Description
Aim of the event: 
  • Raise Awareness
Goal of the event: 
The goal of the event was to raise awareness about Down Syndrome day in regards to the World Down Syndrome Day. It was our intention to integrate Erasmus students together in the same place doing the same activity as people with Down Syndrome so they can see and realise how it is to work, think, talk and socialise while having Down Syndrome.
Short description of the event: 
We had a workshop with people with Down Syndrome - it is a part of their every day life to create decorations and draw using fine motoric skills. This kind of workshops prepares them for being more functional in doing daily chores. People we spent our time with were above 21 year old who come once a day to these workshops. There was a lot of time and opportunity for Erasmus students to ask questions which were always kindly replied by special educators who were leading the workshop. Erasmus students had a chance to interact with them, to understand them closely and finally to bring this event to the more emotional level by receiving gifts from them.
How did your event go?: 
It went very well for both Erasmus students and Down Syndrome Day Association. This is the second time we are cooperating and surely we will repeat this amazing experience again in the future. We were asked by international students if similar event will be organised again in the same semester, and if not, is it possible to participate on some manifestations of the Association itself ( like concerts, plays, etc.)
Involvement
Name of the partners: 
Down Syndrome Day Association
Number of international students: 
7
Number of "locals" involved: 
9
Number of ESNers involved: 
2
Persons with disabilities joining the event: 
Yes
How did they contribute to your event?: 
They were a part of the workshop, they talked with international students (on Croatian - with translation by an ESNer). It is sometimes hard to participate from their side because the level of involvement depends on the intellectual deficit, but those who were more communicative even asked questions and showed interest in our international students. Others were simply involved in a mutual activity like drawing and creating jewellery.
The picture shows ESN members together with Down Syndrome Association emplpyees - special educators and people with DS.
Date of the event: 
Thu, 23/03/2017
Duration of the event: 
2hours
Scope: 
Local