Longtime maker Fawzan Hussain was announced as one of 14 British Columbians who will receive the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship (new window).

Fawzan’s work with 3D printing and distributing over 150 assistive devices and 1,545 personal protective equipment has benefitted over 30 organizations across BC.

A first year engineering student at the University of Victoria (new window), he believes that youth have the power to positively change their communities. When he saw a call for help from Makers Making Change looking for 3D printing help, Fawzan self-funded his own 3D Printer.

Fawzan researched and secured a grant from the Government of Canada (new window) and TakingITGlobal (new window) to purchase 3D printing filament in order to produce 150 assistive devices that were distributed to people with disabilities across North America.

By learning about the needs of people with disabilities through his work with Makers Making Change, Fawzan investigated how he could help people using his technical skills. He did an independent research study on the role of technology in helping people with disabilities by creating a prototype brain computer interface.

As part of his work, he consulted with an expert of the subject, Dr. Gary Birch (new window), a champion of accessibility and the Executive Director of Neil Squire.

In September 2019, Fawzan attended the MILSET Expo-Sciences International (new window) 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he showcased his Brain Computer Interface Communication System to youth from around the world. Fawzan also participated in several workshops including one on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace and represented Canada in the closing ceremonies.