WECORD tribute to empowerment - "21CAFÉ" honouring those who create opportunity

On 25 April, 21 Café opened its doors at Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. But this isn’t just any café. Most of the team members are people of determination, specifically individuals with Down Syndrome, working proudly alongside professional baristas. 21 Café is a place where opportunities are created, perceptions are changed, and the true value of inclusion is shown.

When the WECORD team heard about 21 café and the story behind it, we were truly touched. What started as a simple visit became something much more meaningful. Seeing how proud the staff were and how warm and welcoming the café felt, really stayed with us. We were inspired by the café’s mission and by the amazing individuals working there.

The café was founded by Raghu Raman Dhandapani, a father whose 25-year-old son has Down Syndrome. For him, this venture is a mission to create a world where people of determination are not excluded, but welcomed into everyday environments and given the opportunity to live independently and with purpose. “We want to show that individuals with Down Syndrome are capable of much more than society expects. They can lead fully functional lives if given the right support,” explained John Mathew Paul, the café’s manager, as he shared the inspiration behind this pioneering concept with “Gulf News”.

To show our support, we gifted 15 cord bracelets to the staff and owners of Café 21. We wanted this gesture to carry deeper meaning so we chose the colours yellow and blue, internationally recognised as the official awareness colours for Down Syndrome. To add further significance, each bracelet featured our silver Soho charm engraved with “21”, representing Trisomy 21, the genetic condition linked to Down Syndrome. As a result, each individual received a truly unique, one-of-a-kind Wecord bracelet created especially for them.

Café 21 is a powerful reminder that small acts of inclusion can make a big difference. It’s a place where people of determination are not only welcomed but celebrated for who they are. We encourage you to stop by, meet the inspiring team, and be part of this beautiful story. And if this message resonated with you, share it with others because awareness starts with conversation, and change begins with support.