From Down syndrome to “Dawn”syndrome :A hope is born…

“In generosity and helping others be like the river, in compassion and grace be like the sun.” Rumi

“She is an artist, I know; she will be a great actress. She performs regularly in front of her large mirror, pretending to be a great actress,” Mrs. Imen Mlik, the mother of Aicha, a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome, expressed. Imen has always believed in her daughter’s love for acting, which knows no bounds. Unfortunately, Aicha was deprived of practicing her passion not because she is lazy, nor because there are no places dedicated to such activities, but merely because Aicha is a child born with Down syndrome.

Aicha is one of the many Tunisian children who have Down syndrome. In Tunisia, there are between 250 and 300 births of Down syndrome per year, with an estimated total prevalence of 0.98 per 1,000 pregnancies. These children have no access to cultural and physical activities, leaving them yearning for belonging and acceptance. Their schooling is based solely on traditional training: hairdressing, pastry making, etc., with no broader opportunities. Even if these spaces were set aside , the expenses would likely be overwhelming.

“Once I watched ‘Ragouj,’ I firmly wanted to be a part of it,” Aicha expressed.

As the saying goes, “Humanity begins when we think about others.” From this perspective, Tri-umph Together emerged, a groundbreaking initiative aiming to provide a safe haven for children with Down syndrome where they can pursue their cultural passions and physical activities for free and thrive regardless of their abilities, recognizing that every child is special. Our initiative will commence at Ben Arous cultural complex, but this does not limit the scope of our project. On the contrary, it serves as an open call to be extended to all Tunisian regions and to include not only Down syndrome but also other disabilities.

“In Tunisia, there is a serious lack of cultural and physical activities dedicated to children with special needs,” stated Mme Raoudha Mallekh, Chairwoman of INPE’s Friends’ Association.

Through Tri-umph Together, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more inclusive society. Our objectives are clear:

1-We envision a purpose-built facility equipped with state-of-the-art amenities tailored to the needs of children with Down syndrome, including paintbrushes, easels, a theatre stage, etc., ranging from sensory rooms to adaptive sport facilities, under the framework of what we call “Positive Discrimination.”

2-Boosting youth inclusion in voluntary work.

3-Achieving Reverse Integration: integrating typically developing children into cultural and physical activities primarily designed for children with Down Syndrome.

4-Raising community awareness: deconstructing stereotypes about people with Down Syndrome and promoting the importance of inclusion and diversity in refining the abilities of children with Down syndrome.

Together, we can create a community where everyone is valued, where differences are celebrated, not marginalized. However, we cannot do it alone. It is up to your help to bring this vision into life. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading the word. Together, we can make a drastic upheaval in the lives of these children. Join us in our mission to Tri-umph Together because every child has a spark within which should be fueled , bearing in mind that every child is special .