Eric Ishimwe, who has Down syndrome, serves as a barista at Turambe Shoppe, a coffee establishment in Gasabo District, Kigali. He joyfully caters to the shop’s customers serving beverages and food. Ishimwe’s active involvement in the Super Intern programme has not only enriched his learning journey but also provided him with the necessary skills to confidently step into the workforce.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21 in some or all of the body’s cells. It affects a person’s body and brain development, potentially leading to mental and physical challenges, including growth, developmental, and learning delays of varying severity.

According to Edwige Musabe, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization (RDSO), Ishimwe is among numerous individuals with the condition who face challenges accessing employment due to societal perceptions of their capabilities, often stigmatising them. Through its Talent4U program, RDSO is committed to fostering an inclusive environment in Rwanda where individuals with Down syndrome can realise their full potential, leading fulfilling and productive lives.

For this reason, RDSO in partnership with DuHope, an ethical brand that creates opportunities for Rwandan women to exit sex work, and the Kigali International Community School (KICS) Interact club, a Rotary-affiliated community service organisation, orchestrated JoyFest, a fundraising event which sought to raise funds for the RDSO’s Talent4U program, at TurambeShoppe, on May 4, 2024.

Lorena Casey Waihiga Mwangi, Charter President of the KICS Interact Club, who is also Project Manager (Intern) for JoyFest, stated that the Talent4U program aims to equip individuals who have Down syndrome with training in various skills, including barista techniques and bracelet crafting. Upon the completion of the training, they become Super interns.

"Why they created Talent4U was to go against the ideas people have, that individuals with Down syndrome are incapable of contributing to society. The programme aims to support them, empower them with practical skills that will enhance their prospects for employment, and enable them to actively participate in the workforce," said-16-year-old Mwangi.

"What this partnership is doing, we are bringing awareness in our society about Down syndrome because people with Down syndrome are still stigmatised, and they are still left behind. And we want them to also be at the same level as everybody else,” Musabe said.

Jamie Boiles, Director of DuHope, who also manages Turambe Shoppe, said that people with Down syndrome can work if given the needed support, pointing out that she employs two people with the condition, including Ishimwe.

For Musabe, though Down syndrome falls under disabilities as it affects a child’s physical and mental development, "it doesn’t mean that they are incapable, it just means that they need support, and they can actually participate like anybody else in the community if they get the proper assistance.”

Boiles has employed two young people with Down syndrome, just to show that potential employers can also employ people to increase youth or adults with Down syndrome in the workforce. "If they can work at DuHope and Turambe, they should be able to work somewhere else,” she observed.

According to Musabe, RDSO has already reached out to more than 450 individuals with Down syndrome, emphasising their collaborative efforts with hospitals. Upon diagnosis, hospitals refer individuals to RDSO for registration and assistance. However, she noted that the registered count is significantly lower compared to the total number of individuals with Down syndrome nationwide.

"There are so many that don’t know they have the condition, there are so many that haven’t been assisted,” she said, indicating that "some need help like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy that is almost non-existent in Rwanda, as well as special needs education.”

Casey Hughes, KICS Interact Club sponsor, said that the club helps the school to fulfill its role by preparing servant leaders, and helping them choose character, wisdom, a lifestyle of participation, and service.

"So, we are very fortunate to have a group of students who were provided with the opportunity to see a need, like to help support the Talent4U Programme of Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization,” she remarked.

It was clear from the JoyFest event that despite the challenges associated with Down syndrome, many individuals with the condition lead fulfilling lives and make valuable contributions to their families, communities, and society. With appropriate support, education, and healthcare, individuals with Down syndrome can achieve significant milestones and live fulfilling lives.

RDSO, Kigali International Community School, and DuHope extend their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors: The Retreat, Kigali Serena Hotel, Ubumwe Grande Hotel, Lemigo Hotel, Home Health and Hospice of Kansas, The Cabin at Ahera, Reinsurance Brokerage Solutions, Rotary Club of Kigali Karisimbi, The International Travel Agency, L’Organic Essentials Skin and Spa, and KICS Secondary Staff. Their generosity impacted lives, fostered inclusivity, and provided essential resources for the Talent4U programme. Thank you for your invaluable support in promoting acceptance and support for individuals with Down syndrome.