October is marked Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Ms Pearl Nonhlanhla Malinga, South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) Nkangala District Unit Coordinator says it is a time to celebrate persons with Down Syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments.
Down Syndrome is one of the most commonly occurring genetic conditions caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as Trisomy 21. This extra chromosome alters the cause of development both physically and cognitively.
“This year Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) and its association, is calling on South Africans to Connect Through Kindness. Isolation has become the new normal because of the Covid-19 pandemic. DSSA believes that random acts of Covid-19 kindness may just be what you need to build up your families’ friends and communities’ spirit again. Through this year’s theme, we realised that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. So, we are, this October embracing kindness with concepts like empathy, gentleness, friendship, stewardship, love, and giving. Kindness can create a positive feedback loop in these hard and trying times.”
Mr Nelson Mandela declared October 20 as South Africa National Syndrome Day. In the spirit of celebrating the month, DSSA is calling upon individuals, companies, organisations, and other entities to give a little and help a lot.
Due to Covid-19, DSSA and its members across the country will be hosting limited awareness activities to celebrate National Down Syndrome Day. These awareness events play an important part in the positive shifts in attitude towards persons with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
How can you make a difference and support?
We ask that you please donate your time towards a good cause, donate a food hamper to a needy family, sponsor a gift voucher, donate your unused clothes to a children’s care centre.
You can also wear your jeans and purchase a ‘Just Down Right Perfect Awareness Sticker’ for R20 in recognition of this National Awareness Day. All funds raised from this initiative will go towards supporting families in our outreach support groups in disadvantaged areas.
For more information please contact Ancella Ramjas, National Director at Down Syndrome South Africa on dssa.ned@icon.co.za or call 012 001 2441 or 072 652 2377. “Alone we can do little, together we can achieve so much”.
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