On Sunday, March 20 KDSP successfully conducted its 7th Annual Carnival in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. Through the years, the event has aimed to create a safe and inclusive space for not only individuals with Down syndrome but also for the society at large. The carnival brings to life a vision and hope for a society that is accepting and inclusive for all persons with disabilities. Over 5,500 individuals participated in our Carnival festivities by partaking in engaging activities, creative games, stage performances and indulging in delicious food.
Click Here to view the video
On World Down Syndrome Day 2014, KDSP’s first public awareness campaign celebrated the true potential of some people with Down syndrome living in Karachi.
This was done through a photo-based video promo that ran on several mainstream news channels including AAJ TV, Samaa TV, Geo, etc. on World Down Syndrome Day. The video also ran prior to the start of every film in leading cinemas for two consecutive days.
15 billboards were placed across major areas in the city, also highlighted KDSP’s message of recognizing the potential of people with Down syndrome.
An electronic leaflet on the same theme was circulated via email to more than 30,000 people using databases of various organizations. Another 60,000 people were reached through the campaign on social media.
Representatives of KDSP also appeared on morning shows on various TV channels as well as radio shows on World Down Syndrome Day.
Karachi Down Syndrome Program celebrated World Down Syndrome Day 2015 on the 22nd of March 2015 by hosting its first Carnival at the Beach Luxury Hotel to provide an event for everyone to gather, have fun, learn and celebrate an inclusive society.
The carnival was attended by 1700 people. Representatives of KDSP also appeared on Morning Shows on various TV channels.
For this occasion, KDSP put up 21 billboards, to recognise the 21st chromosome causing Down syndrome, around all the major areas of Karachi to create awareness about Down syndrome and celebrate the role the families in the lives of people with Down syndrome.
KDSP also developed a short video based on the theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2015, highlighting the positive role of family members in the life of a person with Down syndrome.
KDSP organized its second carnival for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends at the Beach Luxury Hotel on Sunday, March 20, 2016 to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends of KDSP came together for an evening full of fun, delicious food and exciting activities.
For the very first time, the very talented adult participants of the arts and crafts class at KDSP had a stall to themselves. The stall displayed nimbly crafted baskets, key chains, bags and decorative flowers. Each participant took turns managing the stall, proudly displaying their hard work.
Other activities at the carnival included dance competitions for children, games including spin-the-wheel, hit-the-sponge bowling, train rides for kids, a photobooth, t-shirt painting and raffle drawing.
The carnival was attended by 2000 people who shared our dream of an inclusive society and stepped forward to celebrate inclusion for everyone.
Moreover, to recognize the World Down syndrome Day, KDSP also initiated an outdoor media campaign whereby billboards highlighting individuals with Down syndrome and their families were put up across the city’s major areas.
An awareness video emphasizing the importance of the early childhood intervention for children with Down syndrome. The video was disseminated through social media, and reached out to several thousand people.
KDSP’s Word Down Syndrome Day Carnival 2017 was held on Sunday, March 19, at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi. Over 3000 people collectively demonstrated that an inclusive society is possible and that people of all abilities should be celebrated, accepted, and appreciated.
Activities at the carnival included dancing competition, celebrity sightings, a photo booth, mini-train rides, and an arts and crafts exhibition by various crafters. The carnival also featured scrumptious food and exciting prizes for all.
KDSP also collaborated with Ali Hamza from Noori, as our first Goodwill Ambassador, to release the music video “Aao Humaray Saath Chalo”. The song was written by Zehra Nigah and sung by Ali Hamza.
The music video was directed by Amaan Ahmed and featured several celebrities, including Bushra Ansari, Sarwat Gillani, Javed Sheikh, Ahsan Khan, Momal Sheikh, Anoushey Ashraf, and Sheema Kirmani.
Ali Allawala – KDSP’s CEO and Ali Hamzaalso appeared on Aaj TV’s morning show “Good Morning Aaj” to talk about the lived experience of individuals with Down syndrome.
KDSP Carnival 2018 was held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the DHA Sports Club – Moin Khan Academy. The carnival was a roaring success! The entire venue was filled with laughter and excitement all evening long, and the children squealed in delight upon seeing the jungle themed decor. People of all age groups were well entertained; the younger ones waited patiently in queues to play games or be a part of different activities such as t-shirt painting, hand-casting, face painting and card making. The adults enjoyed their time at various food stalls and crafters stall, where a variety of mouthwatering snacks and beautiful handicrafts grabbed their attention. KDSP’s merchandise stall was one of the most admired stalls of the evening, as it sold the handicrafts made by the adult participants of KDSP themselves and was loved by everyone! The excitement at the event heightened once Zoe Viccaji’s concert started and the crowd swayed to her melodious songs.
Over 3000 people came together to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day at the carnival, and with this KDSP moved one step closer to achieving its vision of an inclusive society where people of all abilities are accepted and celebrated.
KDSP organized an inclusive carnival for individuals with Down syndrome and their families on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the DHA Sports Club – Moin Khan Academy. The Carnival featured exciting games and activities for all children including puppet shows, dance competitions and magic shows, delicious food for the adults a musical performance by Zoe and Rachel Viccaji for everyone!
View Carnival highlights here click here
‘KDSP successfully pulled off its 6th Annual Carnival, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, on February 16th, 2020. The carnival catered to 5,500 people of all ages and abilities. The games were meaningful and planned such that individuals of various abilities could participate. There was a large variety of food and craft stalls, which allowed for adults and children alike to indulge.
This time around, KDSP introduced 'Kahani Ghar', as a dedicated story space to bring every child’s imaginations to life; Khaled Anam wove a story through music, Chimpu dared to be different in a play organized by Shehzad Ghias, young individuals braved the world to find a lost calf, in a story by Azcorp Entertainment and the truth was unveiled behind the conniving Vazir and an arrogant Raja, in a captivating story enactment by Zambeel Dramatic Readings.
In accordance with KDSP’s World Down Syndrome Day Campaign 2020, KDSP launched an awareness video with the aim to; help build bridges, break through glass ceilings and change faulty perceptions that exist within our society.’
Each year the annual KDSP Carnival marks the highlight of the WDSD campaign. Due to COVID-19, with on-ground activities restricted, KDSP continued its tradition of celebrating with the Family Network by delivering ‘Carnival in a Box,’ consisting of a themed box full of treats for approximately 700 families within its network.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented itself with many opportunities to connect with those around us. Keeping this in mind, the theme for KDSP’s World Down Syndrome Day 2021 awareness campaign was, “Connect with Down Syndrome,” encouraging people in our society to connect with individuals with Down syndrome and learn more about Down syndrome. In accordance with the campaign, KDSP launched an awareness video that challenged people’s perceptions regarding individuals with Down syndrome. The video featuring a young boy whose elder sister has Down syndrome, highlighted inclusivity and togetherness, inspired by the innocent and welcoming perspective of children. It further depicted the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome as a dependable and considerate figure, able to care for her little brother.
To view video click here
