The theme of Equity and Inclusion at AFS, which runs through every aspect of the School’s educational program, was in the limelight last week at the Future of Diversity Symposium in Washington, D.C.
Rachel Yakobashvili ’16, a freshman at George Washington University, spoke on the opening day of the conference about how the School’s 10th grade seminar, which focuses on diversity, identity, Quakerism and service, became a catalyst for change that expanded her societal awareness and aided her personal discovery.
Rachel, who went on to become a leader in diversity facilitation while a student at AFS, lauded the work of a mentor, Toni Graves Williamson, Assistant Head of School for Equity and Inclusion.
“At Abington Friends, [Toni] started a program for students to become leaders in the world of diversity work. Over 50 students are a part of the team. Our role was to plan and lead workshops, discussions, and critical conversations. … The best part [is that] it was entirely student-led and expanded through the Upper, Middle, and Lower School as well as the wider Philadelphia community and the Mid-Atlantic region.”
Rachel is majoring in International Affairs, with hopes of having a concentration in Global Education.
“To me, fundamental change starts with education and I want to be a part of reforming the education system, bit by bit. It is vital that what is taught and observed in school is changed, so that future generations can grow up with less hate and less fear of difference than we have today.”
The third annual conference, sponsored by Georgetown Day School, drew more than 30 delegations from independent schools from around the country. The AFS team included senior Carly Shanken and junior Chloe Bartlett, as well as Renie Campbell, director of student support; Middle School Science Teacher Eli Sidman, and Lower School Technology and Library Specialist Michelle Podulka. Together, they created an action plan for the School for the year.
Toni designed and facilitated the student portion of the workshop alongside another AFS alum, Tatania Lee ’13.
In other news, Toni estimates about 200 students from some 20 schools around the region will attend the Mid-Atlantic Region Diversity Conference, which will be held at AFS on Saturday, October 29.
Students from the Perkiomen School will join AFS students in leading the conference, which was founded by the two schools. The theme this year is “Celebrating Five Years — Now What?”