Transforming Lives of Children with Down Syndrome

Three-year-old Doha arrived at White Hearts Center unable to sit with balance or crawl because of muscle weakness and developmental delays. Through a personalized rehabilitation and support plan, she gradually gained strength, balance, and confidence. Today, Doha can sit independently, crawl, stand with support, and complete some daily tasks on her own. Her determination reminds us that every small step forward can become a life-changing milestone.

Our journey began in 2020 with a simple belief: children with Down syndrome in northern Syria deserve specialized support, opportunities to learn, and a place where they are welcomed with dignity and care. White Hearts Center was founded through volunteer efforts at a time when dedicated services for these children were extremely limited. Over the years, the center has grown through local and international partnerships and has become a trusted source of educational, therapeutic, and psychosocial support for families in the community.

Every day, children arrive at the center through a safe transportation service that helps families access support consistently. They spend their day learning, playing, practicing communication skills, receiving physical therapy, and participating in activities that encourage positive behavior and social interaction. The center also provides light refreshments and supports children’s personal care needs, helping create a safe and welcoming environment where they can focus on learning and growth.

Parents are an essential part of this journey, and through guidance sessions and participation in center activities, families are encouraged to continue supporting learning, communication, and inclusion at home.

Today, 60 children regularly participate in our programs, and more than 100 children have benefited from our services over different periods. Doha is not the only child making progress; other children have also shown improvements in communication, social participation, confidence, and daily living skills through their continued engagement with the center’s programs.

In recent months, our team has continued delivering educational activities, speech and communication support, psychosocial sessions, and family guidance while also strengthening our organizational systems and planning for long-term sustainability.

Launching our project on GlobalGiving marks an important new step in this journey. It allows us to share the progress of our children and families with a wider community of supporters while working toward a more sustainable future for the center. We are grateful to everyone who follows our story and stands with us as we continue building opportunities, inclusion, and hope for children with Down syndrome in Syria.