Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations in 2012. This heartfelt story comes from Turkey, a country struck by a devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023, leaving over 50,000 dead and thousands more hurt and homeless.


The Daily Sabah newspaper reports that eleven adults working at Istanbul's Tebessüm Kahvesi (Smiling Coffee) donated half their salaries to help earthquake victims. Their money went to a soup kitchen, and they also sent hygiene kits and clothing to people struggling in the aftermath. In the interview, the eleven workers expressed their feelings of sadness and grief for the victims of the earthquake and their good wishes for the long rebuilding ahead. Together, they decided on their own to do something to help. The cafe manager said, "We want young people with Down syndrome to be actively involved in society and social life."


World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21 because the 21st day of the 3rd month signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.


People with Down Syndrome are valuable members of humanity and have so much to teach us and offer to society. In 2021, im4u.world recounted a story from Kuwait of the 312 Cafe, a cafe run by people with disabilities.


People are the most crucial asset a community has. Yet many communities marginalize, minimize, ignore, segregate, and institutionalize some of their people, intentionally or unintentionally and shortchange the community's economic, social, and cultural vibrancy. There are so many possibilities to reintegrate your community's human assets, creating new and exciting opportunities to strengthen your neighborhood, community, and hometown.


Whether it is the 312 Cafe in Kuwait or the Tebessüm Kahvesi (Smiling Coffee) shop in Istanbul, Turkey, every community has the opportunity to help people with Down Syndrome live happy and fulfilling lives. It could be opening a cafe in your hometown or opening your workplace to people with Down Syndrome. Such investments in our human resources can contribute to intangible benefits of goodwill (for you as an individual and your business) and personal fulfillment. You are limited only by your imagination.


Your community's humanity, livability, and competitive capability start with leveraging all the assets that make your community as unique as your fingerprint. Are you ready to help your community evolve to the next level?


Photo by Sanaa Ali on Pexels.