PHNOM PENH – Public understanding of Down syndrome remains limited and active participation is needed to promote the rights of individuals with it, the Rabbit School Organization head says.

Sor Sothearom says support is needed for their education and employment opportunities.

World Down Syndrome Day 2025, on March 21, promotes global awareness about people with Down syndrome and shows their rights and achievements. 

The syndrome is a genetic condition when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is also known as trisomy 21.

She said the extra chromosome affects brain development, leading to physical and intellectual challenges. People affected have recognizable physical traits and do not grow more than 1.5 meters. 

 “People with Down syndrome can have a range of physical traits, such as a flatter facial profile, almond-shaped eyes, and a shorter stature,” Sothearom said.

“Their cognitive abilities can vary widely, but individuals typically have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities,” Sothearom said.
 
Since 2003, Rabbit School Organization has partnered with Aide et Action, a global non-profit organization, to create sustainable education solutions for marginalized communities in Cambodia and foster an inclusive and equitable future for all children.

Discrimination and education

The Rabbit School Organization has been supporting children with Down syndrome for 27 years. Its efforts include providing special education and encouraging children with Down syndrome to participate in activities alongside other children in public schools.

The organization also raises awareness about Down syndrome among parents and the community. They spread information about what Down syndrome is and share the experiences of children and parents on online platforms.

The organization plans to add additional skills, such as speech therapy training to support the students.

Sothearom said social media outreach and education on Down syndrome have led to positive changes for parents to better understand the syndrome, especially when they take their children to study at the Rabbit School.

“However, some parents who do not have a child with Down syndrome still discriminate against those who do. The Rabbit School aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome so that society values individuals with Down syndrome,” she said.

Youths with Down syndrome can work

Over the last eight years, the organization has helped find jobs for ten youth with Down syndrome who have developed good communication skills and are now working at companies that partner with the organization. 

People with Down syndrome can get jobs after acquiring both hard and soft skills through a program called "Vocational Training and Seeking Job Opportunities for People with Down Syndrome" at the school.

The skills taught are not solely focused on office work but also on jobs that depend on the individual's ability to learn.

“Despite these efforts, there are still challenges. Discrimination from the community, the lack of experts to support these individuals, and the absence of vocational training and job opportunities for people with Down syndrome remain significant issues,” she said.

The Rabbit School has collaborated with the Ministry of Social Affairs, several NGOs such as Kampuchea Sela Handicap, Disability Development Service Program,  Domnok Toek, Disability Support International Organization and experts from other countries to spread awareness about Down Syndrome, find job opportunities and provide vocational training.

“But these activities seem to be limited and have not yet fully addressed the needs of people with Down syndrome in the provinces,” Sothearom said.

Relevant participation

Sothearom said promoting education for individuals with Down syndrome is needed to ensure participation from parents, public people, private companies, NGOs and the government. 

She encourages parents of children with Down syndrome to seek more information about education and not to miss the opportunity to help their children develop and to support them in becoming valuable resources for the development of society.

Public understanding can help make people with Down syndrome more active and better able to adapt to daily life by creating a friendly, non-discriminatory environment.

She sees that participation from the private and government sectors is still limited when it comes to finding jobs for young people with Down syndrome who are capable of working. 

Because media coverage is not always effective in reaching the target audience, the organization continues to boost media outreach and build relationships with national and international non-governmental organizations, as well as potential private companies that can offer jobs for young people with Down syndrome. 

Understanding from business owners and coworkers is necessary. Young people with Down syndrome also face challenges in work because their memories are not as good as non-Down people. 

"It is essential to gain their understanding. Businesses or companies focus on profit but young people with Down syndrome may not fully meet the demands of their roles compared to their peers without disabilities," Sothearom said.

“That is why it is crucial to open opportunities for them to develop themselves.”

She also said that World Down Syndrome Day hasn't been fully celebrated or publicized in society because she only sees a few NGOs working in or related to this sector promoting the day, and their efforts are limited.

Sothearom hopes that the government and partner NGOs can work together to promote and publicize World Down Syndrome Day to increase understanding and prevent discrimination against children and youth with the syndrome.