WBC Türkiye continues its series of social projects, and this time, the WBC champions visited Down Café, a space where young people with Down syndrome work and socialize.
WBC Champions Visit Down Café
In this visit, Oksana Semenishina, WBC Board Member; Serdar Avci, head of the WBC Türkiye office; Serenay Cetin, former WBC Silver Champion; Tarik Sozer, WBC Asia Champion; and Burak Kucukcavus, WBC Youth Champion, came together to share the beauty of boxing with the young people. They not only taught them how to punch but also showcased their belts. Subsequently, the young people served lunch, which had been lovingly prepared by their mothers.
The Origins of Down Café
Down Café was established in 2011 by the mothers of the 28 young people employed there. Today, the café hosts 36 young people from the Child Protection Agency, who, as part of a state project, come in the morning.
They assist with cleaning, arranging tables, and serving delicious meals alongside their mothers. Consequently, these young individuals receive their salaries at the end of each month, experiencing great joy and the satisfaction of contributing to their families.
Empowerment Through Work and Cultural Activities
These young people receive their salaries at the end of the month with great joy and the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to their families.
Down Café carries out its mission in various ways. On weekends, it brings together all the young people who work at the café during the week to participate in cultural activities such as rhythm, sign language, folklore, drama, and theater, under the guidance of volunteer teachers. These activities strengthen their social status and raise awareness of what they are capable of achieving.
A Model for Social Inclusion Across Türkiye
Ultimately, this café serves as a role model throughout Türkiye and is unique in its kind. It has been embraced nationwide and, recognizing the lack of similar social activities within the disabled community, Down Café has received numerous requests from cities across the country. It continues to offer help wherever possible and has approved the opening of many additional Down Cafés.
