ASAM’s Adana Al Farah Child and Family Support Center prepared a 2-day programme for children. 30 children with Down syndrome attended the activity held on the first day; dance workshops, balloon games, and creative art workshops were organized for them.
ASAM Adana Al Farah Center Manager Zübeyde Ekmekçi, who expressed that they received positive feedback from families after the activity, explained that children had a pleasant time in the courses offered at al Farah Child and Family Support Center established in Adana to create a safe environment for asylum seeker children and families, and improve children’s mental and emotional developments. Concerning the activity held on this special day, Ekmekçi stated, “Down syndrome is a genetic difference regardless of race, nationality, and socio-economic status. As an Association that embraces differences, we tried to spread this awareness to everyone”.
On the other hand, the families of children with Down syndrome attended the seminars organized by the psychologist, health educator, and disability experts working at ASAM Adana Al Farah Child and Family Support Center. How communication should be made with children with Down syndrome, the health problems that children with Down syndrome could experience, and the exercises that are particularly necessary for their musculoskeletal structures were discussed during the seminars. Then, children printed on white t-shirts with their families in the print workshop, the joy in their eyes were worth seeing.
On the second day, children first visited Adana Engelliler (Persons with Disabilities) Park with their families. They then watched the dance performance of 21 children with Down syndrome and their mothers, organized by Adana Metropolitan Municipality and Adana City Council Committee of Persons with Disabilities.
“Al Farah” was named by Syrian children.
Explaining that Syrian children gave the name “Al Farah”, which means “my happiness”, Center Manager Ekmekçi said, “We can see that this has actually been a suitable choice, because Al Farah Child and Family Support Center became a center where Turkish and refugee children are happy. It became a center where children feel safe, enjoy their time, participate in activities that they could learn from, and could spend a pleasant time with their friends”.
