People with Down Syndrome have potential

The national conference "Li Titghallem... qatt m'hu tard wisq" held on February 23 and 24 at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra, was well attended by parents. Our association was represented by our chair, Marthese Mugliette.

The conference was well organised and the chosen subject attracted the attention of many people who believe in lifelong learning. This 'new' concept of lifelong learning has established itself well now with the general public. During this conference reference was made to the well attended lifelong learning courses, tertiary education and morning and evening adult classes.

The association noted that the education of people with disability was mentioned only by one speaker, Sandro Spiteri. His statement that "the most vulnerable ought to have the most help" and his question "are we seeing to everyone's needs?" say it all. Confronted by the unacceptable current situation with regard to the education of people with Down Syndrome after they finish their fifth form within mainstream schools, we urge the authorities to give thorough consideration to these statements and act upon them immediately.

The Down Syndrome Association is concerned about the future of our children. While this national conference stressed the importance of lifelong learning, we have a situation where a person who has Down Syndrome, with more to learn and has the ability to do so, is being denied the opportunity of further education. No service is available for him within our list of services available to Maltese citizens for a continuous education.

Mr A. Degiovanni, director, Adult Education, stated that "who is living needs to keep on learning... I continue to learn because I am living." Br Saviour Gatt, FSC, said that "Learning is there to grow up and to develop as a person and not to obtain a job". Beautiful and true statements but which, due to the unfortunate present situation of lack of adult education for our children who have Down Syndrome, are inapplicable for them.

"The new Life Long Learning Programme supports learning opportunities from childhood to old age in every single life situation. Lifelong learning is about acquiring and updating all kinds of abilities, interests, knowledge and qualifications from the pre-school years to post-retirement. Learning opportunities should be available to all citizens on an ongoing basis. In practice this should mean that citizens each have individual learning pathways, suitable to their needs and interests at all stages of their lives. The content of learning, the way learning is accessed, and where it takes place may vary depending on the learner and their learning requirements" says the European Commission on Lifelong Learning.

The Down Syndrome Association urges all authorities to put these words into action and to immediately organise and, with our involvement, discuss the process of lifelong learning for our children with Down Syndrome. Our children have the ability to learn which, if given correctly and of good quality, empowers them to access the labour market. Every parent wishes his child to succeed and so do we parents of people with Down Syndrome.