Through photography, Xhemail Slovinja brings living with Down Syndrome to Kosovo

Each of these photographs by Xhemail Slovinja holds a special story, highlighting the daily lives, talents and contributions of people with Down Syndrome in the country.

The Slovenian photographer summarized all these stories in a single exhibition, "A World for All", which aims to prove once again the need for the inclusion of these people in society.

"I have been taking photographs for 25 years and have been looking for a significant theme for my first exhibition for a long time, one that would be remembered by the public. Coincidentally, the idea came to me when I met a neighbor I grew up with, my age, and I went to a cafe. When I entered there, I saw my neighbor Besnik making coffee. We had met before, but I had never seen him work. There they told me that Besnik is a very good barista. That's where I was inspired to make an exhibition with people with Down Syndrome, to dedicate it to their routine, work, activities, whatever they are that reflect them during the day. Then, at the Down Syndrome center, I showed them the idea and they liked it a lot. This work started in the summer with photographs and continued until now in October," says Slovinja.

He says that for this exhibition he traveled to various cities in Kosovo and in collaboration with the association they found 15 characters who were then exhibited in 17 photographs.

"It wasn't easy, because I wanted each character to be involved with the approval of their family members when a photo was taken. Through the association, I achieved this. They helped me a lot, they connected me with my family members, and they told me about every job they do. I didn't take any photos myself, we did everything in collaboration," emphasizes Slovinja.

The photographer says he has met special characters during this journey, Ilir is one of them, now a fruit seller in one of the shops in the Municipality of Viti.

"My parents welcomed me very well. I was hesitant at first, because I might be misunderstood, but when I met them in different cities in Kosovo, they came forward, waited for me, then we talked and drank coffee together. Each photo is special, as are they themselves. I also talked to the members themselves about the work they do. As a special character, Ilir from Pozheran, Viti, works in a market, sells fruits, just as he likes to do. Even after the end of working hours, he does not want to leave, but to continue working, because he is very attached to his colleagues," emphasizes Slovinja.

For the author Slovinja, this was the first exhibition, of which he says he is proud of the topic he addressed and the photographs he took.

"This is my first personal exhibition. I am extremely fulfilled spiritually and professionally that I have dedicated it to these characters. As a goal, with this exhibition I wanted to strengthen the role of these people in Kosovar society through visual art," he declares.

After the exhibition, the photographer says he wants to continue the awareness campaign in Kosovo schools, so that children are aware of Down Syndrome from an early age and of the people who may be part of their class in the future.

"I don't have any other plans for this year, but next year, with these photographs, I will have other exhibitions. I have also thought about awareness campaigns on this topic in schools. There is nothing concrete yet, but I hope to implement it next year. My son is also involved in some activities, he was also in the exhibition. Erti is 7 years old, but he knows these characters and loves them very much. I also call on other family members to introduce their children to these people, so that they become aware as early as possible," says Slovinja.

The Slovenian exhibition came just in time for Down Syndrome Awareness Month and called for joining the association's latest campaign where each of us can contribute to the well-being of the association's members.

"In this month of awareness, I have joined the "Down Syndrome" campaign. I wanted the exhibition to be in this month as well. The campaign is "What is happening to us", so it is precisely for these people that I have made my exhibition. Citizens, if they have the opportunity, can contribute to the association's campaign, in any way they can, because they need support", emphasizes Slovinja.

The photographs will not be sold, but they will be on display at the House of Europe until December 31st, after which they will be moved to the Down Syndrome Center.

"The photos are not for sale, I just wanted to show through them the routine of these people. I included ages from 1 to 40, from early childhood, school to employment. I thank the House of Europe where these photos are being exhibited. After the awareness month, the photos will be placed in the facility of the "Down Syndrome Kosovo" Center", emphasizes Slovinja.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Such initiatives aim to increase the inclusion of people with Down Syndrome in society.