Raising funds and sharing wisdom

Aspect South East Sydney School
Inclusive. Considerate. Caring.

Najwa Sawan spent several years volunteering at the Aspect South East Sydney School, providing support to other families and raising funds when her son was a student.

After he graduated, the principal offered her a part-time position, and she jumped at the chance to stay on.

"I love the work I do and often say that I don't feel like I'm working, just doing what I love," says Najwa, who has been in the role for five years.

She has continued where she left off as aparent and organises walkathons, trivia nights and comedy nights.

"We have a great school community that gets involved with the fundraising."

As the mother of a young man on the autism spectrum, Najwa also provides advice and support to parents.

Her favourite words of wisdom are: "Your life and the life of your child will be different, but not less."

Najwa says receiving news that your child has a disability can be devastating for many families.

"You are left wondering what your child's future will be like. To have someone guide and advise you in those early days sometimes makes the journey less difficult.

"I love to share my experience with families and provide hope to them."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Aspect South East Sydney School will buy literacy kits to support academic progress.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here