Three teenagers with Down Syndrome have found a second home in a classroom inside a school that has boosted their confidence and tapped their hidden potential.
Al Khawarazmi Primary Boys School in Arad has created a unique environment where students with the syndrome are encouraged to learn, interact with others and improve their academia and social skills.
“A major focal point of our work is to empower the students and enable them to live on their own, without help from others,” said Najdat Al Zayani, a special needs teacher at the school.
“They should also feel proud of themselves, which is why their classroom has been called the Falcons. We do not want them to be alienated, they should feel powerful for who they are.”
The children are given physical and oral guidance while other activities include discussions, role-play and even drafting simulations of scenarios or places where they can explore and learn from, besides academics.
The classroom has had a significant impact on Ebrahim Saifeldein, 14, Mohammed Kamal, 13 and Ebrahim Hassan, 16, who have come a long way since they joined the institution more than five years ago.
Marwa Mohamed Saifeldein, a 25-year-old project co-ordinator, described the change she has been witnessing in her little brother over the last few years. “Saifeldein now interacts with people confidently,” she told the GDN.
“He practises personal hygiene and prays on his own.
“We feel happy when we see other students interacting with him, despite their differences. Once a boy ran towards him at a mall and greeted him warmly. There is an awareness and acceptance at the school for the Down Syndrome group.”
However, she added that society had a long way to go in accepting such children.
Ebrahim Hassan’s mother Najma Al Thawadi also stressed the need for more social acceptance beyond the school gates.
“No-one is kinder than those with Down Syndrome,” the 57-year-old said.
“There are adults who spread fear in the hearts of their children about those with the syndrome. These are children with unique talents. They are not monsters who are out there to hurt and harm others and cause pain.”
Down Syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes, but one with the syndrome has an extra chromosome which causes developmental problems.
“Each individual has their own strengths and abilities,” said Ms Al Zayani. “Once we get students from the Education Ministry, we interview them and their parents. We draft a strategy based on their weaknesses and strengths and adopt unique approaches to suit each student’s needs.”
School principal Raja Al Hammadi highlighted rising awareness of the condition amongst the public over the last two decades.
“The school has been organising introductory classes for grade one students to teach them to accept and cherish those different from them,” she said.
“Teachers are also holding events and integrating students with Down Syndrome in various classes including music, arts, craft, sport and Information Technology.”
The Education Ministry had in January announced that 471 students with intellectual disability and Down Syndrome were accepted in 60 boys’ and girls’ schools across the country.
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