Beyond 47
Beyond 47 champions the rights, dignity, and full potential of people with Down syndrome and disabilities across Africa — through education, community, and relentless advocacy.
Beyond 47 was founded on the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. Starting with a focus on supporting people with Down syndrome (Trisomy 47), we have expanded to embrace individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental and physical conditions. We provide comprehensive support services, advocacy, and community programs to help individuals and families navigate their unique journeys with compassion, dignity, and hope.
What We Do
From early intervention to policy advocacy, our work spans the full spectrum of support that people with Down syndrome and their families need.
Book and Outreach Programme
Huru & Maya is a joyful children's book series that gently introduces Down syndrome through friendship, kindness, and inclusion. We use the Huru & Maya series as a practical and powerful tool for outreach and advocacy. Through school visits, community reading sessions, and parent engagement events, the stories open up honest, age-appropriate conversations about difference, empathy, and belonging. By introducing children to Down syndrome in a warm and relatable way, we help challenge stigma early and encourage inclusive attitudes from a young age. The series allows us to engage teachers, parents, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue, creating safer, more welcoming spaces where children with Down syndrome are understood, accepted, and included.
Education & Outreach
We work with schools, teachers, and education ministries across Africa to create truly inclusive classrooms. Our programs include: - Teacher training — equipping educators with the tools to support students with Down syndrome in mainstream settings - Curriculum adaptation — developing learning materials that meet a wide range of abilities - School visits — direct in-school support for children and their teachers - Community workshops — reaching families in rural and under-served areas We believe that an educated community is the most powerful force for inclusion.
Family Support
A diagnosis of Down syndrome can feel overwhelming — especially in contexts where information is scarce and stigma is high. We provide families with the knowledge, networks, and emotional support they need to thrive. Our family support programs include: - Early intervention guidance — connecting new parents with specialists in the critical early years - Parent support groups — peer-led communities where families can share experiences and strategies - Helpline and counselling — one-on-one support for families navigating difficult moments - Resource library — accessible guides in multiple African languages
Healthcare Advocacy
People with Down syndrome often face significant barriers to quality healthcare in Africa — from a lack of specialist knowledge among clinicians to the prohibitive cost of therapies. We are working to change this through: - Clinician training — partnering with medical schools to include Down syndrome in healthcare curricula - Therapy access programs — subsidised speech, occupational, and physiotherapy for families who cannot afford it - Health policy advocacy — engaging governments to ensure disability-inclusive healthcare policy - Research partnerships — contributing to the global evidence base on Down syndrome in African contexts
Advocacy & Rights
True inclusion requires systemic change. We advocate at local, national, and continental levels to ensure that the rights of people with Down syndrome are recognised and protected. Our advocacy work focuses on: - Legislative reform — pushing for disability-inclusive laws and their enforcement - Awareness campaigns — changing hearts and minds through media, public events, and storytelling - UN and AU engagement — ensuring African perspectives are heard in global disability forums - World Down Syndrome Day — coordinating Africa-wide events every 21 March
“The extra chromosome does not define the limit of a life — it simply marks the beginning of an extraordinary one.”
Beyond 47
News & Stories
Strengthening Disability Outreach in Kilifi Through Collaboration with NCPWD
Beyond 47 recently met with Mr Mathias Tsuma, Chair of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Kilifi County, to explore collaboration on grassroots disability outreach and awareness initiatives.
Beyond 47 Launches Teacher Training Programme in Kenya
A new initiative will equip 500 Kenyan teachers with the skills to support students with Down syndrome in mainstream classrooms.
World Down Syndrome Day 2024: Recapping Our Events Across Africa
On 21 March, communities across the continent came together to celebrate, advocate, and connect.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you are a family seeking support, an organisation looking to partner, or someone who believes in inclusion — there is a place for you at Beyond 47.