Vocational School of Justice
TUNES BY MIRACLE KIDS
Miracles combined with music. 20 young members of Society for the Protection and Guidance of Autistic Children (ODER) gave a concert as part of the World Autism Awareness Day activities organized by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Psychology Club Social Responsibility Unit. “Izmir Autism Orchestra and Chorus” performed Ataturk’s favorite songs, poplar folk songs and pop music and mesmerized the audience. As the audience got all sentimental with “Bana Bir Masal Anlat Baba” song, they sang along the song “Vardar Ovası”. Ergin Güngör, Chairman of ODER, presented a certificate of appreciation to IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Esen.
Begüm Açık, one of the members of IUE Psychology Club Social Responsibility Unit, stated that they aimed to allow autistic kids to exhibit their skills. She said, “Society for the Protection and Guidance of Autistic Children shelters very brilliant and gifted children and young adults. We held this concert to help them socialize and support them to demonstrate themselves as individuals. It was incredible to watch Izmir Autism Orchestra and Chorus perform for us.”
‘Most Concrete Outcome of Teamwork’
Chairman Ergin Güngör stated that the society was established by the parents of children with autism 15 years ago. Güngör stated the following:
“We’ve always led exemplary projects up until now. We’ve accomplished the firsts. We are trying to ensure whole participation of autistic individuals in economic, social, and cultural life. Our orchestra and chorus is one of the most concrete outcomes of team work which reflects impossibility for autistic individuals. We are trying to unite with music. The one of a kind orchestra which was brought together by Chef Orçun Berrakçay, Music Teacher, has approximately 40 members who are all autistic individuals. The orchestra, which has 5 trainers, continues with their concerts.”