Raana's journey began when her daughter Areej was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Like many parents facing such news for the first time, Raana felt overwhelmed and scared, unsure of what the future might hold for her family. "I didn’t know anything about Down Syndrome, and I was very scared," Raana recalls. During those early days, her husband and children were her primary support, giving her strength as they navigated the unknown together.

Raana’s introduction to Dar-us-Sakina came unexpectedly during one of Areej’s swim classes. There, she met Asra,  DUS Co-Founder, who welcomed her into a supportive community of parents facing similar challenges. Before that encounter, Raana had attended various school seminars, but she hadn’t yet connected with other parents of children with Down Syndrome. Finding Dar-us-Sakina was a turning point. It gave her access to a network of families who understood her journey, as well as opportunities to share knowledge, experiences, and hope with one another.

Like many parents raising children with special needs, Raana has faced both challenging and rewarding moments. Some days are difficult, filled with frustration as obstacles arise, but these challenges are met with pride when Areej achieves new milestones. Through Dar-us-Sakina, Raana has found comfort in knowing she’s not alone—other parents in the community are there to support her, and together they continue to learn and grow.

Areej, now a part of Dar-us-Sakina’s programs, has flourished through activities like Sunday school, the Teen and Adult program, and various events like the annual carnival and summer buddy meetings. These programs keep Areej engaged and learning, while also giving her the opportunity to build connections within the community. For Raana, seeing Areej thrive is a source of joy and reassurance, knowing that her daughter is surrounded by love and opportunities for growth.

When asked what advice she would give to parents just starting their journey, Raana offers heartfelt words: “First, accept your child and give them all your love, just like you would with your other kids. Believe in them and have faith that they can do everything in their life. With support, they can achieve great things.”

Raana often speaks of Areej as a gift from God, and she considers herself blessed to have her daughter in her life. As we reflect on Down Syndrome Awareness Month, stories like Raana and Areej’s remind us of the importance of acceptance, community, and love in shaping a brighter future for children with special needs.

At Dar-us-Sakina, we are grateful to be part of this journey, and we are committed to continuing our support for families like the Silats. We hope that by sharing their story, we can encourage others to celebrate the beauty of every child’s potential and the strength that comes from community.

October 30, 2024
Jami Sabety-Atto