Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: teacher turned advocate builds welcoming environment for those with disabilities
- SENsational Foundation director Faride Shroff in the running for Spirit of Perseverance category in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards
- ‘In the journey towards cultural change by promoting awareness, we must confront and eradicate misconceptions, misunderstandings and discrimination,’ she says
Faride Shroff has taught children with special education needs and stood at the forefront of efforts to create a welcoming environment for those with disabilities in India and Hong Kong over the last 40 years.
She served as the head teacher of a school for those with special needs in Mumbai in the 1980s, later getting married and then joining Hong Kong’s largest international school group, the English Schools Foundation, in 1991.
The educator also established the SENsational Foundation in 2013. The non-profit aims to eliminate misunderstandings and encourage a greater sense of respect and empowerment within society.
“In the journey towards cultural change by promoting awareness, we must confront and eradicate misconceptions, misunderstandings and discrimination, whether they are boldly displayed or subtly hidden,” Shroff said.
“Language plays a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.”
Shroff cited the term “handicapped”, which originated from the English phrase “hand in cap” and carries an underlying connotation of begging for money. She discouraged its usage and said the principle should also apply to other languages, such as Cantonese.