SENESE Samoa
Commonwealth Point of Light 132. Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo
Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo, representing Samoa, is an advocate for disabled people who has successfully championed inclusive education in mainstream schools across the Pacific.
Drawing on her own experience as a blind student, Faaolo created the campaign ‘SENESE’ to ensure that schools and communities are disability-inclusive by encouraging the use of sign languages, braille and offering interpreter stations on the island. In 2001, she also co-founded the National Disabled People’s Organisation (NOLA) to advocate for disability rights in Samoa.