Goal of the event:
The goal of event was to spread information about Down syndrome, to give more information to students about this topic.
Showing our support to people with having down syndrome. Make your community accessible and tolerant.
Short description of the event:
#Myvoice-MyCommunity 21st of March is World Down Syndrome Day. Different countries, including ESN KK dedicate various awareness raising activities to this day. At 21th of March ESN kk and all ESN kaunas sections with foreign students together watched short movie and discuss the topic, break stereotypes one more time and support people having Down syndrome.
We took pictures with colorful socks (symbol of Down syndrome) to spread information about this day and remind people that Down syndrome is just one "extra" chromosome, which makes them different and unique.
The international slogan for 2017, suggested by DSI is My Voice, My Community – Enabling people with Down syndrome to speak up, be heard and influence government policy and action, to be fully included in the community.
How did your event go?:
The event was very cozy and atmosphere was friendly. Students were very motivated to learn more about down syndrome. After watching movie, we made test about this topic and discussed our answers. In this way students remembered more easily information. It helped to break stereotypes, to educate and spread information.
In the beginning students were a bit shy to share their experience and etc, but after watching movie some of them shared their stories, even too personal. They felt that we were connected and shared same values.
After all we drink tea, speak and made photo-shoot with colorful socks. We post them on Facebook with hashtags and spread awareness about Down Syndrome.
p.s: Everything went quite well and I think we reached the goal, but next time after watching movie for discussion we will sit in a circle to make more friendly atmosphere. As i experienced they were more closed, topic is very specific so after event some students shared stories or asked question personally , they said they were shy. So next time we can work on it, how to make them more open and work in group.
