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.

Muhamad Fazri Bin Hassan is a special education teacher at SK Gas Sandakan in Malaysia. He believes that learning through play will provide meaningful learning for his students. He has been featured in many social media platforms for his creativity in teaching. Fazri is a keen advocate for his students and encourages them to participate in singing competitions and art exhibitions.

Also, Fazri has been involved in action research implementing ways to improve reading skills in his students. His research has earned him gold awards at the state, national and international level. During the pandemic, Fazri had created his own website, Facebook page and YouTube channel called Fazri Classroom to help his students learn online. His materials have been shared and used nationwide not just among special education teachers but also early education and remedial teachers.

Congratulations to Muhamad Fazri Bin Hassan as the recipient of the 2021 SENIA World Changer Award.

Check out one of Fazri’s YouTube videos here: https://youtu.be/rrsLJhr_vvs

 

 

Aizat Izzuddin is an art enthusiast as well as a poetry performer, a storyteller, a voice actor, an illustrator and an orator. He, along with his classmate, narrated three short stories and recited three poems at the art festival “2020 Tiny Lit Fest”, hosted virtually by an association in Brunei.The two students became the first Malaysians to take part in the art festival as performers. In early 2021, Aizat represented Malaysia to compete at the Asian English Olympics organized by an Indonesian university where he participated in the storytelling category, together with two of his classmates. He was one of the first individuals with disabilities to take part in the event as contestants. His accomplishments in literary, performing and visuals arts have catalyzed the active participation of special needs learners in various arts events in his community. More students have been inspired to participate in the art festivals being held locally, nationally and internationally.

Congratulations to Muhammad Aizat Izzuddin Bin Azme as the recipient of the 2021 May World Changer Award!

Aizat’s short story presentations and poetry along with his classmates can be accessed via this link: https://youtu.be/YkeS2ohTe_Y

 

Mohammad Zulfadhli bin Amban, who has a hearing impairment, is a vocational student at Keningau Vocational College in Sabah, Malaysia. He represented his state to compete at the National Abilympics Championship in the silk hand painting category. His paintings portray the traditional motifs of leaves and flowers in geometrical designs known as Batik motifs in Malaysia. His art wowed the visitors and judges. His signature style of portraying Malaysian Batik motifs on his artwork helped to popularize the intricate patterns as a unique concept that are highlighted at annual art exhibitions and competitions in the country. Also, his efforts contributed to the preservation of traditional arts by familiarizing a younger generation with the centuries-old theme and craftsmanship of Batik.

Congratulations to Mohammad Zulfadhli bin Amban as the recipient of the March 2021 SENIA World Changer Award!