Hajime Chiba

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Meet Hajime Chiba

We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s SENIA Student Award, a recognition of outstanding commitment to advocacy and inclusion. This prestigious award honors a student who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all.This year’s recipient is a truly inspiring individual. He is a grade 6 student from Japan, who has shown incredible growth and determination in his journey as a neurodivergent learner. After transitioning to a new school in Hanoi, Vietnam, he  faced challenges that tested his resolve but he persisted!His journey is not just about personal growth; it is also about advocating for others. He has a powerful message for educators and professionals: the importance of understanding and accepting differences in neurodivergent students. He emphasizes that mere encouragement to “make an effort” is not sufficient. Instead, he calls for patience and empathy from those who work with neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that fosters skill development.At the SENIA Cambodia Conference, he stands as a testament to resilience and advocacy. He believes in Dr. Temple Grandin’s words: “I am different, but not less!” His unwavering spirit and commitment to inclusion make him a deserving winner of the SENIA Student Award.Congratulations to Hajime Chiba!

Maciej Karwowski March 2025 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

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We are proud to announce Maciej Karwowski as a recipient for the SENIA World Changer Award. Currently serving as a Learning Support Teacher at Copenhagen International School in Denmark, Maciej hails from Poland and brings a wealth of international teaching experience to his role.

With two Master’s Degrees—one in English Language and another in Special and Additional Learning Needs from the University of East London—Maciej has dedicated his academic research to exploring how best to identify and support gifted and exceptionally able students in the PYP. His thesis, titled “Effective Ways of Identifying and Supporting the Gifted and Exceptionally Able PYP Students,” reflects his commitment to excellence in education.

Over the past few years, Maciej has made a significant impact on a diverse range of Grade 4 and 5 students at Copenhagen International School. This nomination comes from an outpouring of gratitude from both past and current students, as well as their parents.

Maciej’s influence transcends traditional academics; he provides personalized support that addresses every facet of a child’s development—social, emotional, behavioral, and academic. His efforts to foster confidence, independence, and friendships among his students shine through in the heartfelt testimonials shared by families.

Whether he is nurturing friendships during recess, guiding students through their learning challenges, or creating safe spaces for those in need, Maciej consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every child thrives. His unwavering dedication, extensive knowledge, and commitment to individualized support redefine what it means to be an exceptional educator and a true life-changer.

#SENIAWorldChanger #SENIAInternational #Inclusion

March 2025 Newsletter

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March 2025 Newsletter

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World Down Syndrome Day

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World Down Syndrome Day Resources

Enjoy these resources that educate, celebrate, and advocate for World Down Syndrome Day.

 

 

 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Enjoy these resources that educate, celebrate and advocate for neurodiverse individuals

Accelerating Action: Recognizing and Celebrating Women in the Neurodiversity and Disability Space

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and advocate for gender equality.

Read more

February 2025 Newsletter

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February 2025 Newsletter

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SENIA is Committed To Advocacy and Inclusion

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SENIA Is Committed to Advocacy and Inclusion

SENIA’s Commitment to Inclusion & Advocacy

A Message from the SENIA Board of Directors

When SENIA was founded in 2002 by a small group of passionate educators in Beijing, China, they created a logo featuring a child at its center. This design was not merely symbolic; it was a declaration of purpose. It represented their unwavering commitment to keeping every student at the heart of every decision SENIA made, ensuring that the needs and voices of students would always be prioritized.

As SENIA grew into an international organization, embracing a diverse global community, its logo evolved as well. Today, the heart symbolizes our enduring mission: to advocate fiercely for the inclusion of neurodivergent and disabled individuals in international schools and to support educators in their journey toward creating inclusive schools and classrooms where every learner feels a sense of belonging.

In today’s complex political climate, inclusion of all students has come into question and challenged. At SENIA, we remain steadfast in our belief that every learner is unique, valuable, and represents a complex and beautiful intersection of identities. We pledge to uphold our values and continue championing equity, access, and inclusion for all.

As a global organization, our commitment aligns closely with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child These conventions emphasize the rights of children with disabilities to live full, dignified lives and receive inclusive education. As Article 24 of the latter convention states, “States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education… without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity” (United Nations, 2006). This principle is at the core of SENIA’s mission to champion inclusion and empower our global community.

We want you to know that during challenging times in your schools—whether you are grappling with grief over the sudden departure of students or facing uncertainty about how these challenges may affect your community—SENIA is here for you. We will always be a brave space: a haven of understanding, acceptance, and collaborative problem-solving.

Together, we will continue to believe in and work toward the transformative power of inclusion—now and always.

Sincerely,

The SENIA International Board of Directors

United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities

January 2025 Newsletter

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January 2025 Newsletter

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Nikki Moffitt January 2025 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

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We are thrilled to announce that Nikki Moffitt is the recipient of the prestigious SENIA World Changer Award! This honor recognizes her incredible efforts in creating the Facebook group Expat Kids Learning Differently, a vital resource for parents of neurodivergent and disabled children.

Nikki recognized the need for a supportive community where parents could connect, share experiences, and uplift one another. Unable to find such a space, she took the initiative to create it herself. Through Expat Kids Learning Differently, Nikki has fostered an inclusive environment for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with diverse needs in unfamiliar settings.

This group serves a wide range of parents—from those just beginning to understand their child’s diagnosis to seasoned advocates leading support initiatives in schools. It provides a platform for discussions about schools, medication availability, therapy options, and a space for both venting frustrations and celebrating achievements.

Nikki’s dedication to empowering globally mobile families has truly made a difference, allowing them to connect with one another and thrive. We applaud her passion and commitment and are excited to see the continued impact of her work.

Congratulations, Nikki! Your vision and leadership are changing lives! ❤️

#SENIAInternational #Inclusion #SENIAWorldChanger