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Carys cares for children with Down syndrome
A 16-year-old established her own organization to help people understand the talents of children with Down syndrome
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Carys with some of the Carys Cares children. (Carys Cares/Courtesy of Carys Cares)
A
t first glance, Carys Mihardja may seem like a regular teenager. The 16-year-old is a high achiever and heads the students' council at Sekolah Pelita Harapan in Tangerang. She enjoys swimming, going to the mall, cooking and watching YouTube.
Three years ago, however, she found something that she became passionate about.
"There are some unexpected moments, but then they become your best memories in life," Carys told The Jakarta Post.
In 2018, Carys' mom, Lisa Mihardja, was invited to a World Down Syndrome Day event organized by the Association of Parents of Children Living With Down Syndrome (Potads), in Central Jakarta. Feeling ill, she wanted to cancel.
"It was like a blessing in disguise," Carys said. "I overheard her and said, 'Can I go on your behalf?'"
During the event, which took place at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle during Car Free Day, Carys mingled with kids with Down syndrome and their parents. Wearing yellow T-shirts emblazoned with Potads' motto "Aku Ada, Aku Bisa" (I Exist, I Can), they all marched together while singing and dancing.
"What stole my heart was how friendly the kids were," Carys recalled. "Even though it was our first meeting, they were already pulling my hands [saying], 'Kak [Sister], let's play. Let's play.' They were so lively."
