How big of an impact can high school students make on the world? As it turns out, our BCIS students have already helped make significant changes in the world! Our students are empowered to act for the good of others, and, through our robust Enrichment Activities (EA) program, they have the opportunity to establish and organize their own enrichment activities that create a positive impact on their community. One of our EAs, Unlock, is raising awareness and acting for students with Autism through a variety of amazing activities. The members of Unlock in our Secondary School (SS) are purposeful doers who have made a huge difference in their community and beyond.

Started in 2018 by BCIS Alumni, Chris, Unlock has been a valuable EA both inside and outside of the BCIS community. Chris was inspired to start Unlock after spending time with children with Autism on the school's Week Without Walls (WWW) trip when he was in Grade 11. He was interested in psychology and education and wanted to bring more awareness about special education to his friends and classmates at BCIS. Chris turned this inspiration into action through the Unlock EA. Our current SS students in Unlock continue to make a difference and help those in need.

After Chris graduated, he passed leadership of Unlock to current BCISer, Maggie. Maggie was grateful for this opportunity to lead the EA, as this was an excellent opportunity for her to build her leadership skills while making a difference. Maggie and her classmates have led many activities that both directly and indirectly support students with Autism, including partnering with Hong Kong China Fullsun, a center for special education. Unlock has visited HK China Fullsun several times since 2018 to meet and work with the students there. The members of Unlock work with the young learners on activities ranging from arts and crafts to communication, helping teach them as well as gaining a better understanding of special education.

During one of these activities, when Unlock visited Fullsun, they led the students there in an art activity. They partnered with the students, and got to know them through the process of making art. "Once we started drawing with the students, everyone was especially happy," explains Maggie. This was a great way for her and her classmates to spend time with the students, and she mentions that the activity really changed their perceptions about special needs education. They also made some new friends! As cool as this experience was, the cooperation between Unlock and Fullsun didn't end there.

After seeing the wonderful creations made by the talented students at Fullsun, Unlock wanted to share this art with the rest of the BCIS community. In addition to organizing the sale of crafts to benefit the center in 2020, Unlock organized an art exhibition in 2021 in which Fullsun students' work was displayed at BCIS during the annual Christmas Bazaar. These events helped give the BCIS community a unique look at the talents of the Fullsun students, as well as a chance to raise money for the organization. Through such activities, Unlock helped share the fantastic arts and crafts made by students with Autism, and helped raise money for additional materials and supplies for the students.

Unlock continues to support students with Autism, raising money in a variety of creative ways, even hosting a dance contest with participants from other schools that raised over 5000 RMB for the Fullsun center. BCIS is honored to host such activities that create more inclusivity, awareness, and fun in our community. Maggie, Chris, and the students of Unlock have taken the lead in making an impact, and what an impact it has been! This week, Unlock will visit the Fullsun center again for more engaging activities with the students. April is Autism Awareness Month, and we welcome you to join the students of Unlock in unlocking your understanding and care for students with Autism!