From a Mother’s Experience with Down Syndrome to an Initiative Embracing 40 Children

In the city of Halabja,Kurdistan Region,home has been transformed into a space for learning and play,led by teacher Shadan Kamal,who brings together 40 children in a summer course,believing that the right to learning and integration is available to all.

MIHRIBAN SALAM

Halabja_Mothers have always struggled for their children,seeking ways and means to raise them well and healthily.Particularly mothers of children with special needs have become sources of inspiration and guiding lights for their children and for others as well.Mothers embody patience and giving,and through their upbringing,more aware and disciplined societies are built.

Teacher Shadan Kamal is one of those mothers who has turned education into a mission,deciding to transform her home into a venue for a summer course for approximately 40 children_a step stemming first and foremost from a deep love for children.

Behind this decision lies the story of Shadan Kamal’s son,a child with Down syndrome.What this mother and teacher has learned form her daily life with her son has made her more aware of chidren’s needs and more convinced of their abilities.

These days,Shadan Kamal’s home is no longer just a house;it has become a place where dozens of children gather,where learning blends with fun and friendship.This story from Halabja carries a simple message:when love for children meets the teaching profession,even a small home can become a place where the greatest dreams are realized.

Through her work,she demonstrates that education isn’t merely delivering lessons within a classroom,but recognizing each child’s abilities,providing them with opportunities,and believing that every child is capable of growth and development.

For her,differences aren’t obstacles but rather motivations to continue working and exerting more effort for children.from this perspective,she launched a summer course in her home that welcome approximately 40 children,where they learn together,play games,and participate in various activities,spending their summer vacation in an enjoyable and beneficial atmosphere.

Regarding the idea of launching this project,teacher Shadan Kamal explains:”The idea began when one or two children came to play with my son.Since we live in a detached house and there are no children from neighbors in our vicinity, I wanted these children to have the opportunity to interact with my children and spend time with them.That’s where the idea started. Whatever I find for them to receive the same benefit.”

She doesn’t use smart screens for the children;instead,she ensures they learn useful lessons and activities.she says:”I was delighted by the children’s arrival, so I decided we would play attention and concentration development games. As the number of children increased, we started addition to handcrafts,on a daily basis.”