Down Syndrome South Africa will host two innovative inclusive education events.
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) is pleased to announce two groundbreaking events aimed at promoting inclusive education across the country.
To address important implementation gaps in White Paper 6 regarding inclusive education access, these events bring together professionals, educators, parents, and self-advocates.
“Understanding Inclusion: A Right, NOT a Privilege”, the first event, will be held on May 17, 2025. Through the experiences of parents and self-advocates who deal with this reality daily, this powerful webinar will examine what inclusive education really means.
Along with Elaine Passmoor, the National Director of DSSA, the event boasts an impressive lineup of parent presenters, including Tamren de Jager, Dr. Maria Pestana, Magda Lourens, Annelise Boot, and Mimette Oosthuizen.
The Self-Advocate Panel, which includes Cornel Lourens, Victoria Giuricich, Kosie Schoeman, Luan Swanepoel, Tasha Oosthuizen, and Jacques du Pont, will be a highlight of the webinar. These advocates will offer compelling first-hand accounts of inclusive learning environments and their transformative effects.
Victoria Giuricich, a 25-year-old, has made a name for herself as a rhythmic gymnast and international model. She gained international recognition in September 2023 when she took home an overall silver medal from the Down Syndrome International Gymnastics Organisation (DSIGO) World Games in Tshwane. Victoria received Bronze for her Ribbon performance, Silver for her Ball and Club routines, and Gold for her Hoop routine. She has modelled for high-profile events like Top Model South Africa and Milan Fashion Week with M Missoni. Victoria trained at The Model Academy after graduating from Brescia House School in 2017 and has since become a role model who is shattering stereotypes in both fashion and gymnastics. Victoria’s accomplishments show that when given equal access to education and social opportunities, persons with Down syndrome can reach their full potential.
Because of his long-running role on the now-defunct “7de Laan TV series”, which was one of South Africa’s most popular soap operas, Kosie Schoeman, a National Self-advocate from Pretoria, has become well-known. As a key cast member, Kosie has contributed to changing the way that the entertainment industry views the abilities of people with Down syndrome. Kosie’s prosperous career served as an example of how inclusive education alters public perceptions while paving the way for fulfilling career opportunities.
The second event, “Embracing Diversity Through Multi-Level Teaching”, will take place on May 22–23, 2025. This two-day event, which is led by renowned inclusive education specialist Hanlie Swanepoel, will give teachers useful techniques for multi-level instruction that meets a range of student learning needs.
“With regard to inclusive education and school access, we have discovered that White Paper 6 is not being appropriately implemented.
This is the first of many training webinars for teacher students, educators, school boards, and education departments to become empowered and informed about the challenges and solutions to inclusive education. We have made the decision to address this issue head-on,” says Passmoor.
To establish fair learning environments where every student can succeed, it is imperative that inclusive education training be widely distributed to teachers. Teachers can better support diverse students, including those with Down syndrome, when they are properly trained in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices.
Since self-advocacy raises the voices of people who are most impacted by educational policies and practices, it is equally important. The success that results from inclusive education is exemplified by Victoria, Kosie, and their fellow advocates, who show why everyone should have access to these opportunities.
These activities demonstrate DSSA’s dedication to building a South Africa where inclusive education is not only a policy but a reality, where all children are accepted and have access to high-quality instruction that values their individual talents and potential.
The events are proudly sponsored by Bidvest Services International.
For more details and to register, Call: +27 72 652 2377; Email: dssaoffice@icon.co.za or dssa.ned@icon.co.za
Website: www.downsyndrome.org.za
