SIET Awards 'mean the world' to New Fellows

Huge congratulations to our most recent recipients, who join the family of SIET fellows around the world.

Even among an incredibly strong field of applicants, they shone. All three candidates demonstrated the ambition, drive and an enthusiasm for excellence that have so often been the hallmarks of successful applicants. Trustees were also impressed by their plans for the future, and the obviously transformative nature of the activities they have chosen to pursue.

Three awards are given to:

• Brendan Norris, to support him in taking up his place to study double-bass at the Hochschule für Musik Hans Eisler in Berlin

• Arougé Salim, to support her in continuing with her study of textile design at the

• Ewan Brown, to support him in taking up an internship with the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation in Trinidad & Tobago

Speaking after the awards were announced, Brendan Norris said, "Having met some fellow students of the Hans Eisler Double Bass Department just yesterday, I'm already incredibly excited by the immensely high standard of bass playing that I have seen. Having two years to study, learn, and share in this environment is perhaps the most incredible opportunity my bass playing will ever experience.

"Without your support, I'm not sure that I would be able to raise enough money to secure my residence permit, which would otherwise cost me this place in the school. Thank you for granting me the sacred gift of being able to follow my dreams and apply myself to my education.

"This, more than anything, means the world to me."

His comments were echoed by Ewan Brown, who explained, "Your support ... has made a world of difference to me personally. Your generosity allows me to take part in this internship without the constant anxiety of financial survival, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to developing the skills, experience, and confidence I need to grow as a human rights advocate... Thanks to your generosity, I can take a step that once felt unattainable, intangible, and out of reach for someone like me – and to do so knowing that inclusion in this field does not have to be conditional on privilege."

Arougé Salim has also been contacted for a comment.

Safe travels and good luck to all of them!