After thousands of free therapeutic services, "Down Syndrome Kosovo" faces a lack of funds

It has been almost two decades since the Down Syndrome Kosovo (DSK) association was founded, and every year has been challenging for this organization to survive and ensure the provision of services to its members.

And this October, which is also known as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Down Syndrome Kosovo association has launched the 'What's happening for us' campaign, which aims to raise funds through which free services and therapy are then provided to all members of the association.
Riada Stanovci from "Down Syndrome Kosovo" indicates that currently therapeutic services are provided in 5 different centers distributed in Kosovo, and children with Down syndrome receive 6640 developmental and occupational therapy services per year, free of charge.

"October marks the month of awareness for Down syndrome. We have launched the campaign 'What is happening to us' with the aim of raising funds to provide therapeutic services that are offered in the 5 centers of our organization. We are constantly calling, the campaign has been during the election period, we have been led by candidates for mayors and assembly members, but everyone can offer their contribution. The campaign will last until the end of the month. We are in 5 centers: Prishtina, Ferizaj, Prizren, Mitrovica and Gjilan. In Prishtina alone we have 100 active beneficiaries, adults and children. In the early intervention and education program, physiotherapy, language and communication services, and developmental therapy from a psychologist are offered. We have 70 children who receive services here. There are 30 members in vocational training," says Stanovci.

According to DSK, the services are extremely important for the association's members, but sometimes due to lack of funds, they are limited in services. Stanovci adds that such services have a high cost, and fortunately they continue to be provided free of charge here.

"The therapeutic services that we offer are extremely essential for our members. Financial problems sometimes force us to limit services for our members. If a child needs to receive speech therapy services 5 times a week, but we only have the opportunity for 2-3 services per week, this is why we lobby for funds to be raised to provide the necessary services for these people. The costs of therapies are very high, but here they are free of charge. If they are not offered by the association, then parents would have to pay high costs, from 15 euros onwards for a service," says Stanovci.

She says that parents are also concerned about the future of the organization, if they are left without services.

"We have cooperation with the parents of the organization. They are very satisfied with us. Parents also feel the fear of closing these services. The day here starts from 8 am to 4 pm, we are at work. Parents start bringing their children to receive services here," emphasizes Stanovci.

DSK invites everyone to support the 'What is it doing for us' campaign, so that DSK can survive as long as possible and children can continue to receive necessary therapeutic services free of charge.

"At DSK, member assessments are conducted twice a year and we see how much progress we have made and we see that the services have really been needed. At different times, like the postcard workshop in December, a good atmosphere is created and they can't wait to come. I invite all people of good will to give their contribution, not only by sharing on Facebook, but to contribute by making a donation," says Stanovci.

The “What are you doing for us” campaign is more than a call for help, it is an opportunity to ensure the continuity of vital work for hundreds of children and families in Kosovo. Everyone’s contribution, whether small or large, helps create a better future for people with Down syndrome.