MARCH 21 IS WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
It is celebrated annually to raise awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome.
The 2025 theme of World Down Syndrome Day is “Improve Our Support Systems.” The right support at the right time opens up opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to live their lives to the fullest.
This year, the focus is on strengthening communities and ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome are fully included in all aspects of society. Inclusive education plays a vital role in building a more accepting and diverse world. Studies show that with appropriate support and teaching strategies, children with Down syndrome thrive in mainstream schools.
Effective approaches include:
- ✦ Developing tailored education plans (Individual Educational Plans) that identify the needs of each student to receive the necessary support and succeed;
- ✦ Collaborative efforts to engage specialists providing pedagogical-psychological services, who can provide comprehensive support, addressing specific challenges and promoting overall development;
- ✦ Parental involvement and open communication with them: the parents’ insights into the child’s strengths and challenges can help develop effective teaching strategies and create a supportive learning environment.
Various major events take place worldwide, bringing together advocates and experts to discuss support systems, improve strategies, and promote equal rights and participation.
In Armenia, the meaning of the day is also reflected in different ways.
The event entitled “A Thousand and One Cranes” was held at the initiative of the “Arev-Models” NGO.
Director of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center Lilit Mnatsakanyan and Deputy Director Haykuhi Adamyan also attended the Event.
The sun children participating in the Event welcomed the guests and performed musical pieces, demonstrating various skills. Then, the guests decorated the trees with origami cranes made by the sun children and released yellow balloons into the blue sky.
The day was festive, filled with warmth, symbolic colours, and smiles.
Every action, big or small, contributes to a world where everyone, including individuals with Down syndrome are valued, included, and receive appropriate support.
21.03.2025
