Newsletter Volume 4


Down Syndrome Association of Tshwane Newsletter March
Volume 4

It’s March, the month of International Down syndrome awareness day. Yes that’s right, since the UN officially recognozed the 21st March as  World Down syndrome day last year November, associations all over the world have been preparing for this day.
Events that each organization were having on the day were loaded onto an independent site set up exclusively for World Down Syndrome day as well as Down syndrome Internationals website for spreading the word about World Down syndrome day.
Down Syndrome International held a UN Conference ‘building our future’ which was streamed live on the website so that all parties who were able to, could witness  the conference live.
  
We held an awareness campaign at Attlyn Mall, Atteridgeville to raise awareness. We had guest speakers such as Vanessa Dos Santos the director of Down Syndrome South Africa, Madibogo Pokomela  from the Mayor’s Office, Anna Motswagae a Genetic Sister from the Department of Health and Social Development and our Chairperson Thabang Chiloane who shared his experience of being a father of a child with a little something extra and thanked all the guest speakers on behalf of the Association.

After Vanessa spoke, we were fortunate enough to watch a video compiled by associations all over the world, showcasing our children learning in mainstream schools. One of our very own bright stars, Thameez Ramjas was the representative for South africa and made us all very proud not to mention brought a few tears to our eyes.

So, after the speeches and videos, it was time for some R&R. The parents were spoiled with massages while the children jumped on the jumping caslte, coloured in, ate and left their paw prints on our count us in cloth.

Our Young Adult Self Advocate group had a most important day this month. They prepared and cooked food for platters to serve to the self help group that came to have a meeting with Ancella.
We first went to Makro, where each young adult had to choose and try on their new uniform and then we went back to the associasion to prepare the food, all of which they did themselves with only Petra and myself guiding them, we are so proud of these young adults!

Links:
Below is the link to Down Syndrome International, they have the video of the UN conference as well as feedback and linkd=s to the World Down Syndrome Day site, hope you get as much enjoyment from it as I do.
 http://www.ds-int.org/

Below is a site which gives support and guidelines to help us teaching our kids.
http://praacticalaac.info/
Tel: 012-664 8871

The link below is just an interesting site for your perusal
http://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/inclusion-and-participation/disabled-children-books

Recipes:
Chocolate Creamy Marshmallow pie cookies Hmmm…
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    		•
  • 1 cup sugar
    		•
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
    		•
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    		•
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    		•
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
    		•
  • 3/4 cup milk
    		•
  • 1 large egg
    		•
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    		•
    Filling Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
    		•
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
    		•
  • 3/4 cup of marshmallow
    		•
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    		•
    Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
    		•
  • Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt a large bowl.
    		•
  • Add in melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
    		•
  • Evenly space 12 cookies per a nonstick baking sheet. You should be able to make 2 cookie sheets.
    		•
  • Bake for 13 to 15 minutes.
    		•
  • Place on cooling rack.
    		•
  • Make filling now while cookies are cooling. In a large bowl, beat the butter with a electrical mixer until smooth.
    		•
  • Under low speed, add in the confectioners’ sugar.
    		•
  • In another bowl, melt in the marshmallow.
    		•
  • Add the marshmallow to the rest of the butter-sugar mixture and beat.
    		•
  • Add in the vanilla and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
    		•
  • Spread filling onto cookies.
    		•
  • Prepare about 12 chocolate cream pie cookies.
    		•

     

    The Poem below is just too beautiful not to share:

    Heavens Very Special Child

    A meeting was held quite far from Earth!
    It’s time again for another birth.
    Said the Angels to the LORD above,
    This Special Child will need much love.

    His progress may be very slow,
    Accomplishments he may not show.
    And he’ll require extra care
    From the folks he meets down there.

    He may not run or laugh or play,
    His thoughts may seem quite far away,
    In many ways he won’t adapt,
    And he’ll be known as handicapped.

    So let’s be careful where he’s sent,
    We want his life to be content.
    Please LORD, find the parents who
    Will do a special job for you.

    They will not realize right away
    The leading role they’re asked to play,
    But with this child sent from above
    Comes stronger faith and richer love.

    And soon they’ll know the privilege given
    In caring for their gift from Heaven.
    Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
    Is HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.

    by Edna Massionilla

    So readers, remember to send in all your recipes, questions, pictures and stories. Easter is just around the corner, so to those who are travelling, please be safe and remember to leave your address for the Easter Bunny.
    To everyone who is staying at home, don’t worry, the Easter Bunny knows where you live!
    Happy Easter to all!

    Fax: 012-664 8349
    Website: www.downsyndromepretoria.co.za