Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome

by Karachi Down Syndrome Program
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Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome
Support & empower 1900+ persons with Down syndrome

Project Report | Apr 26, 2022
A quarter of love, celebrations and joy!

By Kanooz Siddiqui | Assistant Manager - Resource Mobilization

The theme of this quarter was Spread Love !
The theme of this quarter was Spread Love !

Dear Supporters,

This quarter at the Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), we tried to build a more loving world, with celebrations, creating relationships and awareness featuring the World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March. KDSP celebrated the day with great enthusiasm by holding the Annual KDSP Carnival in March, an inclusive event with entertainment and activities for the community. The theme of this quarter was, “Pyaar Baanto” which means to spread love and all our activities were designed around this theme. Your support is a commitment to our shared goals and collective values of an inclusive society.

Below mentioned are some of the highlights from this quarter:

Early Childhood Intervention (physical, occupational and speech therapies):

  • 360+ therapy sessions were scheduled weekly.
  • 22 children enrolled in therapies this quarter.
  • KDSP hired two new physical therapists, three new speech therapists as well as six speech therapy interns to meet the demand for therapies, ensuring that young children with Down syndrome receive interventions timely.
  • KDSP presented its paper, ‘The Virtual Shift: Early Childhood Intervention Therapies for Pakistani Children with Down Syndrome During COVID-19,’ at two conferences:   
  • ICON 22, a conference hosted by The Indus Hospital (TIH).
  • International Annual Conference at Centre for Business and Economics Research (CBER), hosted by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).
  • Dr. Nadia Ashiq, Head of Physical Therapy at KDSP delivered a session at Indus University (IU) on, “Child Growth & Development Patterns.” Engaging the audience with the latest research in the field, Dr. Nadia guided attendees on principles of typical and neurodivergent developmental trajectories.
  • Ms. Samar Naqvi, CEO at KDSP and Dr. Nadia Ashiq, Head of Physical Therapy at KDSP were invited by Iqra University for a seminar on World Down Syndrome Day, as more organizations shift to adopting inclusive practices.


Healthcare:

  • 48 children benefitted from KDSP referrals to the Down Syndrome Clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), where they received appropriate medical intervention from renowned specialists.
  • 9 medical tests were facilitated at AKUH through KDSP’s referrals.
  • 2 life-enhancing medical procedures were sponsored by KDSP.
  • 29 children benefitted from the Developmental Pediatrics Consulting Clinic at KDSP led by Dr. Sidra Kaleem, a renowned developmental pediatrician.
  • In February, the healthcare department at KDSP signed an MoU with Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre, to provide medical testing services at subsidized costs for individuals with Down syndrome all across Pakistan.
  • KDSP organized an Eye Testing Clinic in March, to help screen for common ophthalmological problems faced by individuals with Down syndrome.Testing was also done for refractive errors, and attendees were prescribed their glasses accordingly.
  • Through a collaboration with US-based eyewear company, Specs4Us, KDSP also distributed free of cost eye-glasses to the attendees requiring prescription glasses. These glasses have been specially designed for individuals with Down syndrome.

Education:

  • A fun-filled day was organized on Christmas, a tree was placed in the classroom with little presents under the tree, to promote the concept of inclusion and acceptance in every form.
  • In December, a Fun Gala was organized on the last day of term for students on the fifth floor activity room. The event included bowling for kids, hair makeover, nail painting, face painting, art and craft station and snacks. It was a fun-filled event for both the parent and child!
  • In March, on World Down Syndrome Day, the team arranged a field trip for students and their parents to a renowned Cafe. Children got to explore and have fun in their play area with the help of the team and the employees there. The whole place was decorated with KDSP themed colours and nursery rhymes by a famous Pakistani musician, Bilal Maqsood.
  • In January, KDSP established a partnership for inclusive education with Dawood Public School.
  • In February, Meet and Greet for Tailored Assistance Program (TAP) Batch of 2022 was organized. Pre-test assessments on the performance of all new TAP students in the batch of 2022 were conducted during a two hour session which included various activities to help the children bond with their facilitators and adjust to the classroom.
  • In January, winter activity, “Hot Milk and Mittens”, was conducted for TAP students. They learned that because winter is the season of snow, frost and cold winds, we should wear coats, jackets, gloves and caps and drink hot tea, coffee, and soup to stay warm. 
  • In January, ‘First Aid Kit Making’ activity was held. Students made first aid kits to help them understand that injuries happen, and that the adults around them can help them heal. Students learned about the importance of preventing injuries before they occur and how to handle emergencies with basic supplies to help their loved ones when they are hurt.
  • Students participated in the 23rd March Pakistan day activities, which were full of celebration and where they learned patriotic songs and about the historical monument, Minar-e-Pakistan.
  • In January, a meet and greet session for the first and second batches of Remote Education and Learning for Youth (RELY) parents was held over Zoom with the objective to hear out the parents’ responses to RELY and to sort out any queries they may have.
  • In February, an orientation session and the first parent training session for the new batch was held in order to give parents a brief introduction of the program along with basic home schooling tips.
  • In March, students of TAP and RELY went on a field trip to the Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) Playroom, where they engaged in numerous hands-on activities.

Awareness:

  • A total of 1050+ individuals were educated regarding Down syndrome in this quarter. KDSP conducted awareness sessions at educational institutes, corporations and organizations. In these sessions, the audience was sensitized on what Down syndrome is, the preferred language that should be used and the importance of including such individuals within society.
  • Guided tours within KDSP were also conducted for people to experience firsthand interactions with these beautiful souls with Down syndrome while being part of different activities.
  • In March, KDSP and NOWPDP collaborated to create a roadmap to address and dispel the myths and stigmas related to individuals with disabilities thought a Media Sensitization Workshop. This event was hosted at KDSP with a gathering of about 15+ individuals from different news channels coming together for this workshop.
  • KDSP Carnival, the biggest occasion of KDSP took place after a year on the 20th of March in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. The purpose annually is to create a safe and inclusive space for not only individuals with Down syndrome but also for individuals with other forms of disabilities. The KDSP Carnival is a snapshot of what we hope for society to become one day. 
  • For this World Down Syndrome Day, KDSP created a video showing a different perspective- the importance of mainstream inclusive education and its benefits for typical children as well as children with Down syndrome.
  • KDSP participated in Karachi Eat 2022 held on 14th - 16th January 2022. People showed great love towards the enrichment products and children and adults alike contributed generously to the cause of KDSP. Enrichment and Skills Development:
  • KDSP launched a new program called, the Playhouse Club. It is for children in the age group of 4 to 12, with fun activities which can help them grow their creative minds and allow them to let their creativity/thoughts out in any way possible.
  • Students with Down syndrome enrolled in KDSP’s Life Skill program graduated and completed one year long coursework (Feb 2021 to March 2022). Throughout the year, students learned and practiced daily living skills such as self-care, communication, social, money and time management skills to become a functional member of the community. The students were provided with certification for successful completion of the module.
  • The Body Shop and KDSP collaborated to arrange a week full of fun and learning for individuals with Down syndrome in December 2021. The week consisted of clay art sessions, storytelling, block printing, a trip to the beach and The Body Shop store in Dolmen Mall. It was an experiential learning for our students who learned the main functions of running a successful beauty & skincare store. They also got the chance to try some new catchy lip colours, and some delightful fragrances at the store. The activities also offered an opportunity for The Body Shop team to bond with the participants.
  • KDSP arranged a fun-filled day for our individuals with Down syndrome enrolled in the Tailored Assistance Program and Life Skills Program, where they visited the ‘TDF MagnifiScience Centre’ on Wednesday, 12th January 2022. The students enjoyed exploring and learning about various scientific concepts and technology.
  • After two years, KDSP was able to revive its beach retreat event on 12th December 2021. It was a bright sunny day and we along with our family network made sure to make a beautiful picnic of it. There were fun activities, food, music and waves. There is nothing better than some sea breeze and our children enjoying it along the way.
  • Team of our KDSP athletes went to a sports day on 16th December 2021 for 25 meter race. It was a new, fun experience for our children! They made new friends and won different positions and medals.
  • In January, KDSP conducted a jewelry making class on where students got exposure to basic knotting techniques to make handcrafted jewelry.
  • KDSP started a new batch for its ‘Fit 5’ program with Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP). While the previous batch was shifted to Fit and Fun program at KDSP, which is an advanced level of exercises and activities.
  • Dreamworld Family Resort is providing free of cost one year program to KDSP’s family network, providing individuals with Down syndrome with recreational facilities.
  • KDSP and Karachi Vocational Training Center (KVTC) signed a MoU on 14th Jan 2022 for the larger goal of initiating and running collaborative programs that will benefit individuals with Down syndrome through the exchange of professional expertise and information.
  • Crafters with Down syndrome had their products displayed for sale at the Karachi Eat Festival (14th - 16th January 2022) and KDSP Carnival (20th March 2022).

Family Support:

  • A total of 1439 families have now become part of the KDSP Family Network.
  • Since January, 89 new families have been enrolled into our Network via the Family First Contact meetings
  • 62 parents benefitted from monthly informational family support group sessions on diverse topics related to speech and physical therapy.
  • 10 new parents completed the parent peer counseling program taking the total number to 30 trained parent peer counselors. 
  • 10 new families have been connected with peer support mentors through parent peer counseling program enabling KDSP to offer informational and emotional support. 
  • 80 households have been supported bimonthly through disbursement of grocery bags within the quarter and 45 families have been supported through monthly Easy Paisa cash transfers.
  • In January, a workshop was organized on “Behavior Management for Caregivers of Individuals with Down Syndrome” which benefitted 15 parents. The workshop led by experts was divided into two sessions, understanding parents’ perspective and understanding, managing and teaching behaviors.
  • In March, KDSP organized a training for parents and caregivers on puberty and psycho-sexual awareness “Supporting Your Child with Down Syndrome Through Puberty”. The training benefitted a total of 21 parents and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome
  • In April, KDSP launched an emotional support group for parents and caregivers of children enrolled in The Early Pre-school Experience Program (EPEP) to provide a safe space for them to share their worries, challenges and emotions.

Some stories from the field:

“We eagerly wait for the KDSP Carnival just as kids wait for Eid (a religious festival). We are always excited for this day. This particular day we feel a different kind of happiness as we know that it is a place where my child is celebrated.” -Ambreen, mother of Ziyam.

“The family support sessions are very impressive and motivational. They surely are very helpful and informative for guardians of individuals with Down syndrome. I appreciate KDSP’s efforts in arranging these sessions and I look forward to attending more in the future.” Shahnaz, mother of Mahad.

“Fahad is 9 years old. He is very fond of sports and outdoor activities. Fahad and his parents’ efforts have been a source of motivation for both the facilitators and other students. His ability to learn quickly and put his heart and soul into all his tasks is the reason behind his progress in all aspects of literacy, numeracy and life skills.”- Sana, Tailored Assistance Program facilitator at KDSP.

“We were looking for homeschooling for Rameen and were unsuccessful. In the pandemic we were really afraid of sending her to a regular school. Remote Education and Learning for Youth (RELY) at KDSP is the best school for her. The way facilitators conduct the program, understand her and other students’ needs, it has helped all of us. The curriculum selected is also great. We really appreciate all the efforts that you and the entire team have put in!” – Mother of Rameen.

“Finding KDSP was like a ray of hope in the dark. My daughter was a weak child when she was born and her heart condition put her under a lot of stress. Despite residing in Shikarpur, I travelled to Karachi after registering at KDSP to get Umaima the best help possible. KDSP not only provided financial assistance for her angiography but now also support us regularly with her medicines which she must take until she is stable and healthy enough to undergo heart surgery. The team at KDSP has always been there to listen to our concerns and provide for my daughter. I do not have the words to thank them for their support.”- Mazhar, father of Umaima.

“Therapies have made a huge impact on my son’s life. Although it has been only 10 months since Omer is taking therapies at KDSP, there have been so many improvements. Before we were worried with his behaviors, he was usually distracted in his activities despite our efforts. His therapists at KDSP however are a god-send, he is much calmer now and even helps around the house. He helps set the dinner table and plays with his brother. Through speech therapy, Omer has also started stringing words and can form single sentences at a time. I am extremely grateful to KDSP and so proud of all that my son has achieved.”-Nazish, father of Omer.

Thank you for your love and donations, it creates a pathway for success for individuals with Down syndrome and helps us build an inclusive society.

Love,

Team KDSP

KDSP x The Body Shop Collaboration
KDSP x The Body Shop Collaboration
KDSP students at TDF MagnifiScience Centre
KDSP students at TDF MagnifiScience Centre
Awareness Session at Dawood Public School
Awareness Session at Dawood Public School
Awareness session at the Indus Hospital
Awareness session at the Indus Hospital
KDSP kids enjoying at Dreamworld Family Resort
KDSP kids enjoying at Dreamworld Family Resort
A young girl enjoying at the Fun Gala!
A young girl enjoying at the Fun Gala!
Kid engaging with learning tools at a cafe
Kid engaging with learning tools at a cafe
A family enjoying at the KDSP Carnival
A family enjoying at the KDSP Carnival
KDSP x Specs4US collaboration
KDSP x Specs4US collaboration

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Organization Information

Karachi Down Syndrome Program

Location: Karachi - Pakistan
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @KhiDownSyndrome
Project Leader:
Zaynab Abedin Jawad
Karachi , Sindh Pakistan
$29,455 raised of $50,000 goal
 
406 donations
$20,545 to go
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