If you read Daniela’s story you might ask , What is FUNCEDOWN?
First a little bit of story of why Down syndrome Kids?
Daniela has an aunt who has Down syndrome. She grew up seeing her Paternal Grandma taking care of her 24/7. Her grandma didn’t have enough funds to enroll Daniela’s aunt in a program like the other moms who had access to health and education. Instead, Daniela’s grandma lived in a humble house in a very small town with lack of energy, water, services and sometimes food.
Daniela’s aunt has been a very resilient Down syndrome adult. She is now around 37 years old. And her grandma, who is 81 years old, is still taking care of her. This inspired her to be part of something that would incorporate both art and wellness to people like her aunt who had no access or privileges. That is why Daniela those FUNCEDOWN.
FUNCEDOWN is a Fundraiser located in Valledupar, Colombia where Daniela is from.
It was founded 22 years ago due to the lack of services and the hard access to education or benefits to Down syndrome Kids in Valledupar which is a small city. All the other centers are located in bigger cities like the Colombia’s capitol, for example.
It is a fundraiser that provides better opportunities based in the lack of services in the area. FUNCEDOWN develops and potentializes abilities through music, arts and manual activities. They also are “Environment Guardians” as they volunteer with cleaning activities around our Hurtado river and public areas always accompanied by the city and the Police.
FUNCEDOWN kids are also part of a well known Music and Dancing Academy where are taught how to play instruments such as accordion, drums, guacharaca, guitar and others. And are also taught traditional and cultural dances improving their coordination a d memory skills. The kids have been able to travel to other cities to perform along with other Fundraisers.
And FUNCEDOWN kids are also part of the internship for students who are at their last semester of Psychology and also international exchange students from Areandina University where Daniela graduated from Law School.