GTU Awareness for Down Syndrome

March 22, 2024-GTU Office of Press and Public Relations 

 

GTU Family gathers with their little friends with Down Syndrome at the "Special Day of Little Explorers" event.

In order to increase the presence of individuals with Down Syndrome in society and raise awareness about Down Syndrome, the "Special Day of Little Explorers" event was organized at Gebze Technical University (GTU). The event was organized by GTU Social Impact Coordination Office and GTU Department of Physical Education and Sports, with the participation of GTU academics, students, and administrative staff as volunteers. Accessible GTU Division also provided full support at the venue. Children aged 5-6 with Down Syndrome from Nene Hatun Special Education Kindergarten, along with their families and teachers, attended the event.

Held at the GTU Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ayhan Sports Hall on March 21, 2024, the event started with opening speeches by GTU Social Impact Coordinator Prof. Dr. Meral Elçi and Nene Hatun Special Education Kindergarten Principal Yıldız Güner, in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day. Following the speeches, GTU Rector Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar and the university administration joined the event and spent time with the children.

To ensure that the children had an enjoyable time and discovered their talents, various courses and workshops were organized where GTU academics, students, and administrative staff interacted and had fun with the children. Additionally, various activities such as dancing, percussion, painting, and coloring were organized to showcase the children's developing motor skills. One of the children's favorite activities, face painting, was also carried out. A motor activity course prepared by the Department of Physical Education academics and students focused on the development of gross and fine motor skills. Activities aimed at enhancing both physical and social development ensured that the students had a delightful day. Meanwhile, the children's families enjoyed the special day by relieving stress at the yoga workshop.