On Thursday, March 20, Mawaheb hosted a creative team-building workshop to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. The event welcomed partners from Hilton and their clients from Emirates, Deloitte, and PwC. The event began with a quiz led by Mawaheb student Chloe, who raised awareness about Down Syndrome and dispelled common misconceptions. Participants then engaged in a heartfelt sock painting activity, which emphasized the beauty of individuality and the unique traits that make each person special.
“Today, we unite to honor inclusion, diversity, and the incredible individuals who make our world brighter! With your unwavering support, we are creating a world where everyone is valued, empowered, and celebrated,”
said Wemmy de Maaker, Mawaheb’s founder and director, addressing the participants.
She emphasized that people with different abilities are talented, independent, and intelligent, highlighting the uniqueness that comes with their differences.
Hilton has collaborated with Mawaheb for several years, conducting numerous art workshops together. Additionally, Hilton has successfully employed two Mawaheb students following their internships with the hospitality group.
“When I joined Hilton’s Ability Team Member Resource Group last year, I learned about the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign and its mission to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day,”
commented Rachida Tibouch from Hilton.
“This inspired us to think creatively about how to engage our teams and the broader community. That’s how we came up with the idea of painting socks with the POD students. We wanted to go beyond internal initiatives and extend our awareness by sharing these hand-painted socks with our clients, encouraging them to join the cause. The response was overwhelmingly positive—our clients not only participated but also embraced the message behind the campaign.”
According to Rachida, building on last year’s success, Hilton’s team decided to take it further this year by inviting some of their clients to join them in the sock-painting activity alongside the Mawaheb students.
“It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, fostering inclusivity and creativity while contributing to a meaningful cause. What made this year’s workshop even more special was its coincidence with Ramadan—a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back. This overlap reinforced the values of compassion and community, making the experience even more meaningful for everyone involved,”
she added.
Rachida further mentioned that spending time with the students, each uniquely talented, was incredibly rewarding.
“Moments like these remind us of what truly matters in life. The two hours we spent painting were peaceful and uplifting, providing a much-needed break from the fast-paced nature of our daily work. Engaging with the students and witnessing their joy through art, music, and dance was refreshing and deeply inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and am already looking forward to future workshops. These experiences emphasize the importance of community, connection, and appreciating life’s simple joys.”
Mawaheb’s art teacher, Clizia Zepparelli, highlighted the importance of the creative process in their activities.
“In art, you learn the rules before breaking them. The sock-painting activity is a perfect example—understanding which colors work on fabric is essential, but once you’ve mastered that, you can express yourself.”
Kelvin Van Den Berg from Hilton said,
“It was an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Meeting different personalities and learning about various lifestyles made it truly special. The Mawaheb students were incredibly engaging!”
Grant Roberts from PwC, visiting Mawaheb for the first time, commented,
“The students’ art is incredible—so creative! This experience was grounding, enriching, and inspiring. It encourages you to return and spend more time with these students. I’ve made some wonderful friends today!”
Sharmila Devadason from Deloitte expressed her gratitude to Hilton for the invitation.
“It was a beautiful and meaningful event. We should visit more frequently and spend time with these talented individuals. Their positivity and confidence are truly inspiring!”
The event was supported by volunteers who assist Mawaheb with daily activities and events. Anna Gorter, a retired history teacher who has been volunteering for over a year, shared,
“I was inspired to join Mawaheb by a friend who volunteers here. Although I’m not an artist, I have a background in teaching and a passion for understanding different perspectives. It is gratifying to see how each student expresses themselves uniquely.”
Six of Mawaheb’s students have Down syndrome, a condition caused by an extra or partial copy of the 21st chromosome. While the exact cause of Down syndrome remains unknown, individuals with this condition can lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities, as demonstrated by the talented students at Mawaheb.
Article written by: Arevik Petrosian
