Qatargas has made a financial contribution to Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs to support the ‘Down Syndrome’ campaign run by the Center.
Down Syndrome (DS or DNS) or Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability.
The primary objective of the campaign is to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome. The overall goal is to dispel the myths and misconceptions about people with Down syndrome with evidence that they are more similar to others than different - they share the same hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes, they love their families, value their friends and cope with the challenges of daily living. The Center will have ongoing programmes year round aimed at constantly raising awareness and reaching the maximum number of people.
As part of the campaign, Shafallah Centre has published a series of brochures, flyers and other printed literature with the objective of imparting true education to the parents and relatives of children with Down Syndrome. The literature explains in detail symptoms of this disorder, how to diagnose it early and treat it, possible factors leading to the birth of a child with Down Syndrome, services provided to these children in the State of Qatar and the available educational opportunities for them. There are specific printed materials aimed at providing the general public with detailed instructions on how to behave appropriately with these children so that they can integrate into society in the most natural way.
Qatargas’ support to the campaign is part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Qatargas is keen to engage with the local community at all levels with the objective of making a positive and lasting contribution. The Company recognizes the importance of integrating children with Down Syndrome into society and ensuring to provide the optimal conditions to take care for them.
Qatargas’ initiatives in the field of Community Development include its strong presence in the Ras Laffan Community Outreach Program, whereby it works closely with companies in RLIC to develop the northern areas of Qatar. It also cooperates with charity organizations in Qatar to extend all possible support to communities inside Qatar and abroad.
The Shafallah Center was established in 1999 at the directive of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser so that Qatari society could provide comprehensive services to children with disabilities. The Shafallah Center is the first facility of its kind in the world.
The Center offers state-of-the-art technologies, including an on-site Genetic Research Center, cutting-edge therapies and first-class faculty and counselors. The Center is a non-profit, private institution, serving as a model for the provision of special education, therapeutic, and health care support services for children with disabilities from birth to adulthood.