Extra Chromosome Does not Make Them Different

12 Apr 2019

The always cheerful and loving; holds no hatred, pure and innocent. That is the best way to describe the down syndrome (trisomy 21) children.

Down syndrome children come and leave the world in peace. They are human angles!

On 12/4/2019, Sela, represented by Mrs. Amal Hasan- Director of Sela, Ms. Sultana Jumaa- Project manager and Ms. Duaa Abdul-Hadi- Media Manager, participated in an event called "Extra Chromosome Doesn't Make Them Different." The "Step" youth initiative organized the event as part of Future Leaders Training targeting down syndrome children; under the patronage of Abou Merhi Charity Institution and funded by Emmaus and Forum SYD, supervised by the Human Call Association- HCA, trained by International Academy for Building Capacity- IABC. Two hundred fifty individuals from different organizations, associations, figures and scouts had attended the event.

First, the Lebanese national anthem was played. Then, Ms. Sultana Jumaa delivered a speech on behalf of the Step youth initiative. She introduced her team, which consists of 9 members, who explained that this event is their graduation project and the Future Leader Training's fruit. The training enriched her team with theoretical and practical expertise and pushed them towards success and creativity.

This initiative aims to improve the psychological state and social status of children with Down Syndrome and their families and achieve social inclusion to make them feel engaged and equal in their societies. 

Mrs. Hanan Al-Khatib, the Project Coordinator of HCA, delivered a speech on behalf of HCA and Future Leaders Training explaining the objectives behind establishing both. The Future Leaders Training Project was implemented in all Lebanese districts. Mrs. Hanan Further elaboration on that matter indicated that the training aimed to train and educate youth to develop their skills and prepare them to lead the society. Finally, she emphasized how important such projects are for the youth to guide them towards success and creativity.

The event included a fashion show of Khoyout Factory's clothing line by kids from the Al-Bait Al-Said Association and Al-Moasat Association.

Duha (down syndrome child) from Al-Bait Al-Said Association delivered a speech in which she translated the true meanings of humanity, equality and accepting diversity.

A choral group from Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation presented a musical segment about equality entitled "we came to life as many, and we are both big and small, but to live in harmony, we should stick together."

In the end, children from Al-Bait Al-Said Association presented their paintings, distributed gifts to the attendees and released balloons into the sky.