Have you heard about World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)? Well, look no further, just keep reading to find out when WDSD started to be celebrated worldwide and in Rwanda, and more importantly, the meaning of the day for people with Down Syndrome.
WDSD was first celebrated on 21st March 2006, an initiative of Down Syndrome International (DSi), to celebrate the lives of people with Down Syndrome and advocate for equal rights. The date of 21st March was chosen to reflect the 3 copies of chromosomes on the 21st chromosome as it is noted in the condition of Down Syndrome. In 2011, the united nation included WDSD on its calendar and began to observe WDSD on 21st March 2012. Every year, DSi sensitizes world population to protect the rights of people with Down Syndrome with a theme, organizes events at the United Nation offices in New York, US, and in Geneva, Switzerland, and encourages its member organizations worldwide to commemorate WDSD with different events and discussions.
It was not until 21st March 2017 that WDSD was celebrated in Rwanda, following the foundation of Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization (RDSO) in November 2016. Since then, RDSO has hosted more than 350 participants in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to celebrate the WDSD and raise awareness on Down Syndrome. WDSD ceremony in Rwanda involves people with Down Syndrome, their parents and relatives, and other interested individuals. The WDSD ceremonies have been mainly marked by parents of children with Down Syndrome getting to know each other, having discussions on challenges they face in raising children with down syndrome, and learning how they can best support their children with Down Syndrome.
Unfortunately, the unprecedented times of COVID-19 that marked the year 2020 did not allow Rwanda to observe WDSD. It is with great excitement RDSO is looking forward to WDSD in 2021 whereby RDSO aims to devote more emphasis on self-advocacy especially among young adults with Down Syndrome. Stay tuned for the theme of WDSD in 2021 and reach out to RDSO in any way possible on how you can be involved in WDSD to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome in Rwanda.
Written by: Pascaline Mugiraneza Munezero, volunteer at RDSO