In my previous post, I had written about the Autism Art Gallery that is run by the Kuching Autistic Association. This Gallery sells artworks produced by the students of the Association and in doing so helps to raise funds for the Association. At the same time, it is also an avenue for those with autism to express themselves through their artwork.
Autism is a spectrum disorder and no two autists are alike. They differ in their skills, personalities, and abilities. There are those who are geniuses while others suffer from mental retardation. The Autism Art Gallery is for those autists who are higher functioning and who are able to sit still for longer periods and are able to focus on their work.
For the lower functioning autists like my son Jonathan, the association has set up The Sunshine Hub. This is a very special marketplace, where the students with the assistance of the teachers grow vegetables and plants for sale.
These pots of plants are for sale to the public.
Once harvested, the vegetables will be sold to raise funds for the Association.
My son Jonathan had late onset of autism. When he was young and still able to talk, he told us that he wanted to be an astronaut when he grows up. Now that he is already grown-up and autistic, he still answers "Astronaut" when you asked the same question. I know that Jonathan will not be able to fulfill his ambition. But he has found something constructive to do which utilizes his talents and abilities. In fact, he is very proud of the work that he does. If you asked Jonathan "What do you do in school?" He would answer "Work Hard". If you continued asking "Doing what?" He would answer "Planting vegetables".
Nowadays, I always tell Jonathan "You are a farmer".
The plants are flowers are also used to beautify the compound of the Association.
These catci are reasonably priced at RM10 (USD 4) per pot.
A closer look at the flowers and plants available for sale.
One of the vegetables planted at The Sunshine Hub is "terung dayak" (brinjal). If you come to Borneo, you must try this dish.
Teacher Nolly helping Jonathan to tend to the plants.
Jonathan harvesting the fruits of his labor.
Jonathan watering the plants.
Note: All photographs of Jonathan are taken by Teacher Nolly.
The Sunshine Hub is aptly named as it provides sunshine to the lower functioning autists and their families. Jonathan enjoys the work that he is doing and is happy to go to the center every morning. In terms of revenue, it is bringing in a lot less than the Autism Art Gallery. It shows that the Association is committed to helping people with autism regardless of their abilities and capabilities. This project has also created much awareness about autism. It is testimony that all people are able to contribute to society if they are given both the opportunity and assistance.
This is my entry for #MarketFriday by 
Market Friday Community
This community is where you can post your experiences of shopping in markets around the world and at the same time sharing a bit of your culture. #MarketFriday is started by the loving
The Rules Of #MarketFriday! in the words of
“
1.Go to the market, or anywhere that you pay money for a service.
Take pictures! Be creative!
2.Tell us a little bit about the market or the event. What brought you there? What did you buy? How much did it cost?
3.Post the picture(s) Of course, you should tell a little bit about the ones you post
4.Use the MarketFriday Community Platform to post #hive-196308 (this is not required, but appreciated)
5.5. Drop the link into the MarketFriday comment section so I can find it
6 Following me and reblogging the post so more see it would be appreciated !! Not a rule, just appreciated, more vision for more views on your posts!
**7. You must put #MarketFriday by
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