The Pirate of Bachok- Down Syndrome Day Celebration
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the Pediatric Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia launched an initiative to celebrate children with Down syndrome, in collaboration with Yayasan Orang Kurang Upaya Kelantan (YOKUK) on March 2nd, 2024, marking 25 years of YOKUK's service. Sponsored by the Malaysian Pediatric Association (MPA) and AL-Kauthar Edukids, the event took place at Pantai Seri Nipah Bachok Kelantan and welcomed 13 children with Down syndrome, 18 spastic children, and 24 facilitators from medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Management Science University (MSU).
The program aimed.
- To introduce Down syndrome to the community,
- Foster family bonds,
- Provide social stimulation,
- Expose the children to society, and
- Offer medical students exposure to community programs and working with special needs children.
Throughout the event, various games were organized to enhance the children's fine motor, gross motor, and social skills,
- Sandcastle competition They were divided into 5 groups and with the help of facilitators they were asked to build the sandcastle.
- Dressing- up Games With the materials that have been given to them, they are required to create the most beautiful dress among themselves.
- Drum circle. We made a circle, and all of the participants will hold percussion and with the help of the leader, they will play the drum and create any songs.
- Soopa – Doopa
- Musical Chair.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the event concluded successfully at 2 pm, leaving participants and family members satisfied and hopeful for its continuation annually. The organizers expressed gratitude to the Pediatric Department HUSM and MPA for their support and contributions