Brina Kei Maxino has been selected as UNESCO’s Global Champion of Inclusive Education, representing the Philippines and Asia-Pacific Region.
Teacher Brina Maxino, the Special Olympics Global Youth Ambassador, is set to participate in the launch of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) 2020 Report scheduled on June 23, 2020.
The Filipina with down syndrome gladly shared the good news on June 19, the birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero and youth education advocate Jose Rizal.
“Hi! I am Brina, a Filipina with Down Syndrome,” wrote the 23-year-old inspiring Pinay started on her Facebook post.
The post also came with a photo of the June 16 letter of appointment from GEM Report Director Manos Antoninis from Paris, France.
“I am happy to tell you that I have been chosen by the United Nations UNESCO as a GLOBAL CHAMPION of Inclusive Education for the launch of the GEM 2020 Report,” she said. “I am happy to bring honor to our country and to all Filipinos, especially the PWDs who are determined to get good education.”
Maxino will deliver her speech together with nine other global champions from other regions.
“I am one of only Ten Global Champions chosen from all over the world,” the Filipina Global Champion of Inclusive Education said. “I am the only one chosen from Asia-Pacific, and the only Person With Disability (PWD, the other nine Champions being teachers, education policymakers, and community leaders from around the globe.”
Her post also came photos of her graduation and one of her speaking engagements as a testament to her dedication to attaining her education despite her limitations and to serve as an inspiration to other Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
“I was chosen in recognition of my hard work and my determination to finish school and get employed. I attended regular schools and graduated Elementary, High School and College at the appropriate ages.
“I survived the bullies, did well in school and even graduated as High School Class Valedictorian. I graduated College with three courses: Certificate in General Clerical Skills, Associate in Arts, and Bachelor of Arts, Major in History.”
The assistant teacher at Pean Integrated School of Parañaque also thanked UNESCO for believing in her capabilities, as well as other institutions that helped and continuously assist her in her work.
“I thank the United Nations UNESCO for choosing me among many candidates from around the World. I thank the Special Olympics for believing in me and for nominating me to the Search. The roles that Special Olympics gave me as the Global Youth Ambassador, and later as Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger (IGM) for 2019-2023 prepared me well for larger responsibilities.
“I thank the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) for the support,” she continued. “I thank PEAN Integrated School of Parañaque for the help and belief that I can be a good teacher to its students. I thank my doctors, teachers and therapists for all the help. I thank my family, relatives and friends for the unconditional love and encouragement.”
With a grateful heart, Brina invited everyone to join her in championing inclusivity in education.
“Let us join Special Olympics’ Inclusion Revolution. Let us promote the United Nations UNESCO’s Inclusion in Education. Thank you,” she concluded.
Watch Brina Maxino delivering her speech for the launch of GEM 2020 Report on June 23 at 3:30 PM (Philippine Time) by registering to this link.
Other Filipino PWDs have also been making headlines for showcasing their skills and talent to bring pride and glory to the Philippines.
Filipino para-swimmer Ernie Gawilan is bound for the 16th Summer Paralympics in Tokyo as its first Filipino qualifier.
The Philippines’ para-athletes in bowling snagged 4 gold, 3 silvers, and 3 bronzes the 2019 World Para Bowling Tour leg in Manila.
Morever, a total of 10 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze medals were brought home by the Filipino para-athletes who competed at the 2018 Asian Para Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Brina Maxino for being named a UNESCO Global Champion of Inclusive Education!
Want to know how to be a Proud Pinoy? Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com, and our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, for new story notifications, and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
