Civil society organizations in Syria's Idlib empower children with Down syndrome

By Ahmet Karaahmet and Mehmet Burak Karacaoglu

IDLIB, Syria (AA) - Local civil society organizations in Idlib, northwest Syria are providing psychological support, speech therapy, and life skills training to children with Down syndrome, with an aim to integrate them into society.

Four years ago, local aid organizations in Idlib established the White Hearts Center to raise awareness about Down syndrome and to prevent individuals from facing discrimination and negative attitudes.

The center works to develop communication skills and provide various physical therapies to help these children gain daily life skills and support their lives.

Initially serving a small number of Down syndrome children, the center now assists 60 individuals.

Ahmed Bekkur, the director of the White Hearts Center, told Anadolu that the center's primary goal is to educate and train children to facilitate their socialization.

Despite the center’s best efforts, Bekkur said, it is a grim reality that over 90% of children with Down syndrome in northwest Syria lack access to essential support services.

Facing numerous challenges, including ongoing conflict and financial constraints, local civil society organizations strive to expand their reach and impact.

Bekkur emphasized the urgent need for physiotherapy equipment, saying: "With proper education, these children can become productive members of society, benefiting both their families and communities."

Duaa al-Hatib, a teacher at the White Hearts Center, shed light on the difficulties encountered by children with Down syndrome.

"Upon arrival, these children often lack basic life skills and face societal stigma and neglect," al-Hatib said.

Al-Hatib emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of love and respect toward individuals with disabilities, saying: "We strive to empower these children and integrate them into society. They have the potential to make meaningful contributions to our communities."