Conclusion of The Handicraft Exhibition For Young Men and Women With Down Syndrome, Under The Slogan "My Abilities Are More Important Than My Disability"

Yesterday, the handicraft exhibition for young men and women with Down Syndrome, organized by the Child Care Society, concluded after two days on June 5th and 6th, 2023. The event was hosted by Al-Wataniya Private University, represented by Prof.Dr. Ahed Khuzam and his deputy for scientific affairs, Dr. Hazem Melli, as well as Mr. Samir Al-Barazi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Wataniya  Company for Science and Development, and a large number of students.

 The exhibition was a social initiative by the Child Care Society  that succeeded in shedding light on an important segment of society – young men and women with Down Syndrome – whom the association’s staff worked to build their personalities, develop their abilities, and enhance their skills to become active members of society capable of effectively engaging in it and integrating with its members.

In this regard, Ms. Salwa Zahrawi – supervisor of vocational training at the association – stated that teaching children with Down Syndrome was done in two stages: an academic stage that includes the scientific and theoretical basics of vocational activities; and a practical stage that enables them to acquire the profession or craft optimally and correctly. She added that the main goal of the vocational training series is to empower young men and women to rely on themselves and reap the fruits of their labor independently.

As for the desires and career choices of young men and women with Down Syndrome, Ms. Rasha Saba’i, supervisor of the vocational training department for youth, pointed out the existence of various departments (sewing, hairdressing, embroidery, cooking, wood burning, etc.), and each individual chooses their own preference before beginning continuous training to acquire the necessary practical tools and skills to become a professional in their chosen field. Ms. Saba’i emphasized that working with individuals with Down Syndrome requires a lot of time, effort, and patience, and that real results cannot be achieved without teamwork and cooperation.

Young men and women with Down Syndrome shone at the Central Library by presenting dance performances in front of a large crowd of Al-Wataniya students and integrating with them through the process of buying and selling some of their works (wooden paintings, various clothing items, embroidery and weaving, different types of food and sweets, candle making, jewelry making, and decorative trees). Ms. Noha Al-Turkmani, supervisor of the vocational training department for young women spoke about the benefit of these exhibitions for individuals with Down Syndrome stating that the motivation and encouragement they receive for their work leaves a great impact on them that constantly drives them to do more and master their work with passion and desire.

Al-Wataniya  Private  University, represented by its President,Prof.Dr. Ahed Khuzam, and Mr. Samir Al-Barazi,  Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Wataniya  Company for Science and Development, honored all participants from the Child Care Society  by presenting them with commemorative gifts as encouragement and motivation to continue their chain of successes and climb towards excellence.

 It is worth mentioning that the Child Care Society  has witnessed exceptional individual and collective success stories:

 The first success story is about Hala, a young girl whose mother, Mrs. Sahar Al-Akhras, decided to teach her how to swim at an early age out of fear for her safety in dangerous places. However, Hala found in her daughter a motivation to try and a desire to learn the skill of swimming. Later on, Hala participated in the Special Olympics and represented Syria in Abu Dhabi where she won second place among participants from Middle Eastern countries. She also learned ballet dancing and participated in dance performances at the Opera House in Damascus and many other theaters. As for her special talent in drawing, Hala held an exhibition of her works in 2007, which included 45 artistic paintings that achieved a unique success.

The second success story is about Taha who distinguished himself among his peers by carving on wood and his great ability to create extremely beautiful wooden paintings, which have reached more than 20 paintings until today. After years of continuous training on gymnastics game, Taha was able to participate in gymnastics championships at the level of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates where he won first place in Syria’s gymnastics game.

 This exhibition comes within the framework of linking the university with the local community, which today has made a qualitative leap in awareness level through its charitable associations and educational institutions efforts pushing its children and students towards seeking knowledge, and the constant pursuit of a better future.