Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Gift of the Givers Brings joy to Mary Harding School

Marking Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Gift of the Givers (GoG) brought smiles to the pupils of Mary Harding School on Friday, 24 October.

The visit followed a request from the school and saw the organisation hand out gifts to pupils, many of whom come from socio-economically challenged backgrounds.

October is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the strengths and abilities of people with Down syndrome. GoG project manager Ali Sablay said the visit was an opportunity to educate the public, challenge stereotypes, and honour the accomplishments and potential of those living with the condition.

“This school has played a phenomenal role in the lives of children with Down syndrome and other mentally challenged children in the Western Cape. It has one of the largest enrolments of such children in the region. Sometimes parents are not educated and do not know how to accommodate them at home or how to manage their needs. This school is bridging the gap between parents and children by providing relevant skills and education. This visit is about more than just giving - it’s about recognition, understanding, and inclusion,” Mr Sablay said.

Mary Harding School is the largest institution for pupils with special needs in the Cape Metropole and also welcomes pupils from as far as Namibia. For decades, the school has supported children with Down syndrome and helped parents nurture their children to reach their full potential.

Mr Sablay praised the commitment of the school’s staff and said Down syndrome should not be seen as a stigma. He said children with Down syndrome deserve the same love and support as their able-bodied peers and added that the foundation’s visit would not be the last.

“We will return to see how we can better the lives of these children, not only for them but also for future learners who will be here. It is a blessing to have such children,” he said.

He also urged parents not to feel ashamed of having children with Down syndrome and encouraged them not to abandon their children, as there are schools that provide the necessary support.

Upon arrival, the Gift of the Givers team wasted no time rolling up their sleeves and distributing essential items, including sanitary towels, bath lotions, stationery, food parcels, and other necessities such as washing towels. Teachers and security personnel also received care packages in recognition of their dedication and service.

Principal Keriston Floris said he was grateful for the visit and said it was an important community engagement to help create awareness and acceptance.

“Many of these learners are often overlooked or not fully accepted,” Mr Floris said, adding that visits like these help to build understanding within communities and show that pupils are valued. "This means a lot for special needs education.”

Mr Floris noted that most of the school’s pupils come from impoverished areas, where poverty often brings social challenges and instability.

“Many of our learners come from families facing hardship,” he said.

“They deal not only with disabilities but also with the realities of violence and trauma in their communities. Some come from areas affected by shootings and gang activity, which adds emotional strain to their daily lives. Despite this, they show remarkable resilience.”

Mary Harding School currently serves 380 pupils from across the greater Cape Town area, including Athlone, Bokmakierie, Kewtown, Langa, Manenberg, Heideveld, and Gugulethu.