atholl Golf Club in support of the Els for Autism Foundation. It was an eventful and wonderful day, with the team of H Du Plooy, I Hare, P Williams and S Clarke taking first prize. Els for Autism raised around R70 000.00 for the centre. We would like to thank the following for their assistance in making the day a great success – Anahita Mauritius, Cedric Dalais, Ernie Els Wines, Robin Millerd, Stephen Fish, Jeremy Campion, Dan Nicholl and Blair Atholl Golf Club.
5. About Els for Autism South Africa
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism. The Els’ son Ben is severely touched by the disorder, which in the U.S affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. For the last five years Ernie and Liezl have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project, The Els Center of Excellence. This first-of-its-kind Center will focus on a digital e-learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. South Africa currently boasts the first international link to the Center of Excellence. Located in Johannesburg, the Ernie Els Centre for Autism provides lower resourced families of children on the spectrum with FREE access to effective education for their child via e-learning programs.
