AL SEEB: The Omani Down Syndrome Association concluded its first awareness caravan of the year, organised in cooperation with a charitable volunteer team and covering Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah and Dhofar governorates.
The caravan, held from July 31 to August 7, began in Muscat and travelled to Dhofar via Al Dakhiliyah before returning to the association’s headquarters in Al Seeb.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Down Syndrome Association, said that the caravan was the association’s first initiative of the year and expressed hope that it would be repeated in the coming years following an evaluation of the experience.
He said the initiative aimed to strengthen community partnerships and raise awareness about Down syndrome across the governorates of Oman. It also reflected the association’s commitment to participating in national and community initiatives and forums that help convey its message to different segments of society.
The caravan also sought to introduce the public to Down syndrome, highlight the abilities and talents of children with Down syndrome and promote a culture of inclusion and social acceptance.
Al Jabri said the caravan travelled in 12 buses and included 24 association members, volunteers from the participating team and a number of children.
As part of the initiative, awareness and information corners were set up at Hawana Salalah, Al Mughsail, Awqad Public Park, Wadi Darbat and Ittin Square in Dhofar Governorate. The corners provided visitors with information about the association and its activities, as well as publications and educational materials.
In Al Dakhiliyah, an awareness corner was also established at Nizwa Public Market, where association members introduced visitors to the association’s roles and activities and its branches in several wilayats.
The initiative also featured activities for visiting children, who were presented with gifts as part of the programme. — ONA
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