Up with Downs celebrates 20 years of prospering
George's own Down Syndrome centre, Up With Downs, celebrates its 20th birthday this year and has scheduled its celebrations for October to coincide with Down Syndrome month.
The community-based school for learners with special needs, situated in Blanco, started in 1998. It has grown into a soughtafter facility that provides an education tailored to the individual needs of its special needs students. In a small, loving but structured environment, staff encourage all learners to reach their full potential and become the very best that they can be.
Starting with four George families, the school has expanded and moved a number of times, and today functions as the nonprofit Up with Downs Trust from a site in Pieter Theron Street in Blanco.
The centre offers classrooms, accommodation for live-in students and reasonably priced self-catering accommodation for family and friends. It offers an adult programme that focuses on life skills and income-generating projects, offering kitchen and waitering training and integration into society.
There are currently 36 learners at Up with Downs, aged 4 to 37. Students from far afield live in at the hostel, which adheres to the government school terms. Some children would be unable to attend the centre if it weren't for local and international donors / businesses that make contributions specifically for this cause.
The school relies solely on fundraisers and donations, together with school fees, to operate. The school is very grateful to those that give so generously and help organise fundraisers, which include an annual wine auction at Fancourt, a golf day, a Christmas Market and a cycle tour. Their efforts help to give people with Down Syndrome a life purpose, friends and a feeling of belonging.
Help celebrate Down Syndrome awareness by purchasing a green ribbon for R10 and proudly wearing it for the month of October. Contact Suzanne or Brenda at the school office for more information on 044 870 8770 or visit their website, www. upwithdowns.co.za.