The Strictly Makaton Challenge Begins!
Many young people with communication difficulties often feel judged or struggle with communicating through speech. Some rely on signing, technology, gesture and much more. We are committed to supporting this community on a daily basis. Whether it's delivering online support videos, creating downloadable student resource packs, or fundraising, our community is always at the forefront of our minds.
Well, we've decided to take it one step further and push our Learn and Thrive team outside their comfort zone! We are learning the Makaton signs to the Katy Perry hit 'Roar', and after 21 days, being judged on our efforts by those that understand communication difficulties best: young people with Down's syndrome. It's going to be filmed and released publically for the world to see.
Why are we taking part in this challenge?
As with everything that we do here at Learn and Thrive, we're taking on the challenge in order to raise money which will go towards supporting children and young people with Down's syndrome to thrive.
What do our contestants have to say about the challenge?
Shilpa Patel (Trustee) says:
"We live in a world where everything is built for what we consider ‘normal’. This includes sports, theatres, work-life, entertainment, travel (the list is long) …. but critically, education! The Down’s syndrome community need a different type of support to learn things which we consider ‘normal’: maths, English, social skills, using a credit card, buying a train ticket, learning about science etc. Teachers and carers are left short-changed with materials to help them help their pupils or wards. We at Learn and Thrive are raising funds and creating digital and easily accessible content for the Down’s syndrome community across the UK to learn in a way that suits them".
Nikki Walker (Chair of Trustees) says:
"This is a very special goal for me. 5 years ago a little girl called Freja was born. I had the privilege to go on a journey with her family, both emotional and physical as they supported her, and themselves through some very challenging times. Today she is absolutely thriving. She is also very very lucky, she has been given every piece of support she needed. It's not always an easy journey and today that support is not easily accessibly to all. Our aim at Learn and Thrive is to enable everyone to have access to resources so that everyone with Down's syndrome is able to thrive just like Freja has".
Karen McGuigan (Trustee) says:
"Learn and Thrive has the same mission as the Maths For Life programme - to support all those with Down's syndrome to enable real change; it was an easy decision for me to become a Trustee of this charity. I am a capable parent with the time, money, emotional strength and motivation to ensure that Lance gets what he needs to support him. There are many Lances out there without that advocate. Learn and Thrive aims to address this imbalance by providing accessible, digital content available to all via the home, school and work environment".
Andrea Wilson (Trustee) says:
"Recently I learnt how hard it is for most people in the Down's syndrome community to get hold of learning materials that work for them. Teachers are left to figure out how to adapt the core curriculum and parents and carers have to scour the internet to find things that engage their children. Learn and Thrive will spend the funds raised to create learning materials in a style and language that works for the Down's syndrome community all over the UK".
Vikki Leach (Trustee) says:
"I am so happy to be raising funds for children with Down's syndrome, enabling them to have access to learning, stimulate their thinking and provide it in a fun way. Each and every one of us can do our bit to help the world be a better place for each other, I'm on a journey to learn and support amazing children with Down's syndrome".
Kate Taylor (Treasurer) says:
"This is an amazing charity that I feel passionately about, having a now grown-up sister with Down's syndrome has enabled me to see the impact that her education has had on her adult life. That's why I have chosen to become a Trustee of this charity: to help shape its direction and ensure that we have a positive impact on as many children's lives as possible".
Jo Aiyathurai (CEO) says:
"This charity is exceptionally personal to me. I have been part of it since the beginning, but much more than that, I understand how much this support is needed. Having a 13-year-old daughter with Down's syndrome terrifies me! To the outside world, I put on my brave face and sail through the day. Inside it is a different story. It isn't Down's syndrome that scares me, it is the response of the world to my child as she grows. When she doesn't understand the social setting and gets it wrong, when she is so anxious she becomes overwhelmed and shouts. Will the world accept her, will they see her value?
Learn and Thrive is delivering accessible support to help people like Bethan learn the skills to keep themselves safe, and to enter the adult world confident that they have the skills to thrive and live the life they want to live. Those that know me will understand what a challenge this is! I hate a camera, I hate the spotlight. Give me a seat hidden at the back any day! But Bethan is rising to the challenge of life every day, so now it's my turn. I really hope you can support us both on this journey".
Collectively, this is why Learn and Thrive exists. It's the same reason we're taking on this Strictly Makaton challenge!