Social action charity partners with students to promote autism awareness
GIFT supports sixth formers at Hasmonean Girls School to create sensory workshops.
An immersive workshop created by a social action charity and two students at an Orthodox Jewish secondary school is helping to raise awareness of autism.
“Through Our Eyes” is the latest innovation from the GIFT Charity incubator course at Hasmonean Girls School in Mill Hill, north west London.
Sixth form students Shoshi Maurice and Naomi Benosiglio, themselves both autistic, wanted to promote understanding and empathy among their peers. The girls were keen to provide other students with an opportunity to gain insights into the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum or those struggling with sensory issues or social anxiety.
Maurice and Bensiglio successfully organised the inaugural “Through Our Eyes” project last month for students in Years 7 and 8. It featured a range of workshops and panel discussions aimed at giving students the tools needed to empathise and understand why some students may react differently to them in certain situations.
Shoshi said: “I am so grateful I was able to do this because it helps people to be heard and strengthens us as a community.”
The highlight was a sensory overloaded shopping experience workshop, where students were exposed to simulated overwhelming sensory environments. By recreating the challenges faced by individuals with sensory issues, the workshop provided a hands-on understanding of their experiences, fostering empathy and awareness.
Naomi said: “I chose to organise this event to help students understand and support their peers on the spectrum as well as trying to create a more inclusive environment in school for autistic students like me.”
A panel session featured speakers from Noa Girls, (who support girls in the Orthodox Jewish community aged 12-24), Barnet Education and Learning Services, and a paediatric occupational therapist who works in a school for autistic children.
These experts and professionals shared their knowledge and personal stories, allowing the students to gain a comprehensive understanding of autism. The panel session created an environment where students could ask questions, challenge misconceptions, and develop a deeper empathy for those on the autism spectrum.
Shira Joseph from GIFT Charity who runs the course in Hasmonean, commended the students for their remarkable efforts, saying: “I’m so proud of Naomi and Shoshi for the time, energy and more importantly, the courage and vulnerability it took for them to create such an impactful immersive workshop. We are already started planning next year’s event!”
The event concluded with each student receiving a wristband to remind them to look ‘Through Our Eyes’ and be more understanding of neuro-diversity.
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