“Inclusion Means Quality of Life” Al-Wafa School for Capacity Development marks World Down Syndrome Day
Al-Wafa School for Capacity Development of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) celebrated the World Down Syndrome Day, which the world marks on March 21 of each year, under the theme “Inclusion Means Quality of Life”. Students from the International Knowledge School, Her Excellency Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, SCHS Director, a number of department managers and parents were present. This interactive step has brought joy and happiness to the hearts of the SCHS's students with disabilities and the people working with them. It heralded the start of recovery from the pandemic and the return of normal life.
Dr. Samia Mohamed Saleh, Director of Al-Wafa School for Capacity Development, has confirmed that one of the most important goals of celebrating this day is to educate the community about Down syndrome, integrate students with their peers and enhance confidence in themselves and their abilities. In addition to offering psychological and social support for families of people with Down syndrome and raising awareness of educational and rehabilitation programs.
She explained that Al-Wafa School for Capacity Development has been providing opportunities for people with Down syndrome to make their options, establish, and develop partnerships in accordance with best practices with local, Arab and international institutions. The school does this in order to achieve the principle of equality of rights guaranteed by the law.
She said, “This year’s theme bears the meaning of the rights owed to people with Down syndrome". She emphasized the leadership of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services since its establishment in demanding the rights of people with disabilities in general, including people with Down syndrome. One of the most important of these rights is the right to full inclusion in every area of life, whether in the labor market or in service, recreational and educational institutions, and all available facilities. SCHS works to ensure that they obtain their social and human rights including their right to recreation.
Saleh called on the community to be keen on improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome by working hard and raising people's awareness so that they can integrate them into society without obstacles.
The event included a series of workshops, games and various competitions. This week, Al-Wafa School is organizing a health day and a special day for mothers of people with Down syndrome. In addition to a sports day under the title "Challenge Day".