Students pull up their socks

Staff Mohammad Hallak and Rima Kanj with students Layla, Zara, Liyana, Zakariya and Zakariya wearing funky socks. Student Ali (front) with Colby (seated) from Down Syndrome Victoria. (Damjan Janevski) 272723_02

Students at Al-Taqwa College wore their silliest socks to school to raise money in support of Down Syndrome Awareness day on March 21.

This is the second year the school has participated in the event and the theme for the day is Lots of Socks.

“Students across both primary and secondary school get to wear their craziest and most colourful socks – whatever takes their fancy,” Head of extra-curricular activities Huda Hayek said.

“The idea behind this is to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and show that we can be accepting of differences. At the same time, we raise donations to give to Down Syndrome Victoria, so we do our bit to support in another tangible way.”

Ms Hayek believes all kids should feel included not only in school, but in the community in general.

“It’s our responsibility to create awareness and promote inclusivity. In the Islamic faith, it’s essential to support and value people with disabilities as included and important members of society. We need to do our bit to uplift and support others,” she said.

“Our school hopes to change perceptions about people with Down Syndrome and more than anything, help create a more compassionate world.”

Fatima Halloum