Integrating children suffering from the condition into mainstream society

 March 24, 2012, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka - Down Syndrome Day is observed around the world on March 21. This is a manifestation of the United Nations General Assembly deciding that with effect from 2012, to observe it as an official day. It is a day to raise public awareness and to show support for those who suffer from Down syndrome.

The MJF Charitable Foundation, part of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s endeavour to support differently abled children and youth in Sri Lanka, commemorated World Down Syndrome Day 2012 with a series of events at the Moratuwa MJF Centre. Popular Sinhala musical artist Lahiru Perera of ‘Rambari’ fame and singing sensation Udesh Indula of Derana Dream Star fame provided music, encouragement and joined the dances performed by the children currently receiving aesthetic and educational support through the Moratuwa MJF Centre.

The children, who had been practicing with their dance teacher Ruvandi for past week, were breathless with excitement when their two idols turned up. The event was held in the lobby of the K - Zone situated at the Moratuwa MJF Centre on Saturday 24th March 2012 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. The children and teachers from the MJF Centre were all dressed in green t-shirts and tops and had green ribbons on their wrists to signify the universal colour of Down syndrome. Also present were a number of parents, Dilmah staff and people who were indulging in a Saturday afternoon shopping at the K - Zone with their families.

When the music began, the crowd swelled to over a hundred onlookers who enthusiastically provided encouragement and hummed along to the catchy beat of the songs. Both singers shared the microphones with the children and allowed them to sing parts of the songs. The evening ended with Lahiru singing his signature song ‘Rambari’ and the children performing their dance moves.   

The Moratuwa MJF Centre provides educational support for underprivileged children, care for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities through a comprehensive programme of entertainment, care and attention. The Rainbow House located within the MJF Centre specially caters to the needs of teenagers with this disability so that they can live independent and productive lives well into adulthood despite their physical and intellectual limitations.

Additionally, the MJF Charitable Foundation also manages and supports Sithijaya, the MJF Centre for the Differently Abled which provides care, training and upliftment for children with disabilities including Down syndrome in Ambalantota, South of Sri Lanka. The facilities for addressing the needs of children with disabilities are at a very basic level in this part of the country.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in children born with 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. World Down Syndrome Day is commemorated on the 21st of March specifically to represent the extra copy or the third copy of the 21st chromosome. The official website of worlddownsyndromeday.org says ‘Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. But there is still so much more we can do’.

Lahiru Perera went on to describe his experience on that day. He said ‘the enthusiasm shown by these kids is infectious – they are like lovable children. I am thankful for the invitation and the experience. I would always want be part of something like this’. 

The MJF Charitable Foundation was set up to fulfill the Dilmah Founders wish make business a matter of human service and share with the community the fruits of his success. Thousands of people supported far and wide and many worthy initiatives set up around Sri Lanka to support the less privileged is fulfillment of that dream. For additional information visit www.mjffoundation.org.