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London, September 25, 2024
About Afrikindness
Afrikindness, an educational charity dedicated to fostering positive racial development and inclusivity, is thrilled to announce its recognition as a winner at the Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards 2024, hosted by Genius Within CIC.
Afrikindness was awarded in the “Inclusion Project of the Year” category for its groundbreaking Neurodiversity Community Programme (ANCP), which champions understanding and support for neurodiverse children, particularly within African and ethnic minority communities.
This prestigious award, presented at a ceremony held at Adobe’s offices in Shoreditch, London, celebrates Afrikindness’s dedication to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and awareness within the neurodiverse community. The CEO, Bunmi Owolabi, and the Chair of Trustees, Sukwinder Bassi, proudly received the award on behalf of the Afrikindness team, expressing their gratitude for this incredible honour.
About the Neurodiversity Community Programme (ANCP)
The Afrikindness Neurodiversity Community Programme is an initiative designed to bridge the gap in autism awareness, diagnosis, and support within Black and minority communities. Funded by the Leeds Community Foundation and the Sir George Martin Trust as part of the Sylvie Nunn Memorial Award, ANCP has made remarkable strides since its launch in March 2024:
- 6 Awareness Campaigns: Including sessions during World Autism Day, reaching an audience of over 4,000 participants across four continents.
- 3 Physical Workshops in Leeds: Engaging over 100 participants and promoting practical knowledge on neurodiversity.
- 2 Family Interventions: Collaborating with partners for direct referrals and support.
- 2 Family Fun Day Events: Providing sensory play experiences for children and families.
- A 6-Part Monthly Webinar Series: Featuring expert speakers from the UK, Canada, and beyond, dismantling myths, answering questions, and educating the global community on autism and neurodiversity.
- Parent resources: Providing resources for parents and families.
The ANCP’s success lies in its holistic approach to awareness, training, and community engagement. It has provided clarity, support, and resources to families, teachers, community leaders, and professionals from diverse communities, helping them to better understand neurodiversity and create inclusive environments.
CEO’s Statement
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, remarked, “We are beyond grateful to be recognized by Genius Within CIC for the work we are doing to make neurodiversity more visible and understood in our communities. This award affirms our mission to break down cultural and institutional barriers that often prevent children from receiving the support they need. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Leeds Community Foundation, the Sir George Martin Trust, and all our partners, volunteers, and families who believe in our vision and have supported this journey.”
ANCP Team Lead’s Statement
Dr. Vivian Okoye, who leads the team at Afrikindness, added, “This award belongs to every family, child, and parent who has walked this path with us. Our goal has always been to build a community where every neurodivergent child is seen, heard, and celebrated. Together, we are dismantling myths, creating awareness, and ensuring that no child is left behind. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.”
Award Received By Chair of Trustees
Acknowledgments
Afrikindness extends its deepest gratitude to the Leeds Community Foundation, the Sir George Martin Trust, and the Sylvie Nunn Memorial Award for believing in this initiative and providing the necessary funding to make it a reality. Without their support, the impact of the Neurodiversity Community Programme would not have been possible.
For more information about Afrikindness and the Neurodiversity Community Programme, visit our website at www.afrikindness.org or follow us on social media @afrikindness.
Contact Information
Afrikindness Email: info@afrikindness.org
Website: www.afrikindness.org
Twitter: @afrikindness
Linkledln/Facebook: @afrikindness
Celebrating a Commitment to Inclusion
The Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards by Genius Within CIC honour those excelling in promoting accessibility and inclusion for the neurodivergent community. Afrikindness was recognized for its dedication to raising awareness, providing training, and supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially in underrepresented communities. As a champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Afrikindness ensures that all children, regardless of race or background, can thrive. This award reflects the hard work of the Afrikindness team, partners, funders, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the ANCP.
Congratulations to all the incredible winners making a difference in the neurodiversity space! 🎉 A special shoutout to:
🌟 Stereotype Buster of the Year – Geethanjali Ganapathy, Niall Guite, Daley Jones, Natasha Trotman, and Josh Hughes.
🌟 Young Achievers for 2024 – Malachi Tasker Ralph, Olivia Newman-Baronius, Kaydi Scottsville, Blaise Heywood-Tattersall, and Caitlin-Anne Dow
🌟 Inclusion Project Category – TIC Yorkshire, Zero Suicide Alliance, Women Beyond The Box, Lancashire Mind, and Afrikindness
🌟 Inclusive Education award – Newlands Primary, Jamie’s Farm, Lancashire Mind Training Team, Smalley Pre-School, and Chris West’s Redwood Unit
🌟 Most Inclusive Employer – Scottish Water, Response, Laura Nielsen at Thales, Texthelp, and Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy
We celebrate all of you for your outstanding contributions to promoting neuroinclusion! 🎉
About Genius Within
Genius Within is a social enterprise dedicated to the empowerment and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals. Through a range of services including coaching, training, assessments, and the innovation of a digital platform, the Genius Finder, they support individuals, businesses, and communities. Genius Within understands what works, because 63% of their team identify as neurodivergent, disabled (or both), and that lived experience is underpinned by thousands of data points gleaned from research, and experience with clients.
