Meet Aly Saleh

Congratulations to Aly Saleh as 2023’s recipient of the SENIA Student Award! Aly is a grade 10 student at an international school in Thailand who spreads awareness about disabilities. Aly explains how his disability has allowed him to have empathy for others with disabilities. He felt that he “had a voice” and that is was important to use his voice for “those that may not have a voice of their own” in creating awareness. Aly started the Operation Smile service group at his school to help spread awareness of children born with cleft lip and palate issues. He is also participated in the PhuLiPhay which is a service group focusing on supporting Burmese refugees, especially individuals with disabilities. He is organizing a Color Run in January to help spread awareness about Operation Smile and PhuLiPhay. Aly’s journey of service to create awareness of the intersectionality between marginalized people and disabilities had him present as a Keynote speaker at the ServICE conference in Bangkok in 2022. Not only is Aly very involved in service projects he also excels academically at school. One quote that sums up Aly perfectly is “If I don’t do it, then who will because everyone is busy.
A big congratulations to Aly as this year’s SENIA Student Award winner.