SOCIAL CHALLENGES

Approximately 32 to 85 million people in China live with disabilities estimates vary considerably. In recent years, certain improvements have been made, especially since the 2008 Beijing Paralympics – such as newly-built subway stations with wheelchair accessibility. Yet much remains to be done in infrastructure, such as creating schools capable of educating special needs children either separately or together in classrooms with children without disabilities. Private organizations can do a lot to bring about such change, but they often do not have sufficient funding due to a lack of awareness in society. This trend had increased since 2020, as many organizations had to shut down due to dwindling funding.

PROJECT APPROACH

This is why in 2017, Bosch Suzhou partnered with Sunflower, an organization dedicated to helping children with autism. Bosch supports Sunflower by providing financial assistance, organizational skills, and training opportunities for the organization’s teachers. Since there is a lack of expertise in China on how to assist children with autism, Bosch recruited additional partners to train and certify teachers at Sunflower. The company also helped improve Sunflower’s premises. In addition, it supports Sunflower’s social inclusion programs, cooperating with local schools to set up inclusive classrooms. To maximize the project’s reach, Bosch has also partnered with the Suzhou Industrial Park Alliance to encourage more companies to become active in the program. In the past four years, Bosch Suzhou has successfully held 235 events, involving more than 1,000 volunteers and 839 direct beneficiaries.

VALUE ADDED

With Bosch’s support, Sun- flower has become a key provider of help to well over 300 families, which it offers free of charge. In addition, its nine teachers assist 30 children with autism. The school’s efforts to facilitate inclusion – such as simulation classes and cooperation with nearby public schools have often been successful: So far, twelve children started attending regular kindergartens, while another seven have begun attending regular classes in a public primary school.

LESSONS LEARNED

It has become clear that financial support, while crucial, is only the first step, since establishing a professional institute that can support the entire life cycle of children with autism and their families requires comprehensive support and long-term commitment.

IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE

Bosch Suzhou intends to expand its partnership with Sunflower and partner up with local schools that cater to children with disabilities.

Source: More Than A Market Booklet 2021