Latest news with #Saut
CairoScene
21-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
The Saudi School Amplifying the Voices of the Down Syndrome Community
Saut Society is doing more than transforming lives for individuals with Down Syndrome- it's redefining inclusion in Saudi Arabia. In many societies, the path for individuals with Down Syndrome has been marked by quiet assumptions. Limiting beliefs about their capabilities have pushed the community to the sidelines, creating scant opportunities for them to pursue the same opportunities and independence afforded to others. In Saudi Arabia, however, a new narrative is taking shape, one that amplifies the collective voice of the Down Syndrome community in order to pave the way for full societal integration. This shift in perception is largely propelled by Saut Society, an active national organisation focused on empowering individuals with Down Syndrome from infancy to adulthood. Central to their mission is Saut, a school dedicated exclusively to students with Down Syndrome that serves as a hub of innovation, self-expression, and unity. Originally established in 1987 as a small-scale preschool, its inception was driven by a vital need for early intervention. Over the years the institution expanded to offer comprehensive support through all stages of life, and in 2010, the school was formally integrated under Saut Society sole management. To hear first hand how this new narrative is being crafted, I spoke with Saut Society's CEO Zaina Zaidan on her vision for empowering individuals with Down Syndrome, the strategic initiatives behind Saut's success, and the future of inclusion in Saudi Arabia. When it comes to defining what it means to 'give a voice' to the Down Syndrome community, Saut's goal is, and always has been, to empower individuals to fully showcase their abilities. A pivotal aspect of this mission is ensuring active self-representation. Students are consistently encouraged to participate in social life, work, and government-related discussions, thereby serving as ambassadors for the broader Down Syndrome community. 'Our students actively participate in all sorts of events and official positions. For them, it means they're seen, they're heard, and they're truly contributing to everyday life and important conversations,' Zaidan says. To achieve this, Saut Society employs a unique 'third curriculum', which is built on Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and age-based placement. 'Everything they learn is specifically tailored for each student,' Zaidan explains. 'It allows for each student to have the full effect of the program by accommodating their needs.' Additionally, students are deliberately placed with peers their own age. 'The idea is that learning alongside other kids their age, even with their personalised plans, genuinely helps their social skills and overall independence.' Beyond academics and therapy, the core of their empowerment lies in real-world participation. Throughout the day, students engage in practical activities like going to the supermarket to buy ingredients for their own meals or cleaning out their bags. 'That's key to helping them express themselves, communicate, and become independent,' Zaidan says. 'Our students are always out there. They're not just attendees; they're present and participating, often representing Saut itself. They're fully immersed in society.' The school often welcomes visitors such as athletes, artists, and high-profile figures like Her Excellency Raisa Hukouka Al-Insan. 'These interactions are vital for them to witness progress and feel connected to the wider community.' This commitment to real-world integration and community connection extends into Saut Society's fundraising efforts. Among these, one of Saut's most unique and popular initiatives is its annual Garga'an celebration fundraiser. This event is an alternative to Halloween, where kids trick-or-treat in the middle of Ramadan. Children from across Riyadh rent tables to sell a range of products such as food or crafts, and are endearingly named 'Little Merchants'. The funds collected from both the table rentals and visitor entry fees directly support Saut's programs for individuals with Down Syndrome. This celebration is so popular that, as Zaidan shares, "People actually book their tables way in advance, and sometimes moms even get a little competitive over them! It's truly a wonderful way for people across Riyadh to come together, celebrate, and actively support our educational efforts." Saut Society's program has sparked a profound shift in the conversation surrounding Down Syndrome across Saudi society. 'What really drives the change is when people see these success stories firsthand,' Zaidan shares. 'We have three students working at Saut as secretaries and PE teachers - they really are our true ambassadors!"
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Voice of Down Syndrome Society launches digital learning platform with support from DXC Technology
The Voice of Down Syndrome Society (Saut) has announced a partnership with DXC Technology, (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, to deliver and support maintenance services for Saut's newly launched Digital Learning Platform. The platform aims to enhance innovative teaching methods and learning tools for teachers, students with Down Syndrome, their families, and caregivers. It offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help students with Down Syndrome develop both academic and life skills. The official signing ceremony for the partnership was attended by SAUT board members Mrs. Shamma Mohammad Al Shenaifi, Mrs. Sara Abdulla Bahamdan, and Mrs. Samiha Ahmed Al Gosaibi. Notably, the Project of Saut's Digital Learning Platform was initiated in 2021 under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sara bint Mohammed bin Nayef, a member of Saut's board of directors. This initiative has been generously funded by the Sanad Mohammed bin Salman Charitable Foundation. To date, more than 4,025 students have benefited from Saut's educational services, reflecting the positive impact it has made on students and their families. Saut's platform supports individuals with Down syndrome from birth to the age 21, with future plans to meet the needs of a wider range of people with disabilities. It features a picture library of more than 10,000 educational cards, owned exclusively by the association, providing easy access to specialized resources and enriching the learning experience for students. With the platform now fully launched, it is set to significantly expand its reach and effectiveness across the Down Syndrome population. 'Saut's platform has revolutionized the teaching quality of educators and specialists by dramatically streamlining the time required to prepare individual education plans and accurately reviewing innovative teaching materials, cutting preparation time by 85% and reducing errors by 98%. This shift from paper-based to digital learning not only enables continuous monitoring of educational progress, but also promotes environmental sustainability,' said Mrs. Zaina Zaidan, Executive Director of SAUT Society. 'At DXC, we are committed to delivering excellence for our customers while driving social value. We strive to contribute to a better world through programs that drive real impact. Our partnership with Saut exemplifies our shared commitment to advance educational opportunities for students with Down Syndrome. This collaboration highlights our unwavering dedication to achieving common goals and expanding our impact in the community,' said Mamdouh Al Olayan, DXC Technology Saudi Arabia Managing Director.
