Congratulations to Grade 10 student Sarah for being a recipient of the January 2023 SENIA International World Changer Award with her “Hidden Faces” painting series. SENIA stands for the Special Education Network and Inclusion Association, and is a network of educators, parents, professionals and students who provide resources and advocates for differently-abled individuals. The SENIA International World Changer Award recognizes an individual who actively promotes inclusion in their community while supporting SENIA’s mission and vision.

Sarah has dyslexia and anxiety, and uses her art to express her emotions and feelings when she cannot articulate them through words. She has a unique perspective of life and believes that every human being is worthy of love, dignity and respect – even when they do not believe in it themselves.

“I am really grateful to have the opportunity to let my art speak and to be recognized. I plan to continue creating art that connects people,” Sarah said.

She first donated her artworks to a gallery in the famous 798 Art District in Beijing, gaining the attention of SENIA’s Beijing Chapter who nominated her for the SENIA International World Changer Award. The award is open to nominations from around the globe.

Describing her paintings, SENIA said: “She conveys a lot of powerful messages through her paintings. She gives a voice to the powerless and shows the beauty of the forgotten. Sarah is very reflective and highly empathetic and cares about all living beings, even the smallest creatures.”

As a next step, Sarah has joined the SENIA Youth Leadership organization and will be volunteering at the upcoming SENIA Beijing Conference in April, an event that brings together influential speakers, experts and families to build more inclusive schools and societies.

Sarah’s SENIA award is as much of a recognition of her artistic talent, as it is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Congratulations!

Click here to find out about inclusion at WAB through I-DEAS.