Down Syndrome Awareness march took place in Eldos
Children with Down Syndrome marched down Main Road to the crime scene where Nathaniel Julies was allegedly shot by police officers.
Yesterday marked National Down Syndrome Awareness Day, designated by our late president, Nelson Mandela to create awareness about Down Syndrome.
Three organisations: Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA), Down Syndrome Association Pretoria, and The Caitlin Douman Foundation got together in Eldorado Park to create awareness of the day.
According to Ancella Ramjas, the Down Syndrome South Africa National Executive Director, down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is characterised by typical features. It is caused by an abnormality in the genetic material and affects all races and all economic groups equally. It is the most common chromosomal disorder occurring in approximately 1 in every 1000 live births.
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The organisations’ goal for this month is to promote acceptance and inclusion of all persons with Down Syndrome; and to enhance the position of the Down Syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.
The event started at the Eldo’s FM offices and then the organisations along with families, leaders of the community, and children with Down Syndrome marched down Main Road to the crime scene where Nathaniel Julies was allegedly shot by police officers.
Ramjas then handed over a memorandum to the Head of Department of Social Development Thembeni Mhlongo. MMC of Social Development Margaret Arnolds was also part of the march as well as Ward Councillor Fazel Jaffer. The family of late Nathaniel Julies and late Rene Andrews were also present throughout the event.
The march led back to the Eldo’s FM offices where speakers addressed the attendees on Down Syndrome and brought more awareness to families and residents who attended.
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