“Building our Future” – Conference to be held at United Nations on 21 March 2012

The first United Nations observed World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) will be celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on 21 March 2012 (3/21), with the Conference “Building Our Future”.
Inclusive education, human rights, political participation, changing society attitudes, independent living, how to work with the media and research are some of the topics that will be discussed.

See below the current programme:

World Down Syndrome Day at the UN – 3/21 – “Building Our Future” Conference Room 2 – United Nations Headquarters – New York, USA – 10.00 to 14:30

10.00 to 10:30 – Opening
Welcome and Introductions Penny Robertson OAM, Chair of Board, Down Syndrome International (DSi)
UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon – Message on WDSD (to be confirmed)

Head of Brazilian and Polish Missions
Co-sponsor Organisations
10:30 to 11.00 – UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Inclusion – The Importance of Global Coordination Effort to Socialize the Convention
Rosangela Berman-Bieler – Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF
Penny Robertson – Promoting inclusion in schools in Indonesia
Shona Robertson – Australia – Self-advocate – on her education experience
Beatriz Paiva – Brazil – Self-advocate – Carpe Diem Association – Co-author of book on communication accessibility

11.00 to 11:30 – Human Rights and Political Participation of Self-Advocates
Daniela Bas – Director of Division for Social Policy and Development (DESA), UN
Maria Alejandra Villanueva Contreras- Peru – Self-advocate – Fighting for her right to vote
David Egan – USA – Self-advocate – Lobbying for his rights at the US Congress
Ester Nadal Tarrago – Spain – Self-advocate who participated on book on the Convention

11:30 to 12:30 – Changing Society Attitudes – From Neglect and Institutionalization to Protagonist and Living in the Community
Rose Mordi – Nigeria – President of Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria
K.S. Sripathi – India – State Chief Information Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Government, Down Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu
Jason Kingsley – USA – Self-advocate, Co-author of book “Count Us In: Growing Up With Down Syndrome”
Emily Perl Kingsley – USA – Mother, writer, activist, author of “Welcome to Holland”
Tom Forester – USA – Director of Residential Services – Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), Long Island, NY
Michael Brennan – USA – ACDS Group Home Resident

12:30 to 13:00 – The Power of Media – A Guide to Work with the Media to Promote Inclusion
Michelle Whitten – USA – Global Down Syndrome Foundation – How to get media’s attention in a positive, constructive way
Patricia Almeida – Brazil – MetaSocial Institute – Brazil’s experience with WDSD and inclusive actions in collaboration with the Media
Tatiana Heiderich – Brazil/Holland – Self-advocate on her experience as a TV reporter

13:00 to 14:00 – Care, Treatment and Research – What’s new on the DS front
Dr. Jose Florez – Director, Mass General Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic; Director, NDSC; Clinical Advisory Board, NDSS
Dr. Brian Chicoine – Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Lutheran General Hospital; Scientific Advisory Research Group, DSi
Dr. Dennis McGuire – Director of Psychosocial Services, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Lutheran General Hospital; Scientific Advisory Research Group, DSi
Dr. Edward McCabe – Executive Director, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
Margie Doyle – Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) – Latest on research and how to help studies move faster

14:00h to 14.30 – Launch:
1) DSi 2012 WDSD Global Video Event
2) New WDSD Website
3) DSi UN Convention Global Outreach Programme
4) Book “Change the way you speak and I will change my way of
understanding”- By Carolina Yuki Fijihira, Ana Beatriz Pierre Paiva, Beatriz Ananias Giordano, Carolina de Vecchio Maia, Carolina Reis Costa Golebski, Claudio Aleoni Arruda, Thiago Rodrigues, from Carpe Diem Association, Brazil.
5) Book “The United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities commented by its Protagonists” – By Down España http://www.inclusion-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Guia-Convencin…

14:30 – Closing

The event is sponsored by the Missions of Brazil and Poland to the UN and organised by Down Syndrome International with the collaboration of the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome (FBASD), Down España, Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Special Olympics and the UN Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Registration
Participants from all around the world are welcome, especially those with Down syndrome.
There is no cost for registration. Confirmation to attend the event can be made by the email to undsconference@gmail.com.
Please inform name, email, age, nationality, relation to Down syndrome (self, parent, relative, professional, teacher, student, friend or other-specify), document number (passport, driver’s license, student´s ID), whether you have a disability and what kind and if you need a disability-related accommodation or service.
Only participants with their names on the list and an ID will be allowed in the building. Space is limited.

About Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

About World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was established by Down Syndrome International in 2006 and has been observed in over 60 countries worldwide to date. It is held on 21 March (21/3) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 which causes the genetic condition.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding about Down syndrome, and to promote the inherent rights of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and be active and valuable participants in their communities and society.

A resolution to designate 21/3 as “World Down Syndrome Day”, to be observed every year beginning in 2012, was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. The resolution was proposed and promoted by Brazil, and co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States. From 2012 onwards, the date will be celebrated by all 192 UN countries. To learn more about the resolution process at the UN, visit http://www.ds-int.org/news/1769.

For further information on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
please visit the DSi website
www.ds-int.org or
the WDSD website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

Press Contact:
Andrew Boys –
Tel: 0044 (0)20 8614 5124
Mob: 0044 (0)7810 153294
Email: contact@ds-int.org
Down Syndrome International -
Langdon Down Centre,
2A Langdon Park, Teddington,
Middlesex, United Kingdom, TW11 9PS.
Website: www.ds-int.org

Editors Notes:

•Down Syndrome International (DSi) is a UK based international charity, comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the world, committed to ensuring quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome. Our members include people with Down syndrome, parents, family members and friends, carers, professionals, practitioners, researchers, organisations and people who are interested in Down syndrome.

•World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day observed on 21 March each year. This date (21/3) represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome, and people and organisations worldwide celebrate on this day in a variety of different ways.

•Down syndrome is a life-long genetic condition from conception. All people with Down syndrome will have some degree of learning disability but many will go on to lead full and semi-independent lives.

•There is estimated to be up to 7 million people who have Down syndrome living worldwide.
Please refer to attached Guidance Notes regarding use of terminology.

Regards
Andrew Boys
Director
Down Syndrome International

DSFN celebrates World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st)

Press Release 6th March 2012
DSFN celebrates World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st)

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), a registered charity established within the country to cater for people with Down Syndrome, announces the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) which comes up on March 21st 2012 will be celebrated in Nigeria just as it is being held all over the world.
What makes this year’s event very unique is that this is the first time the WDSD will be celebrated officially around the world after having been officially recognized by the United Nations (UN).

The first United Nations observed World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) will be celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on 21 March 2012, with the Conference “Building Our Future”.
The World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is usually celebrated on 21 March with Down syndrome organizations throughout the world organizing and participating in events to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.
According to the National President of the Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi, special activities have been lined up globally and locally to mark the day specially dedicated to people with Down syndrome worldwide and the foundation happens to be participating in all the activities including the special conference which will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, with the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon presiding.

The Down Syndrome Foundation is planning to make the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) the best celebration ever as it will be the first officially recognized WDSD in history as recognized by the United Nations. Already, the celebration would commence on the 7th of March with the celebration of the annual Inter-House sporting activities which will showcase the strength of the members in sports. There would be different kinds of sporting activities like sprints, long jump, egg racing and other fun sports.
The next activity that would follow the inter-house sports is a highly explosive comedy show entitled Comedy Infusion II for Children with Down syndrome coming up on Sunday, March 18th, 2012 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.

The show which is in its second season is being put together by Meljesten PR and Events in conjunction with E-Smith Events will feature a selection of star-studded comedians and celebrities like Alibaba, Teju Babaface, Basket Mouth, Emeka Smith, Yaw, Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka, AY, Gordons, Klint Da Drunk and Korede Bello. Others include Seyi Law,Elenu, Shakara and with music entertainment coming from KC Brown, Buzopat, Solid Star, and Ara.

The Special Guest of Honour is Mr. Tonye Cole of Sahara Group while Her Excellency, Mrs. Joke Adefulurie, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State is the Mother of the Day. Tickets for the show are on sales on major eateries across Lagos State and also at the DSFN Resource centre located at 43, Adegoke Street, Surulere Lagos. On March 21st, the foundation will be represented at the official WDSD that will be observed at the UN Headquarters, New York. According to Mordi, DSFN have been listed to deliver a paper at the celebration.
“It is my pleasure to inform you that DSFN will be part of the celebration in the first official celebration of March 21st as the WDSD at the UN and series of lectures are to be delivered by several organizations for people with Down syndrome across the world. I will be one of the persons giving a speech come March 21 this year,” she announced.

The National President will be speaking alongside Penny Robertson OAM, Chair of Board, Down Syndrome International (DSi) (UK), Rosangela Berman-Bieler – Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF, Penny Robertson from Indonesia, Australian – Self-advocate, Shona Robertson and Beatriz Paiva from Brazil among many others.

Mordi will deliver on the topic, Changing Society Attitudes – From Neglect and Institutionalization to Protagonist and Living in the Community, while the Foundation plans a picnic for children with Down syndrome, families and friends and a courtesy visit to dignitaries to raise the awareness of the rights of people with DS.

The foundation wishes to say that the goal of the WDSD is to raise awareness for the Rights and Dignity of People with Down syndrome and to celebrate people with DS and help them actualize their potentials and live a fulfilled life.

Hope Rises for People with Down Syndrome as Foundation is Launched

It was double celebration for people with Down Syndrome on Children’s Day Celebration last week as they marked the launching of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN)and also had their new resource centre commissioned.

During the event which held at the Foundations resource centre located at Adegoke Street in Surulere, Lagos State, the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola   extolled the dedication and determination of initiators of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, notwithstanding the enormous difficulties caregivers to children afflicted with such challenges pose. Speaking at the event,  Mrs.Fashola, who was represented by her Senior  Special Assistant, Mr.Biodun Ogunyade, said she will be willing to assist the Foundation, to ensure the Children are properly catered for.

“ She asked me to say thank you, thank you, for a job well done,” he said and also  on Corporate Nigeria, and other well meaning Persons to show concern and support for the Children and the Foundation.

He went on to announce that   Ministry has concluded plans start a TV show, a Social Welfare Hour, to showcase the works of charities that help special people and promised that children with Down syndrome  and the activities of the Foundation will be given priority. He urged the larger society to show love and care to kids, who are so challenged, rather than stigmatizing and discriminating against them.

President and Founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi has stressed the need for Parents with  DS condition children  not to regard it as a curse as the children could be helped to live a fruitful and productive life if given the necessary assistance. Mordi made the call as the members of the Board of Trustees of the foundation were inducted.    Speaking to journalists, Mordi urged parents with children with the Down syndrome not to stigmatize or discriminate against them but should rather seek help.

“I have a child born with this condition- a young lady of 23 years old. And I realized that in Nigeria, there is not much information about the condition, and you know that any thing that is not well known, people become superstitious about, so I decided to create awareness, by gathering a few parents together, and we started as a parent support group. From there we got involved in helping the children,” she said.

On what causes Down syndrome,  Mordi  explained that the condition is a genetic imbalance.

‘Down syndrome is a genetic disorder- that happens at conception. A child born with Down syndrome (DS) has an extra chromosome. You and I have the regular number of chromosomes in our cells- that is 46; we get 23 a piece from both parents but a child who is to be born with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome which we refer to as an accident of birth. It is not due to anything the mother did, or didn’t do, or the father did or didn’t do .It is spontaneous thing that happens, it is the 47th chromosomes, as against, the forty-six they should  and that extra chromosome is what   predisposes a child to this condition,” she explained.

She decried the practice where families with a DS child would rather want to lock the child up than seek for assistance in administering early intervention. She informed that one of the challenges facing the foundation was the non-challant attitude of the general society.

“Because, as it not a very flamboyant project, a lot of people don’t want to even partner with us, to help these children. The main problem, we experience is the nonchalant attitude of the larger society –to help these children and their family. We have a lot of children we need to support, medically and educationally, but we haven’t got the wherewithal to do that. And, we don’t have much support, and it has been a very big challenge to us,” she said.

Similarly, a Trustee of the Foundation, and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Segun Olusola,  called on well meaning  Nigerians who have job openings in their establishment not to hesitate to engage, and help children with this condition as they up, in order to give a sense of belonging, that they are wanted, that they have things they can do to help other peopled.

Ruben Abati, also a Trustee of the Foundation, frowned at the attitude of government at all levels toward the welfare of the Nigerian child. The social crusader and the Editorail Board Chairman of the Guardian Newspaper frowned at what he described as the government paying lip service to helping the Nigeria child.

“Governments at all levels pay lip service to doing something for the Nigerian Child. But in reality not enough is done, not real commitment is shown, and what is done is nothing but mere lip service. It is not all about children who have Down syndrome; it is about children generally, in difficult circumstances. Children represent the future of this country. The population of Nigeria is predominately young. And our constitution says, nobody, should be discriminated against, either on the basis of religion or circumstance of birth, faith or for any reason whatsoever. For Government to neglect children in difficult circumstances, amounts to an abuse or a violation of their basic human right,” he said.

However, he gave a pat on the back for Her Excellency, for showing interest the activities of the DS Foundation.

“It gladdens my heart, that, today, we have Government representation, the Lagos State people, the Office of the First Lady of Lagos, and they were well represented. And, the appeal we will be making is that another government should show interest in what the DS Foundation is doing.

What the DS Foundation has been able to achieve is quite impressive. I think, it is a Foundation that deserves the support of government and also, of all a sundry. We run a society, whereby, the privileged do not seem to be public spirited, where the privileged seem to be interested only in conspicuous consumption, and continuous amassing of wealth.

Those chaps in the National Assembly, who are collecting millions of money per quarter. The House of Representative members, they are not even satisfied with 27. 2 million per quarter, which I think, it case of being over paid for doing nothing. They say, they now want about 50 million per quarter. Now, the question you ask is what they do with this money. I would like to see a situation, whereby the privileged in the Nigerian society, does not spend his wealth, either acquired illegally or legitimately, simply on showing of on endless patties, but feel concerned about the plight of other human persons’

The Children entertained the guests and audience with songs and dance. Their performance was so thrilling that Ambassador Segun Olusola has this to say, ‘I thank you for the performance of the kids. When, it comes to the issues, idea, a play, a song, dance, invite me, I will come and be with them.”

DSAN Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day

The Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria (DSAN), a registered charity and the only organization established within the country and the West African sub-region to cater for people with Down Syndrome, announces the World Down Syndrome Day which comes up on March 21st 2010 will be celebrated in Nigeria just as it is being held all over the world.

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is usually celebrated on 21 March with Down syndrome organizations throughout the world organizing and participating in events to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

The date which was selected by Down Syndrome International (DSI) to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (Trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.

According to the National President of the Association’, Mrs. Rose Mordi, special activities has been lined up for the day and this will be flagged off by a special thanksgiving ceremony at Redeemed Christian Church of God (Jubilee Christian Centre, 15 William Street, Aguda, Surulere,Lagos) after  which an awareness rally will commence from the Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria Headquarters situated at 43 Adegoke Street, Surulere, Lagos State.

The Awareness rally will proceed to the Lagos State Government House where the wife of the State Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola will host people with Down Syndrome to an evening of discussions and   to create awareness of the condition in the country.

The association will also use the celebration to inform of the programs it plans to hold tentatively over the next few months in order to create awareness as well as advocate for people with Down Syndrome in Nigeria .

Some of the events include the commissioning of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria which will take place on the 27th of May 2010; a one day special musical concert that would feature notable artistes in the country billed for the 3rd of July 2010 while the Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Week will commence on the 2nd of October with a Charity Walk; A seminar on the 6th of October while the Awards Dinner evening will take place on the 8th of October 2010.  The Annual Family Funfair which brings families, friends and partners of people with DS is expected to be held on the 9th of October 2010.

Also, there would be introduction of so many others events our PR firm, Meljenstin Public Relations and events Consultants will come up with this year.

The National President wishes to inform our numerous partners and support groups that through their support, the association has been able to relocate from the former resource centre located at 109 Ogunlana Drive , Surulere to 43 Adegoke Street also in the same vicinity, where renovation works is still going on. The association wishes to use this opportunity to appeal to corporate organizations, religious bodies and individuals to project.

The association also wishes to inform the general public especially those with DS children of the introduction of boarding facilities in the educational centre operated by the association and urges families to enlist their children or wards to be adequately taken care of by the specialized staff at the centre.

The association would also like to announce that it would be honoured in the Special Recognition Category of the National Daily Awards as the best Non Governmental Organization for the year 2009 by the National Daily Newspapers.  In a letter dated March 8, 2010, the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of the National Daily Newspaper, Mr. Sylvester Egbodaghe noted that the association was being honoured for their “unquantifiable contributions towards those whom ordinarily members of the society would not want to have anything to do with.”“You stuck out your neck and embraced the unembraceable, showing them love and extra ordinary care in the midst of a selfish and careless world. You gave hope by giving off your own humanity,” the letter read.

The Award ceremony   would hold   26th of March, 2010 at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos and is to be chaired by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku while Prof Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information is expected to give a keynote lecture.

The association wishes to dedicate the award to all its partners.

Visit our website at www.dsanigeria.org for more information or call our Media and Publicity Department on 080-3748-7286: Email: ahaoma@dsanigeria.org

About The Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria

Who are we?

Down syndrome Association of Nigeria is a non-governmental, not-for-profit association of children with Down syndrome as well as their parents, caregivers, and other interested stakeholders.

History

Down syndrome association of Nigeria was formed (founded) on 4th of December, 2001 by a parent of a child with Down syndrome. Societal attitude toward parents of people with Down syndrome is totally negative in the Nigerian society. Society defines them by what they do not have rather than what they have; what they cannot do rather than what they can do; they are relegated, denigrated and stigmatised on the basis of some retrogressive myth and tradition They are abused physically and sexually with impunity and in extreme cases; even their right to life itself is denied them.

It is against this rather harrowing and ugly backdrop that Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria evolved with a vowed commitment to bridge the gap between children/adults with Down syndrome and the rest of the society through a support system that seeks ultimately to integrate them. This commitment is rooted in the firm belief that if given the necessary encouragement and enabling environment to grow like others, people with

Down syndrome can and do actualise their potentials and live a fulfilled life. In a vast country like Nigeria , as well as in the entire West African coast, with a combined population of well over 230 million, we are the known non-governmental organization working to provide leadership in all areas of concern as it relates to persons with Down syndrome. It should be noted that charity/volunteer work in our part of the world could be most challenging and frustrating, especially as there is very insignificant, if any, support (both morally/financially) from the Government and corporate concern

Mission Statement

Vision – Our vision is a world where all young people with Down syndrome are offered the opportunities that they need to achieve their individual potential. Mission – Our mission is to improve the opportunities offered to young people with Down syndrome. We do this by discovering their potential and by identifying how to support their personal development most effectively through scientific research. We then communicate evidence-based information and guidance through publishing, training and consultancy services to families and professionals worldwide. Through scientific research and global communication, we transform the lives of people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Our services

Educational

We give special educational Early Intervention Programme (E.I.P). This is meant to cater for each child’s immediate and unique learning needs and facilitate the child’s developmental milestone. However, before this is done, an assessment test is carried out on the child to diagnose his/her intellectual deficits and medical problems. Our in-house Educational psychologist and medical Doctors in the Down syndrome Association secretariat do this assessment at 109, Ogunlana Drive Surulere, Lagos . As soon as these educational and medical assessments have been done, the child’s medical needs will be ascertained and the modalities for treatment and therapy will be made known to the parents/guardian. Similarly, the result of the educational assessment will reveal the child’s strengths and weakness, and an individualized curriculum Programme is planned for the child; this Programme is unique in the sense that, it is tailored specifically towards the learning needs of each child as all children are not equal, each has his/her own learning needs.

The educational Programme curriculum covers the following areas

1) Literacy Development (Reading & Writing skills)

2) Numeracy skills (Numbers and Calculation)

3) Communication & Language (Speech development)

4) Social Development

5) Vocational skills

6) Perceptive skills

Social Services

Relocation Programme for street boys and girls with Down syndrome

Enlightenment/Interactive services on Down syndrome through media/work shop/seminars

Help line Telephone service and House-to-House emergency respite, Sensitisation and Advocacy/Pressure group to the government, legal services and memoranda to government officials involved with health and educational Programmes at local, state and federal levels.

Regular enlightenment and interactive service on Down syndrome through the media (print and electronic), workshops/seminars.

Through the above mediums Down syndrome Association of Nigeria give information to people about the condition-Down syndrome and the best management strategies. Since Down’s syndrome and learning disabilities is a societal problem as a result of the negative stigma associated with it, we educate and de-stigmatise the society from such negativism.

Sensitisation and advocacy/pressure group to the government including legal services and memoranda to government. The association paid one of such visits to the national assembly (senate). It has also visited the 1st lady of the Lagos State government. Several letters and memoranda are sent on a daily basis to various corporate organization government organs and well meaning personality giving them awareness about this condition Down syndrome and the need why parents who have these children should bring them out for proper care and education.

We also give telephone help-line service and house-to-house emergency respite for people with Down syndrome.

Rehabilitation Services

This department functions under the educational Programme of the Down syndrome Association. The following services are offered:

Training centre and resettlement support for people with Down syndrome

Resource centre which includes Toys and educational library

Mainstreaming and integration school Programme for people with Down syndrome.

Counselling Services

Parents of children/wards with Down syndrome, as well as siblings need a lot of counselling. The Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria has a host of professional counsellors who offer counselling services.

The following lines are for counselling:

234-1-8119718,08032285545 or email counselling@dsanigeria.org.

Referral Services

Down syndrome Association of Nigeria officials and members of the Board of Trustees meet regularly to review the activities of the association.During these meetings, all other committees meet to review Programme of the Association and assess the success and challenges of the various Programmes undertaken by the association during the year.