GTT supports Ptolemy Reid Centre in Down Syndrome awareness activity
In observance of World Down Syndrome Day, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company collaborated with the Ptolemy Reid Centre for Rehabilitation to raise awareness.
Several members of the company’s leadership team joined parents and facilitators at the centre to interact with the children there, during a small fun day and socks exhibition.
The team also made a donation of $200,000 to the organisation on behalf of the company.
COO of GTT’s Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson said GTT is playing its part to strengthen communities. This time he said, the company is connecting persons living with Down Syndrome by committing to efforts that ensure a robust support network for them.
Members of staff of GTT at the Ptolemy Reid Centre on Tuesday
“We are nothing without each other; the country is made up of communities and today it’s about us recognising differently-abled people because they have a right to be connected too. Connected with their families, opportunities to learn, opportunities to play, and opportunities to have fun and live a normal life. We have gotten involved to support that and show them that we care also.”
Occupational Therapist at the Ptolemy Reid Centre, Calvin Lawrie thanked GTT for its support. He said that the aim of the activity was to raise awareness and provide a forum for parents to network, learn from each other and continue to build strong foundations for their children.
“We want the parents to meet and greet each other and share their experiences so they don’t feel alone. It’s about building a strong community and we are thankful to GTT for supporting us.”
Azeena Baksh, a parent of a five-year-old Down Syndrome child and co-founder of the Down Syndrome Support Organisation, Extra One GY, underscored the importance of support.
“We are a group of parents that decided that we need a lot more awareness and we have come together to do that and help each other along the way. Inclusiveness helps and that’s what we are encouraging.
Baksh appealed to parents of children with Down Syndrome not to feel discouraged but instead to quickly accept the reality and seek the necessary support and guidance. She also thanked GTT for its support and commitment.
