On the eve of March 21 – World Day of People with Down Syndrome, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova received representatives of the Association for Rehabilitation and Inclusion of People with Down Syndrome “Day Center – Dose of Happiness” – Skopje.
She welcomed the holistic approach in the work of the association aimed at continuously improving the lives of children, youth and adults with Down syndrome.
In supporting parents and foster families, it is important for her that institutions enable people with Down syndrome to adequately develop life skills and abilities and actively participate in all segments of social life, as equal citizens.
Siljanovska-Davkova pointed out the need to raise public awareness, as well as to open more day centers. “There is no better dose of happiness than understanding, acceptance and love for these people”, she said.
The President of the Association, Suzana Stojanovska, informed that their center is open not only to children with Down syndrome, but also to children with other disabilities such as impaired speech, hearing and vision.
For her, the still present discrimination against them is a major social problem and challenge. The lack of professional staff, such as psychologists, the small number of volunteers, the insufficient care for the space in which the center is located and the extremely limited employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome, are serious problems that require a response and action from the competent institutions, she believes.
The children’s musical performance in sign language, with the help of Sonja Kimova, their sign language lecturer, gave the event a special scent. That talent knows no barriers, became clear after the musical number on the accordion, performed by Denis Dimitrov, accompanied by young guests from the Day Center “Dose of Happiness” – Skopje.
As a sign of gratitude, the President received a handmade gift from them.
