The month of October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and presents a unique opportunity to shine a light on the abilities and dreams of people with Down Syndrome.
This year, Down Syndrome associations worldwide are calling on people to join in celebrating individuality.
Isolation has become the new normal because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has been the normal for people with Down Syndrome for decades.
Club 21 is a non-profit learning centre which specialises in the education and development of people with Down Syndrome in South Africa. The Club 21 Learning Centre caters exclusively for the education and development of people with Down Syndrome, from a very young age to adulthood. It has a branch in the Helderberg.
“We believe that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. Connecting friends, families and communities with acts of kindness through love, kindness, generosity and gentleness can create a positive feedback loop in these hard and trying times,” said Club 21’s principal Amanda Fourie.
“Club 21 has made enormous strides in changing perceptions and creating positive awareness of people with Down Syndrome. At Club 21 we are committed to creating equal opportunities for people with Down Syndrome in all areas of life.
“Knowledge and insight about the beauty of people with Down Syndrome, will lessen feelings of fear, break down barriers and reduce stigmatisation and isolation.”
Last Thursday (20 October) a stall was set up at the Goedehoop Shopping Centre in Strand, where an awareness programme was hosted, visitors to the centre engaged and pamphlets, coffee and water handed out.
They were supported on the day by Down with dough (brownies), which specifically also equips people with Down Syndrome, and Wiara coffee assisted with the coffee stall and coffee beans for the fundraising project.
“We want to extend an invitation for people to join us. We are eager to welcome you in our classrooms and on the sport field. The need in South Africa is great. Our work will be impossible without the support of the community. Let’s celebrate this amazing group of people together,” said Simone van Jaarsveld of Club 21 Helderberg.
V For more information, contact Club 21 Helderberg on admin@club21school.co.za or visit www.club21school.org.
