Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – The sound of cheerful laughter was heard from children and parents at Rampal Field, Malang City this morning, Sunday (12/3/2023). Their presence was to enliven the commemoration World Down Syndrome Day 2023 which falls on March 21st.
This activity was initiated by the Community Walk Together and Love People with Down Syndrome (WORLDS), a community of child observers, volunteers, scientists, and parents of children with Down Syndrome (ADS).
Deputy Mayor of Malang Ir. H. Sofyan Edi Jarwoko who attended the event expressed his appreciation and pride for ADS, parents, and also for communities that care about vulnerable groups such as WORLDS. According to him, activities like this are in line with the government's program to continue to strengthen support for vulnerable communities.
"We have an obligation to prepare the future of these children. Of course, health is taken into account, skills and expertise must also be facilitated. I am very happy with community activities, especially those related to disabilities," he explained.
This friendly man added, in Malang City, many companies have started inviting special children to become part of the company as employees. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to strengthen the collaboration of the government, business actors, academics, communities, and the media to always increase motivation and inspiration for other people.
"Hopefully we will all always be given the spirit to continue to be together with this great child. Especially for the parents, you are the chosen mothers and fathers. With strength, patience, affection, mothers and fathers are trusted to carry out this mandate," said the man who is often called Bung Edi motivatingly.
Meanwhile, the WORLDS Community Advisor, dr. Ariani M. Kes, Sp. A(K) said that the activity entitled 'With Us Not For Us' This is prepared to increase public awareness of the existence of ADS. Through this art performance activity, it is proven that ADS is also able to do activities like ordinary children. They can dance, play angklung, fashion show, pantomime, and drama.
"We also appreciate the enthusiasm of the parents of these Down syndrome children for being willing to open up even though they often receive negative stigma from society. Little by little we are also eradicating this negative stigma, because in fact there are still many parents who are ashamed of having a child with Down syndrome," explained the doctor who works at RSSA Malang.
Ariani also said that through communities and events like this, it is hoped that ADS parents can encourage each other, share experiences, and share ways to care for these special children.
Until now, the number of members registered in the WORLDS Community is 174 children from Malang City and its surroundings. Ariani said that every year there are an average of 10 to 15 new members added.
"Children with Down syndrome are children of heaven. They already have a ticket to heaven. So parents should not be discouraged, be happy with these children. Optimize the potential of each child. You can join a community, be active in activities so that their potential emerges, be able to achieve and work, just like other children," he concluded. (ari/yon)
