Woman with Down's Syndrome Defies All Sceptics, Becomes Teacher

A woman with Down's Syndrome is Argentina's first nursery school teacher. She is one of the few teachers in the world with the condition. Noelia Garella (31) was rejected by a pre-school when she was a child and was called a monster. She is now in charge of a class at the Jeromito Kindergarten in Cordoba, Argentina.

Source: Pulse

She says that what she likes most about being a teacher is the beauty of the children’s hearts. Garella studied to become a teacher and started working in 2012, adding that she was always doubted.

Her former employer, Alejandra Senestrari, said that the journey wasn't easy. But "we very quickly realised that she had a strong vocation. She gave what the children in the nursery classes most appreciate, which is love,” she said.

"Now I am the happy monster," she says, and "she is the sad monster", she says of the Kindergarten teacher who called her a monster.

Garella broke through stereotypes imposed on her and managed to prove herself, despite prejudices and negative attitudes of others.

Watch the heartwarming video below:

Down's syndrome is a chromosomal disease associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

In India, around 23,000 to 29,000 children are born with the condition. Facilities like the Down's Syndrome Federation of India and Down's Syndrome Care Association seek to provide support to children and adults suffering from the condition.

This year, a heartwarming story of a single Indian man who adopted a child with the syndrome, became popular. Aditya Tiwari adopted six-month-old Avnish, who had been left by his parents. In an interview with Healthsite, Tiwari says "My goal in life is to make him independent. I focus on his strengths."

Hopefully, with more inspiring stories like these, and more support from individuals and organisations, adults and children who are diagnosed with Down's Syndrome will be able to break more boundaries and become more accepted in society.

Also Read: Preeti Monga: She may be blind, but she’s far from disabled

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