A public benefit gala was held in Shenzhen’s Futian District on April 3, drawing attention to the challenges faced by people with autism and calling for public support for the community.

World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, is designated by the United Nations to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum. 

(From L) Liu Jinyan, He Linda and Mou Guanlin, the gala's first three initiators.

Aligned with this mission, the gala, sponsored by the Youth Leadership Fund under Shenzhen’s Project Care Foundation, served as a call to action for a more inclusive world where autistic people are respected, accommodated, and valued for who they are.

The event was initiated by Liu Jinyan of Shenzhen Middle School, together with He Lingda and Mou Guanlin of Shenzhen Foreign Language School (SFLS). It quickly garnered support from middle school students across a dozen schools in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The young volunteers planned, organized, and hosted the gala themselves.

Chen Meishou, secretary of the Project Care Foundation, delivers a speech. Photos courtesy of the organizers

Chen Meishou, secretary of the Project Care Foundation, gave an opening speech calling for awareness and care for those with autism.

The Star Rainbow Ensemble, composed of autistic youth with musical talent, performed "Banks of the Ohio" and an adapted piece combining "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with "Cuckoo."

The Star Rainbow Ensemble during their performance.

The program also featured the chamber orchestra of SFLS International Division and their school band, who performed beloved pieces including "Over the Rainbow," the theme from the animated film "Castle in the Sky," and the popular song "Brightest Star in the Night Sky," originally by Chinese band Escape Plan.

The gala concludes with a heartwarming performance of "A Little Red Flower."

The gala concluded with a heartwarming performance of the song "A Little Red Flower," an expression of encouragement and recognition for those who are brave and endure serious illnesses.

The student organizers also shared their volunteering experiences, which helped them better understand autism and witness the resilience and innocence of autistic children and their loving families.

The Star Rainbow Ensemble receives 30,000 yuan as a support for their musical dreams.

Within just half a month, the organizers raised over 300,000 yuan (US$42,000), which will be allocated to families in need who have autistic children. A specific sum of 30,000 yuan is awarded to the Star Rainbow Ensemble to support their musical dreams.

Students who jointly launch the project receive certificates that recognize their efforts in charity.

Donors included CMC Shishuo International Education, Shenzhen Gengdu Education, and Shenzhen Elite International Education.