Who we are:
Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) is a non-governmental, non-political, not-for-profit association of children with Down syndrome, as well as their parents, guardians, caregivers and other interested stakeholders. Most of these children are neglected, relegated, or abandoned by their parents and society on the basis of culture and myths that tend to stigmatize them and their families. They are equally abused physically and sexually with impunity. In extreme cases, even their rights to life itself are denied them.
It is under this harrowing and ugly backdrop that Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (formerly an Association) evolved on the 4th of December 2001, with the avowed commitment to bridge the gap between children/adults with Down syndrome (DS) with the rest of the society, through a support system that seeks ultimately to integrate them into the mainstream of the society which they belong. This commitment is rooted in the firm belief that if given the necessary encouragement and enabling environment to grow like others, people with DS can, and do actualize their potentials and live fulfilled lives.
Our Mission Statement:
“Bridging the gap between people with Down Syndrome and the rest of the society through a support system that seeks to integrate them fully into the community in which they live”
Our Vision:
To provide information and support for people with Down syndrome, their families and care-givers, as well as being a resource for interested professionals.
To strive to bridge the gap between people with Down syndrome and the rest of society.
To strive to improve knowledge of the condition.
To champion the rights of people with Down syndrome.
DSFN PARTNERSHIP WITH DOWN SYNDROME INTERNATIONAL (DSI): This partnership began in November 2018 first as a training project for the staff and then the staff would in return train the students; the project was initiated by the Down syndrome International in collaboration with Down syndrome Foundation Nigeria to train self-advocates with Down syndrome to be able to advocate for their rights, speak up and also advocate for other young persons with Down syndrome who are not able to speak for themselves; take part in work or social situations, and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Self-advocacy training develops key skills including speaking up and communicating effectively in different situations; teamwork & cooperation, expressing your feelings and opinions assertively. It also supports them to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including how they will be expected to act and what their rights are in situations such as in a working environment
DSFN PARTNERSHIP WITH INCLUSION INTERNATIONAL & INCLUSION AFRICA:
We recently partnered with Inclusion International to train our self-advocates on their right to work as the workshop (Inclusion Works) was held in the first week of July 2019; The Inclusion Works! Development workshop aims to introduce the Inclusion Works Project to potential project implementing partners which DSFN is one of the partners to help run the project for 2years i.e making sure the barriers to employment that persons with intellectual disability face in Nigeria is addressed.
On the 20th of February, 2020 consultants and self-advocates from Inclusion International a UK-based charity for people with intellectual disabilities came into Nigeria to train and empower our self-advocates on self-advocacy, good support and advocating for inclusion. This training is going to be done for 3-days with the Self-Advocates.
Why Empower Us training? – This training is designed for smaller groups(self-advocacy groups); encourages an intimate, flexible atmosphere and trainers can ensure that everyone is able to take part and share their thoughts and ideas which builds the confidence of the self-advocates. It also helps self-advocates develop the skills to work with others. The self-advocates would be encouraged to share experiences, work together and build relationships; and with this, the goal is that self-advocates will stay connected following the training, provide ongoing support to one another and develop.
PICTURES:
Advisory Board
Contact us:
THE DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION NIGERIA:
1, ALAFARA OJE CRESCENT, ALAMUTU ESTATE, OFF STATION BUSTOP ,
IJU, FAGBA.
LAGOS, NIGERIA.
+234 (0) 8032285545
+234 (0) 8027797418
+234(0) 8086889015
Website: www.downsyndrome-ng.org
E-mail: info@downsyndrome-ng.org
info@dsa-nigeria.org, info@dsanigeria.org
Twitter: @downsyndromeng
Instagram: @downsyndromeng
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Downsyndromefoundationnigeria
LinkedIn: Downsyndromefoundationnigeria