The result was a memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit.

Excitement filled the air at Taarana School during this year’s International Down Syndrome Day celebration. This significant event profoundly resonates with the school’s belief in every child’s intrinsic worth and unique contributions.

International Down Syndrome Day celebrates and promotes greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of those with the condition. It also represents a chance to shine a light on the accomplishments of such individuals, who too often face stigmatisation and exclusion.

“Our celebration was also about providing a fun, engaging, and inclusive experience for our students,” the Principal of Taarana, Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, said.

The centre’s passionate and dedicated teachers and staff meticulously planned the day’s activities. As a result, the event fostered an atmosphere of learning and connection and commemorated Taarana’s diversity and richness.

After a welcome speech by Dr Sunitha, the parents and students participated in an engaging icebreaker that got everyone dancing.

The students were then organised into groups to participate in a series of exhilarating games, including the ‘Three-legged Race’, ‘Aim and Throw’, ‘Passing the Ring’, and ‘Let’s Paint.’ The activities were also thoughtfully planned to help the children develop their gross and fine motor skills.

Later, the children participated in making sock collages on canvases. Socks with contrasting colours or patterns have come to symbolise the day to represent the extra chromosome (shaped like a sock) that those born with Down syndrome have.

The symbol is often used to raise awareness and promote the acceptance and inclusion of those with Down Syndrome.

“In planning the day’s activities, we also set out to promote Taarana’s atmosphere of belonging and acceptance, where every child is valued, supported, and celebrated. The result was a memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and a renewed community spirit,” Dr Sunitha noted.

“Our students showed they can conquer any challenge through their determined efforts and teamwork, and their joyous laughter and cheers were a testament to that.”

Dr Sunitha said the faculty was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Down Syndrome Day meaningfully with Taarana’s students and their families.

“We remain committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone is celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the table,” she added.

Taarana School provides programmes with social and emotional support for children with, among others, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia, and Global Development Delay.

In addition, the school presents a holistic learning environment inside and outside the classroom. Students engage in community life, from the classroom and extracurricular activities to field trips, to gain independence, build confidence, and develop strong peer relationships.