Malka Foundation and Down Syndrome WA

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, the Governor hosted a morning tea for members of Down Syndrome WA – a group that provides advocacy, support, social programs and connections for people with Down Syndrome, as well as their families. This day serves to celebrate and recognise the uniqueness of the triplication (Trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome, promoting a positive attitude towards those affected and driving opportunity for full inclusion and participation.

During his address, the Governor spoke of the importance of visibility, inclusivity and the work completed by Down Syndrome WA to advocate for the rights of the carer and opportunities of those affected.

“People with Down syndrome have been part of the human family since our earliest days and there was a time when – through ignorance – they were kept in the shadows.  This was terribly wrong and unfair.

We need the right policies and legislation so that equality of opportunity is not ideal or a best-case scenario but becomes the norm.  Where the contribution of people with Down Syndrome is sought out, welcomed, and celebrated.”

Malka and Murdoch

Ms Nicole Lockwood, Chair of the Malka Foundation, and Ms Jan Stewart, Advisor to the Malka Foundation, visited Government House to discuss opportunities to engage with West Australian youth.

The Malka Foundation, a private ancillary fund (PAF), is named after the grandmother of the founder, Mr Malcom Steinberg. Malka Steinberg came to Australia at the turn of the twentieth century as a refugee. Her entrepreneurial skills built a lasting legacy for her family. In that honour the Malka Foundation focuses primarily on supporting young entrepreneurs through programs that teach and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindset, as well as financial literacy in young people.

Some of the programs that have received Malka Foundation grants include:

• Carmel School for an entrepreneurial program for years 9 through to 12 based on a curriculum sourced from the USA.
• St Catherine’s College for their Centre for Youth Innovation (includes ‘Bloom’ and ‘Launchpad’).
• Curtin University for a range of programs related to teaching entrepreneurial skills to tertiary students and helping those who already have business ideas to develop those businesses to the next stage.
• Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Research (CERI) for customer development programs and for mentors for young entrepreneurs.

 

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