Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Foundation (QF) headquarters, ‘The 2015 Building’, was illuminated in blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day, in a collaborative effort led by Renad Academy. This specialised school, part of QF’s Pre-University Education, focuses on supporting children with autism and joined forces with the Special Schools and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Services at QF, including Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Program, to spearhead this initiative. The aim was to spread awareness and foster acceptance and support for people with autism within the community.
In solidarity with this cause, other QF buildings also basked in blue light, including the Education City Stadium, Sidra Medicine, and the Qatar National Convention Centre. This act of lighting buildings in blue aligns with the global campaign to increase awareness about autism.
The inception of World Autism Awareness Day can be traced back to a proposal made by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, to the United Nations in 2007. This proposal led to the annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day starting in 2008, celebrated each year on April 2.
