Power4Good supports autism services in Offaly

Offaly-based charity Power4Good recently presented cheques for €1,000 each to support autism services being provided at Scoil Naomh Colmcille in Durrow and in Killeigh National School.

Speaking at the presentation in Durrow, Power4Good President Molly Buckley said the charity was very pleased to support a range of autism services in Offaly, and she praised the work of the staff of Scoil Naomh Colmcille and Principal James Hogan in supporting pupils with autism.

At the cheque presentation in Killeigh NS, Ms Buckley said the charity was very pleased to support ‘Siolta’, the ASD unit in the school.

"I commend the work of the staff in ensuring that all pupils are getting an inclusive and holistic education," she added.

Killeigh NS Principal Sandra Sheerin thanked Power4Good for the funding and said that the pupils have been really enjoying a new addition to the playground this year. She said a climbing wall was installed by Small Wall Products during the summer holidays with the aid of Power4Good funding and has proved to be "very popular".

The horizontal climbing wall is installed at a safe height, close to ground which ensures climbing moves can be performed and practiced in a variety of ways and in a safe manner.

"It is an excellent resource for all pupils as it allows them to practice fundamental movements such as agility, balance, co-ordination and gross motor skill" said Ms Sheerin, "and it is also of great benefit to pupils with additional needs and pupils in the autism class, Síolta. There is always someone using it during break time which proves just how popular it is with all pupils."

Power4Good Ireland Ltd. is an Irish NGO based in Tullamore that was set up in 2005. It is registered in Ireland as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The vision that inspires Power4good is a world where people with disabilities can enjoy full human rights and achieves their maximum potential, and their main focus is on projects that support children and adults with disability through education, training for employment, and community inclusion.

The projects supported by Power4Good are small in scale but are a very important part of their local community. The charity funds a number of local projects, including services for young people with autism in Ballinamere, Clara, Rahan, Durrow. Killeigh and St. Philomena’s national schools.

They also support projects in Zambia that work with children with a disability, including the Flamboyant School, Mazabuka, Zambia, by funding the cost of transport for children to attend the special school.

Power4Good operates three charity shops, in Tullamore on Main Street and Kilbride Plaza, and in Clara on River Street, with two staff and 20 volunteers who are committed to the work of the charity.