“Hiding children with Down syndrome is a violence that our country can’t tolerate” Dr. Kanyamanza
Most of the parents and their relatives get shocked when they learned that their babies had Down Syndrome. This leads them into a traumatic life and do not want to disclose their children.
During the first celebrations of World Down Syndrome day held in Kigali on 21st March 2017, parents with Down Syndrome children testified that some have hidden their children for a long time due to the stigma they are facing in the society.
“When we learned that our child had Down syndrome, my husband abandoned me. I was shocked and fell into coma. I started a stressful life as our relatives and neighbors took the child as a shame to the family.” Said Joselyne Uwitonze one of the mothers who attended the celebrations.
After recovering, Uwitonze did not hide her child. She tried to take care of her with medical treatment even though she failed due to insufficient financial means. However, other mothers testified that the stigma from family members and the community pushed them to keep their children in hidden.
“Down Syndrome is a genetic condition the community fears, which to some extent leads to having a negative attitude towards those who have it and their families. This leads to rejection and isolation for children with it. Our children are called shameful names. That’s why some parents are still hiding them.” Said a mother holding her Down Syndrome child.
The parents request for community mobilization for behavior and attitude change towards children with Down Syndrome.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion at World down syndrome day celebrations, The Executive Secretary of National Commission for Children (NCC), Dr. Claudine Uwera Kanyamanza, urged families with Down Syndrome children and the whole community to avoid any stigmatization against them.
"Children with Down Syndrome should not be hidden or discriminated. Hiding them is a violence that our country can’t tolerate.We have to work together to establish a friendly environment for them to help them fit in the community, feel loved and valued” She said
Parents with children with Down Syndrome request for special education for their children as they have difficulties to learn compared to others. They also need some special medication that is not yet available in Rwanda.
For these reasons, among others, they founded Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization that was officially launched on March,21st 2017. According to Claudine Batamuliza, the Vice President of the organization, the objective is to advocate strongly for the children with Down Syndrome.
“It was proved that children with this condition can play, study and do activities that are done by normal people. We only have to love them and change the mind set about them. We want to support them with special education and medication” She said
Dr. Kanyamanza said that the Government of Rwanda is ready to support the organization for the wellbeing of children with Down Syndrome.
“All children including those with Down Syndrome have rights to education and medication. I can assure this organization the support from the Government” She said
She urged all parents to love their children as the biggest behavioral influence on children and progress comes from the family.