Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

The IRODA team has been working hard over recent years to train and equip young adults with skills for entering the workforce. IRODA’s café, catering service and graphic design workshop have all provided opportunities for supported employment. Within these social enterprises that IRODA runs young people have been learning the skills needed for the workplace, with the support of IRODA’s dedicated staff. 

It is with great excitement that IRODA has started to see young people move on from supported employment into jobs within the community. IRODA has set up an internship program that provides young people with job coaches who support them in finding and commencing a job within the community. 

The IRODA team is celebrating the success of Khushbaht, a young man who previously worked in IRODA’s supported employment program for 5 years. He spent one year in the internship program and with the support of mentors and coaches started working at the Lahza Pizza Café in June 2023. Similarly, IRODA is delighted that after 2 years within their supported employment program, Umed started an internship and after 6 months was able to gain employment at the Auchan Shopping Mall. 

In the past in Tajikistan, there have been many barriers to gaining employment for young adults with autism. Khushbaht and Umed’s stories of successful employment show the progress being made towards a more inclusive society and the rights of all people being recognised. IRODA is grateful for your support that makes their work possible and brings change to the lives of people like Khushbaht and Umed.