By Maryam Humaid Al Darmaki — SUR, April 9 - Public relations students at Sur College of Applied Sciences organised family fun day as part of Down syndrome awareness campaign titled ‘Lets embrace them’, conducted in association with Oman Down Syndrome Association. Dr Ahmed Bin Juma al Riyami, dean of the college presided the programme. Addressing the programme, Dr Ahmed Al Riyami said, ‘the campaign ‘let’s embrace them’ is a sincere effort to raise awareness on Down syndrome and our students will accomplish the main goals of the campaign as planned”.
Masoud al Hanaei, vice chairman of the board of the Omani Down Syndrome Association, said ‘our association, a volunteering institution concerned with the segment of special needs people, and are happy that the college students initiate awareness drive about Down syndrome”.
Expert from Oman Down Syndrome Association, Najeb al Awadi presented and explained the role of occupational therapy in memory development among children with Down Syndrome during the workshop.
He said ‘Down Syndrome is not a disease or illness as others think, but is a genetic condition where the 21st chromosome appears in three copies leading to Down Syndrome’. He emphasised that people with Down Syndrome have rights as any other.
Dr Khalfan al Sineidi discussed about the health issues of children with Down Syndrome like diabetes, heart problems, teeth problems, and problems of vision.
More than 80 children participated in painting competition on topics of ‘nature’ and ‘my dream’. The winners of the competition were Mohammed Al Qaddafi, Esra Mohammed, Alia Alhooti, Said Al Qalhati, Shivani Senthil and Jood Al Bahlouli.
The valedictory had a stand-up comedy by Majed Al Shaibi, a skit on Down syndrome by college theatre group followed by a magic show by popular artist Abbas Al Ajmi.
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