We’re all one

 A message of inclusivity will be spread across the island on Friday when people of all walks of life come together to raise awareness about World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).

Members of the unregistered, not-for-profit charity champions, OneHeartBahrain, are staging a ‘Walk for Fun’ event for the entire family to enjoy at the front parking event of LuLu Hypermarket’s Dana Mall featuring free health check-ups from American Mission Hospital (AMH) and other activities…all for the caring cause.

“OneHeartBahrain promotes unity and peace amongst all people,” said Birthe van der Heijden, a social strategist and teacher in meditation practice who founded the Instagram account in September 2019. “We feel that every human is a valuable member of society and as such should be given the best opportunities towards a successful life.”

Zumba instructor Mai Alumran will be hosting a warm-up session and musical artist Faisal Salman, known as Saylo, will perform a beat box show. AMH Group chief executive officer Julia Tovey will also be speaking at the event.

“Through our ‘Walk for Fun’ we wish to promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome as well as celebrate their lives and their beautiful contribution and enrichment to our human family,” added Birthe.

WDSD is a global awareness day observed by the United Nations since 2012 on March 21 – the 21st day of the third month. That date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

This additional genetic material causes physical and mental developmental delays and disabilities.

However, every person with Down syndrome is unique and with quality educational programmes, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community, it can enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives…just like 23-year-old Rhea D’Mello.

She has inspired many across the island over the years as a trainee-teaching assistant at RIA Institute, helping support and educate children with special needs at the age of 19.

Rhea also travelled to the UK in 2018 to talk about her life in Bahrain and her personal struggles and aspirations to an audience of 1,000 delegates at the Inclusion International’s 17th World Congress conference.

She also helped out in different artistic events and is also the inspiration behind this one.

“Sylivia, Rhea’s mum, is one of our volunteers and she had approached me about doing something for WDSD,” said Birthe. “I thought it was a beautiful idea as it’s always about creating a more harmonious society in which everyone is accepted and is able to make a positive contribution.”

Sylvia is thrilled with OneHeartBahrain for organising the event and is thankful to LuLu for sponsoring it and for integrating people with special abilities into its system.

LuLu is also providing T-shirts, medals and free snacks and drinks. Sylvia is also appreciative of AMH for their involvement and for also employing Rhea.

“This ‘Walk for Fun – walk towards inclusion’ is our gesture of expressing that we pledge to include them in all walks of life, without judgement,” said Sylvia, who works in administration. “We all want a little bit of recognition every once in a while and that is exactly what I want to achieve for Rhea and special people like her – recognition, acceptance, unconditional love and appreciation. 

“People with Down syndrome are pleasant, happy and lovers of life. The low IQ thing is a myth. I know they lack in certain areas and may have other shortcomings or health issues, but who doesn’t? They, like all others, have a lot of potential. Allow them to be equals, not secluded in schools, workplaces and society and give them the opportunity to rise and achieve their dreams. 

“Seeing my daughter’s achievements, I can proudly say, include them and you will definitely not be disappointed.”

Registration is open at 9:30am and the event starts at 10am.

For details, follow @oneheartbahrain on Instagram.