Children’s Centre charity fashion show

A FUNDRAISING fashion show, where children of the Unit for Pre-School Special Education, part of the Theotokos Foundation, will be modelling children’s fashion today at the Navaria Hotel in Limassol.

The fundraising event is part of a general effort on the part of the Centre to raise money for its impending relocation. Currently housed at the old Limassol hospital, the Centre will soon have to vacate, as the old Hospital building will be used for the purposes of TEPAK, Limassol’s Technological University.

“We have been asked to leave, but no assurance whatsoever has been made that other premises will be found to house the Centre,” said Jill Neophytou, Manager, the Unit for Pre-School Special Education.

The organisation of the fashion show also serves one of the Centre’s broader objectives, which is the inclusion and socialisation of children with special needs. “It also has a social goal; many of the children’s parents would not normally like to see their children in public, yet they will be modelling clothes on the catwalk,” Neophytou said.

The Centre provides early intervention for babies and children up to the age of eight, who have been diagnosed early with developmental problems. The Centre provides therapy and education to the children, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy. Support and guidance is also provided to parents and family.

“We run a small nursery on site, the goal of which is to act as a bridge from the safe home environment into a normal nursery environment. Then, it is easier for children to adapt and be included in the state schools,” Neophytou explained.

The fundraising fashion show will take place today at the Navaria Hotel in Limassol at 5pm. Tickets cost €10. Sponsors include Alouette, Vasiliko Cement, Mitsingas Toyshop, Tip-Top and CXC.

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