March 21 was established in 2006 as World Down Syndrome Day on the initiative of the Greek physician Stylianos Antonarakis.
A child born with Down syndrome is 14-year-old Theodora Koutsou from Frenaros. On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, Mrs. Stella Koutsou, Theodora's mother, spoke to Famagusta News about what it means to raise a child with Down Syndrome, sending her own messages to society.
Theodora Koutsou goes to the sixth grade of Primary school. In her free time, she enjoys singing, instrumental and rhythmic gymnastics, dancing and swimming.
Mrs. Stella, when asked what it means to raise a child with Down syndrome, answered that "Theodora has a lot of love to give you, spending time with her you forget all the problems of the day, seeing her in your eyes brings out an innocence. Children with Down syndrome have a lot to offer and are happy with simple things."
He added that "through Theodora's innocent eyes you can see that every day is special and the simplest things are the most important. Through the fast pace of everyday life we forget to live in the moment. The simplest happiness for these children is to give them a smile. Only love to give them and they can give you real happiness. After all, Theodora's name also says it, that Theodora is a divine gift and I confirm this every day. There are no limits to how far they can go as long as they have the right direction, guidance and patience.
Theodora is a lovable girl both at school and at home."
Mrs. Stella mentioned that Theodora's sisters and her classmates adore her because she is sociable and smiling. Growing up with 3 older sisters, she has learned to be very social and to be able to cope and join society more easily, although in the country we live in unfortunately there are not equal opportunities with the rest of the children.
The mother of 14-year-old Theodora emphasized that "children with Down syndrome in Cyprus are not treated by the state as equal to the rest and this is sad because they can achieve a lot. It is a blessing to raise such a child and her goal is for Theodora to become an independent girl in the future who can succeed in whatever she does in life. I wish all people could look at the simplicity of life through the innocent soul of these children."
Mrs. Stella sends the message that children with Down syndrome are not different, on the contrary, they have common feelings and desires with other children.
