Ambassadors
We work with a committee of Ambassadors who have Down syndrome. They guide our work and give us feedback.
Why is it important?
People with Down syndrome are often not included in the organisations that represent them.
This means that organisations do not always know what the people they represent think or want.
At Down Syndrome International we want to get better at including people with Down syndrome at all levels of the organisation.
"I speak up on behalf of people with Down syndrome in my country to make sure other voices are being heard."
What are we doing?
We work with a committee made up of people with Down syndrome. They are called Ambassadors.
The Ambassadors represent the member organsiation in their country.
We hold monthly online meetings. The Ambassadors work on lots of projects with our staff team. They help us create information and resources and give feedback on work we have done.
"We do research by interviewing people from our country and we create resources, like webinars, booklets and videos, like how to include people in meetings."
"We listen and respect and support each other. We share lots of cool ideas and get new ideas to share in our country."
What are the aims of the project?
The Ambassador group helps us understand how to include people with Down syndrome better.
We now have Ambassadors working on our high-level strategic teams, including with our Board of Trustees. They take back what they learn to their member organsiations.
The group mentor and support each other in their self-advocacy skills.
This makes self-advocacy stronger around the world.
"My dream is for the world to become a place where the general population’s respect encourages and enables citizens to contribute to life, develop to their full potential, and feel like they have a purpose in life."
"The reason I am an Ambassador is because I like to change people's perspectives about people with Down syndrome and educate society."
Meet our Ambassadors.
Eoin Gibson - Australia.
My name is Eoin Gibson, my first name is pronounced Owen. My parents are originally from Ireland, but I was born in Australia. I am 33 years old and have lived and worked in Dubai at Zayed University as a waiter in the university canteen. I now work in a supermarket here in Brisbane Australia as a helper in fruit and vegetables and also the bakery.
I love sports of all kinds and swim 4 times a week. I compete at national level and my favorite stroke is freestyle. I have an older brother called Senan, and a younger brother called Kieran and a younger sister called Orla. My parents are retired.
Samuel de Carvalho Sestaro - Brazil
I am 35 years old, married, and live in Brazil, in Santos, in the state of SP. I have a degree in Fashion Design and a Technical Course in Business Administration. I am a Self-Defender, Speaker, Actor, Model (with DRT), Master of Ceremonies, and I work as a Parliamentary Advisor.
I was very happy to be part of the DSi Ambassadors Committee. Being a DSi Ambassador is a great honour and an opportunity to work towards a more just society, with the inclusion of all people with Down syndrome in school and at work.
Janet Charchuk - Canada.
Janet is one of the founding members and past chair of Voices at the Table for Advocacy, with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.
“With Special Olympics I won Gold for Canada in the World Games in 2017 in the sport of snowshoeing. I am also an athlete leader, spokesperson, mentor, and health messenger.
I enjoy sports, being involved in my community, being with my friends, cooking, yoga, and showing my abilities while speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.”
Tang Yi Feng (Jerry) - China
Tang Yi Feng (known as Jerry) is a self-advocate with Up For Downs China.
“I gave a speech at the United Nations on World Down Syndrome Day in 2024 to speak up for the rights for people with Down syndrome.
I hope I can do something to make the public understand people with Down syndrome better and make the world more inclusive. “
Petra Angelina - Indonesia.
Hi, I’m Petra. I love writing poems and I speak up for people with Down syndrome. I live with Down syndrome myself, and I just want everyone to accept us, just as we are, without treating us any differently from anyone else.
Back in 2019, I published my first poetry book called Suara Hati (Voice of My Heart). I also help promote inclusion through YAPESDI, the Indonesian Down Syndrome Care Foundation.
I have joined international seminars hosted by UN Women, I was invited to speak at the 14th International Disability Law Summer School Congress at the University of Galway in Ireland and also at the First Congress on Political Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Bangkok, Thailand. I have presented at a Disability Rights Workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Along the way, I’ve received a few awards too – the Inspiration Disability Award for Boundless Creativity and the Best Poem Writer and Reader Award—thanks to a collaboration between the Indonesian Karya Bakat Foundation, the National Commission for Child Protection, and the National Commission on Disabilities.
Charlotte Muthoni Hirst - Kenya.
Muthoni is a self-advocate with Down Syndrome Society of Kenya.
“My vision is to ensure all individuals with Down syndrome are assured of their human rights and valued by a more inclusive society.
I love Edward “Eddie” Barbanell’s (American Comedian and Actor with Down syndrome) quote: “Having Down syndrome means nothing to me. I am special like everyone else. I do not let people judge me for having Down syndrome. The important thing is how I feel about myself. On the inside. I feel beautiful.””
Carlos Ramirez - Mexico.
Carlos is a self-advocate with Fundacion John Langdon Down.
He is an experimental artist at the Mexican School of Down Art of the John Langdon Down Foundation in Mexico City.
Andrew Oswin - New Zealand.
Andrew is an Ambassador and mentor with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association.
“I enjoy being a self-advocate because I know how important it is and what it means to me to represent my country.”
Tasha Oosthuizen - South Africa.
I am Tasha Oosthuizen, 26 years old from East London, South Africa.
I went to mainstream school till 14 years old. Then a special class till 17.
I speak Afrikaans at home but I am bilingual.
I am the eldest of 3, I have a brother (23) and sister (20).
Pearl Lüthy - Switzerland.
Pearl is a self-advocate with Insieme21.
“I like being a self-advocate because I like to speak up for people with Down syndrome.
I believe that we need to be in our local schools, working in good jobs and living where we want with who we want.”
Halis Güney - Turkey.
Halis is a self-advocate with Turkiye Down Sendromu Dernegi.
“I work as a restaurant server at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.”
Andrew Davies - Scotland.
My name is Andrew Davies I’m 29 years and my favourite hobbies are going out for walks, drama and singing and looking after my nephews who are cute.
I’m happy, active and passionate and I like to share my wisdom all the round.
I also enjoy working at Perth Museum cafe on a Friday and socialising with my friends.
Sam Potterton - United Kingdom
Hi I am Sam. I am from the United Kingdom and live in Bristol.
I work with the Down’s Syndrome Association.
I like playing football and I am a massive Manchester United fan.
I like telling jokes and making people laugh!
I am proud to represent my country, help the group and talk about important things.
I am looking forward to contributing as an Ambassador and I cannot wait to get started.
Charlotte Woodward - United States.
Charlotte works at the National Down Syndrome Society as the Education Program Associate.
“I love my career at NDSS. It is a very stimulating and fulfilling experience, and I am given the opportunity to show responsibility and to take initiative.
As the Education Program Associate, not only do I give presentations and speak at various conferences and events, I am also involved in education policy, I develop resources, and I do many other important advocacy activities.”