In memory of Hope Emmanuella: a loving Easter with Down's syndrome children in Togo

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Extract from the article: Celebrating Easter with children with Down's Syndrome is part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of Down's Syndrome and promote its inclusion, led by the association Mères Amis des Enfants Trisomiques (AMAETRI). This association regularly organis

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Celebrating Easter with children with Down's Syndrome is part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of Down's Syndrome and promote its inclusion, led by the association Mères Amis des Enfants Trisomiques (AMAETRI). This association regularly organises events and actions in favour of children with Down's syndrome, including free medical consultations, psychological support for families, and advocacy for better care and inclusion of these children in Togolese society.

In memory of her daughter Hope Emmanuella, who died 6 years ago, Mrs Viviane Adjado, in collaboration with Mrs Agbassi Tatchein-Ouadja and her Association Mères Amis des Enfants Trisomiques (AMAETRI), organised a day of joy and laughter for 30 wonderful children and their parents on 21 April 2025. The day was an opportunity to celebrate these children with Down's Syndrome through fun and inclusive activities.

‘Hope Emmanuella is this little girl who was sadly born and left us on 24 April 2019. But through this difficult ordeal, I really saw a positive action to be able to raise awareness of children with Down's syndrome and help parents of children with Down's syndrome. We need to break down the prejudices against Down's Syndrome and have a benevolent outlook on children with Down's Syndrome. Through this initiative, we would like to raise awareness and transform this pain into love for other children with Down's syndrome, and educate them without prejudice. We need to be tolerant and change the negative way we look at these children, and above all encourage their inclusion in society. Our mission is to keep those around us and the general public informed about Down's Syndrome,’ said Viviane Adjado, who initiated the event. 

One of the particularities of this celebration is to make people understand that having a child with Down's Syndrome is not a curse. Down's Syndrome should no longer be a taboo subject in society. The social inclusion of these children is an essential pillar of AMAETRI's fight.

‘Our unwavering commitment to a more inclusive society where every individual, no matter how different, is not only accepted but celebrated for their diversity. Down's Syndrome is one element of that diversity and today we pledge to step up our fight to ensure that every person affected by this condition has the opportunities and rights they deserve. We must combat the dropping out of school and the non-enrolment of children with Down's syndrome, while encouraging their socio-professional integration. The fight against all forms of discrimination against children with Down's syndrome must be strengthened and supported’, stressed Mrs Agbassi Tatchein-Ouadja.  She called for the construction of a centre for listening, learning and caring for children with Down's syndrome, to be known as the ‘Emmanuella Centre’. 

According to Kéren Monnier, a psychomotor therapist, the treatment of Down's syndrome in Togo is multidisciplinary and involves several specialists, including paediatricians, speech therapists and health professionals, all working to support the children and their families.

During the event, the children with Down's syndrome took part in a number of activities, including a painting workshop, a dance competition, musical chairs, an activity with a specialised educator, and shared a convivial meal together. In a festive atmosphere full of warmth and emotion, the children also enjoyed a shower of gifts. This initiative is in line with the theme of the Association Mères Amis des Enfants Trisomiques (AMAETRI-TOGO) for World Down Syndrome Day 2025: ‘Let's love children with Down Syndrome’.

William O.