Supporting People with Down Syndrome in Africa

Continuing with the workshop we had in India for our organisation members representing Down syndrome organisations in Botswana, Uganda, Nigeria and Mauritius, we have followed up with a post workshop questionnaire and consultation to ensure the knowledge gained is being disseminated among their members and self-advocates. This is a vital part of the project, as we want the information to be shared and used widely. Our ongoing consultation also ensures we build capacity within the organisations and we are assisting them to sustain themselves financially, become representative of people with Down syndrome and ensure better quality of life and inclusion in their countries.

The training we held with self-advocates during the workshop has enabled both the individuals to prosper and also the represented Down syndrome organisations to strengthen their self-advocacy programmes. With the support of our donors, we are able to provide expert advice and support on a long-term basis to these self-advocacy programmes.

DSi is also working closely with organisational representatives who are in the process of forming a Down syndrome association in Rwanda, where previously no such organisation has existed. In Rwanda, recent published datahas shown that Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder that causes  deaths and poor living conditions due to lack of appropriate management and specialised education. It is important for health-care professionals (physicians, nurses, therapists, physician assistants and other health-care professionals) to know about common associated health conditions in children with Down syndrome and to understand typical development in children with Down syndrome. Currently DSi is advising this organisation on its formation and seeking funding to start an office. DSi is commited to capacity building this new organisation.