Bright colours filled the school grounds at Dios Los Ninos on March 20, as the school celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. The day is observed internationally on March 21 to raise awareness and support for people with Down Syndrome.

Learners and teachers came to school dressed in the official colours for Down Syndrome, which are blue and yellow, to show their support for those living with it.

According to principal Leonie Leppich, many learners welcomed the celebration, noting that others had little prior knowledge of what Down Syndrome is.

“It was wonderful to see the children so curious. They asked questions and engaged fully in the discussions,” she said.

Younger learners took part in art activities while learning about Down Syndrome through pictures and guided discussions. The older ones were able to explore why Down Syndrome occurs, allowing for a more detailed educational discussion.

The local community also participated in the celebration. At nearby Safariland, children dressed in blue and yellow and received doughnuts decorated in the same colours. The business owner, who runs Dankie Susan, printed special stickers for the learners to wear during the celebration.

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Explaining how the school supports children with Down Syndrome during the year, Leonie said they also focus on raising awareness about dyslexia, high-functioning autism, and ADHD. She added that more Down Syndrome discussions and art activities are planned for the week before the school holidays.

The school’s celebration aimed to teach learners about inclusivity and understanding differences, showing the value of awareness and community support for children with diverse needs.