Lele is a grade 2 student from Keystone Academy in Beijing, China who is building a better, more inclusive school community, one classmate at a time.  He is a curious and intuitive boy who is always striving to become a better learner.  While his classmates may have reacted initially with surprise to his disability, Lele continues to educate and be himself.  He has won the respect of his classmates through his positive interactions with others and in the process has driven his entire community to become more inclusive and positive. Way to go, Lele!

Congratulations to Xueyue (Lele) Shen as this month’s recipient of the SENIA World Changer Award.

Jackob Yoshua Jeffry, along with his partner, has paved the way for animated storytelling to be regarded as a practical and effective means for learners to communicate their ideas and express their artistry. In 2020, the pair produced a series of animated tales that made their debut in Brunei literary festival which received positive responses from the audience. In early 2021, he took part in the storytelling category of Asian English Olympics organized by BINUS university in Indonesia. He became the first special needs learner to take part in the regional competition which, just like other activities, usually involves individuals with no special educational needs. In 2022, he received a special recognition from the Ministry of Education for his contribution in the national education system. Since his involvement in several international activities, there have been several special needs learners at his school that have successfully followed in his footsteps.

To see some of Jackob’s storytelling, go to: https://youtu.be/t7qmeA4C-Ic

Congratulations to Jakob Yoshua Jeffry as February’s SENIA World Changer Award Recipient.

 

Nurazwin Liyana Binti Abdullah has proven that individuals with a hearing impairment can always find different ways to showcase their talents through her monologue and poetry performances in sign language. Nurazwin Liyana ‘s monologue performance titled “Mother” received recognition at “Les Etoiles De Paris 2021″ Art Festival (Nov 2021). She also performed sign language poetry at George Town Literary Festival, the biggest literary event in Malaysia, and at a national OKU (individuals with disabilities) convention organized by Malaya University, a renowned national university. She leads her school team in sign language performing arts and trains for performances and competitions. Her monologue performance can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=W-QyhWTI2GA&feature=share

Congratulations to Nurazwin Liyana Binti Abdullah as December ‘s 2021 SENIA World Changer Award winner!

Have you heard of the accomplished freelance photographer who has fostered advocacy and awareness for inclusion in the Philippines? Her name is Andrea G. Zubiri and at just 29 years of age she is a role model who is making a difference in the lives of so many children in the Philippines. 

SENIA became aware of Andrea in 2012, when her teachers nominated her for the inaugural SENIA Student Award.  Andrea was a senior attending Brent International School Manila at the time and her personal statement of advocacy for herself and others within her school and community, secured her the prestigious SENIA Student Award. 

After graduating from Brent International School, Andrea pursued her dream of photography and attended De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde.  At college, she learned how to speak in front of large audiences and how to advocate for accommodations in order to pass her exams. She also gave a presentation to the college student body about special education as an advocate for students with special needs.

Upon graduation, she spent a year in New York City, USA at the New York Film Academy graduating with her certificate of photography.  This is where she began her freelance photography work as she was inspired by the local art and gallery scenes. She returned to the Philippines and began her freelance work photographing families and various clients.

In 2018, Andrea had a one month internship with Collabtive, a digital and creative agency in Singapore.  Here she was able to develop her photography skills and business.  She gained experience on how to expand her business and was able to acquire her own clients.

Additionally, she worked with One World School ‘s Nilay Exhibit, photographing the artists and the art works of students aged 2-30+ of all abilities.  This was a fundraising event for the school ‘s expansion program. One World school is unique in that it caters for a full range of students of all abilities, including those with special educational needs, gifted and talented students and those who just learn differently. 

With the pandemic, Andrea has had to figure out how to promote her freelance photography business as she was no longer able to meet face to face with clients or do family events and portraits.  Here she pivoted to developing clients to photograph their products. She was able to photograph products in the Beauty and Wellness industry – such as Grounded PH, and a collaboration with Cray cosmetics. She is still trying to promote her product photography work. 

Andrea has also found time to work as an online photography teacher for Vanguard Academy during the pandemic.  She works with grade 10 students of varying abilities and supports them in setting up the photography for their instagram businesses. She draws on her knowledge of setting up her own photography business to inform her instruction and support her students. She is also developing a grade 7/8/9 scrapbooking class for students. Vanguard Academy is an innovative school in the Philippines that is open to and accessible for all students by providing equitable opportunities to develop their skills, interests and talents.

Andrea is an accomplished young adult who is a role model to her students not only as a gifted photographer but as a talented Filipina businesswoman.  She shares with her students the importance of being able to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic and find innovative solutions.  Also, she shares who she is and how advocating for yourself is an important skill to develop. 

Andrea Zubiri is a truly remarkable woman and SENIA is so proud to be part of her incredible journey.

You can contact Andrea at andreagzubiri.photo@gmail.com and access her website https://www.andreazubiriphoto.com/ for an appointment or more information about her photography work.