The McCulloch Center Global Engagement Award

in recognition of outstanding commitment to raising awareness of critical global issues across campus and beyond.

Citation for Senia Bachir-Abderahman ‘10 
 

The McCulloch Center is delighted to recognize Senia for her extraordinary work in raising awareness about refugee life and of the plight of the people of the Western Sahara, in the international community, on campus, and in her own community.

At Mount Holyoke College, Senia has greatly increased our understanding of the struggles of refugees, in particular of the people of the Western Sahara, who live in one of the oldest and largest refugee camps in the world, in southern Algeria. 

In her international advocacy on behalf of the Saharawi, Senia has spoken before delegates of the UN Special Political and Decolonization Committee and has met with politicians and NGOs in the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

And in the camp in Southern Algeria, where she grew up, Senia has worked to create ways for people  to connect with the outside world; she has taught English to women in the camp, and last summer she worked to set up cell phone satellite service in the community.

You are an inspiration to us all, Senia! Congratulations!