On 24 February 2018, 23 young award recipients were recognised at AWWARDS (AWWA Recognises Dedicated Souls) 2018, formerly known as AWWA Special Awards. This event by AWWA Community Integration Service (CIS) was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development. AWWARDS started in the year 2000, as a means of recognising the extraordinary strength of CIS clients in their endeavour to integrate and excel in mainstream education, and the larger community. Subsequently, it also became a platform to acknowledge the contributions of other partners, such as supportive friends, teachers, schools and other organisational partners.
The opening performance was a powerful anthem against bullying. Faith, 14, a client of CIS, who is diagnosed with Right Hemiparesis (a condition where there is weakness in one side of the body) gave a heart-warming performance of one of her favourite songs by Demi Lovato, Warrior.
Following that, the presentation of awards for five categories – Amazing Achievement, Effective Education Professional (AED-LBS) and (Teacher/Lecturer), Enabling Education Institution, Persistent Perseverance and Inclusion Ambassador, were handed out to acknowledge commendable clients, as well as key partners such as supportive teachers, schools and volunteers.
In showing appreciation to Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim for gracing the event, a token of appreciation of an artwork done by a CIS client, Iman Ridhwan, was presented to him. Iman, 16, is diagnosed with Dyspraxia, and based her artwork on a large colourful eye, as she hopes to inspire people to look beyond others’ conditions, and see people for who they truly are.
To close the event, Davina, sister of Magesh, a CIS client, sang the soundtrack “A Million Dreams” from the recently released movie “The Greatest Showman”.
We would like to say a very big congratulations to all the award recipients – thank you for inspiring us with your sheer resilience in overcoming challenges, and your tenacity and drive to excel!
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