A very special café was born in Istanbul, designed to give jobs to boys and girls with Down syndrome. The Down Café only hires staff between the ages of 18 and 25 with the aim of giving these kids more autonomy and self-confidence.
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A Istanbul! a very special coffee was born, designed to give jobs to boys and girls with the down syndrome. The Down Coffee it only hires staff between the ages of 18 and 25 with the aim of giving these kids more autonomy and self-confidence.
Similar examples have emerged in other parts of the world in recent times, such as Locanda dei Girasoli in Rome and Tim's Place di Albuquerque, in the United States. There Istanbul coffee shop was born from an idea of Saruhan Singen in the Sisli district.
The project was born from the experience of raising a daughter with Down syndrome. The girl now works at the bar with other peers. The project hopes to open up new possibilities for a category of people for whom there are usually very few job opportunities.
According to National Down Syndrome Association, 1500 children with Down syndrome are born in Turkey every year. It is currently estimated that there are around 100 people with Down syndrome living in Turkey.
According to Singen, better medical care is absolutely essential for these special children and teens, but the most important thing to do is help them live a more independent and fulfilling life.
The initial opening of the café took place in 2011. At first, business was going very slowly and people hesitated in front of its special staff, but little by little the clientele was able to appreciate the welcome of the place and began to speak well of it. with others.
So the word got out and now the Down Cafe has a good reputation for helping people to get rid of prejudices against the disabled. At the same time, it offers those with Down syndrome the opportunity to test themselves and demonstrate their skills and talents.
Together with the kids they are active every day volunteers. The restaurant is open from 9 to 17 for the whole week e can host up to 40 people at one time. A really nice example of respect and integration that should also spread to other parts of the world.
Marta Albè
Photo source: Sisli Down Café
Read also:
Locanda dei Girasoli: the restaurant run by Down boys is at risk of closing
Tim's Place, the special restaurant where you can order free hugs
