“Together…We Imagine, Inspire, Engage, Excel.”
Across the globe – in war-torn, flood damaged, COVID plagued, and earthquake devastated Idlib, Syria – this inspiring guiding principle of Dr. Kurt A. Freeman, Director of the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability, Department of Pediatrics, is on full display at White Hearts Center.
Since 2020, White Hearts Center (WHC) has been uniquely committed to raising community awareness about the importance of education and care for children with disabilities – specifically children with Down syndrome. By organizing workshops, seminars, and field visits to parents of children with Down syndrome, the WHC team is leading the way in Syria in the provision of Down syndrome therapy services to these beautiful children with special needs.
WHC’s operational mission is to continuously improve the capabilities of our Down syndrome therapy team members, while mobilizing their specialized services in a professional, caring, and empathetic manner – understanding and respecting the sensitivities of the special needs of the children and their family members. Ongoing training programs are provided throughout the year to ensure that the WHC professional work team is qualified in accordance with modern Down syndrome curricula and therapeutic best practices – including the UK-based Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group’s excellent medical guidelines.
Additionally, WHC coordinates and networks with other community and governmental institutions in the region, with the aim of aligning with strategic partners in promoting education and therapy best practices for children with Down syndrome throughout Syria – including friends and affiliated organizations such as:
- Down Syndrome International (DSI).
- North-West Syria Protection Cluster (NWSPC) and Inclusion Technical Working Group (ITWG) programs.
- Lebanese Down Syndrome Association (LDSA).
Below is a video showing the launch of White Heart Center’s work in the new location provided by funding received in 2021 to 2024 from SHARE Foundation, Friends of White Hearts Center, and SAMS.