Keningau’s special needs learner first Malaysian to receive Senia Student Award
Published on: Tuesday, November 29, 2022
By: Johan Aziz
Brigette with her medal.
KENINGAU: Brigette Yasin, 17, a special needs learner with a hearing loss from Keningau Vocational College is the first Malaysian to receive the world’s most prestigious award for special needs learner, Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (Senia) Student Award, in 2022.The College Head of Research and Innovation, Dr Sirhajwan Idek said, the award is annually given by Senia to a special needs student for his/her work in advocating special needs community.
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He said the prizes comprised a cash reward worth USD1,500 which is approximately RM6,720, a plaque, a certificate and a speaking slot at the virtual Senia conference which will take place on December 3.
“Brigette who hails from Inanam has enrolled in the dressmaking vocational course at the college. The course is specifically designated for students who communicate in sign language.
“She was chosen as the recipient for the award due to her achievements in sporting events such as athletics, team sports and target sports.
“In 2022, Brigette set a new record winning a gold medal in the women’s 400m and a silver medal in 200m at the state-level athletic championship for special needs individuals,” he said here.
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Sirhajwan said she then made the state proud after clinching a silver medal in the same event at the national level championship.
She was the leader of an all-female futsal team comprising veteran special needs individuals that competed at a regional tournament.
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He said she also led the school’s special needs bowling team in a series of competitions in Sabah.
She regularly takes part in country runs and marathons.
“Her unprecedented achievements in various fields in sports have inspired her peers to pursue the fields more intensively.
“After winning several medals in the sprint events in Malaysia, Brigette aspires to represent the country in the Paralympics in the future,” he said.
The college Director, Johari @ Jaibet Sabin, was delighted with her latest accomplishment as the recipient of SENIA student award since her efforts had proven that special needs individuals are as talented and as capable as non-special needs individuals.
He added, “This community deserves to be given the same acknowledgment that others receive in any discipline that they venture into.”
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