On World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visited the institutions founded by the Perspectiva 21.3 charity organization in Brovary, Kyiv region. They aim to support people with intellectual disabilities and provide them with opportunities for a full life and self-realization.
The wife of the President visited, in particular, Cafe 21.3. It employs people with Down syndrome, autism, and intellectual disabilities. The project helps them adapt to life after school and acquire the skills necessary to find a job. The cafe serves, among other things, specialty pastries made by the Dutch Bakery 21.3, another branch of Perspectiva 21.3, where people with intellectual disabilities learn baking skills.
The First Lady spoke with the staff and learned about the work of the institutions; she also visited the social adaptation center, where students acquire the knowledge necessary for a full life and employment.
“I visited this place with a special feeling that awareness, timely help, indifference, humanity – especially now, in a difficult time for our country – will definitely change not only concrete fates, but also our entire society for the better,” Olena Zelenska concluded.