Hate and bullying are often a part of the high school experience, regardless of the school. Whether individuals face bullying or see a fellow peer get bullied, it is something that is relevant for all high school students, Woodbridge High students included.
At Woodbridge High, the No Place for Hate initiative was launched to fight against hate and make the school environment a safe and inclusive space for all. Most recently, “Warrior Connect” was spearheaded and through the NPFH campaign, Belonging, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion related activities, continue to engage students in BDEI discussions and breaking stereotypes.
Special education and No Place for Hate Advisor Angela Bushamie speaks about the importance of bridging the gap between the special education students and the general education students.
“One of our biggest events that we have now done twice, is the Disabilities Awareness Week. During this event, we have had students with disabilities be featured in a video. [Furthermore], NPFH planned three Homeroom lessons this year, including the Kindness padlet, a bystander training, and person-first language presentation. [Through these events, special education students] were able to share their stories, struggles, and share a message to everyone which helped foster empathy and understanding between the two student groups, instead of having each group stay solely within their groups, ” Bushamie said.
In addition to building empathy among students, initiatives have been created at Woodbridge to help strengthen relationships between students and teachers, beyond solely academics. To foster that type of relationship, for the first time, Warrior Connect was launched.
Warrior Connect gives teachers the opportunity to use 30 minutes of tutorial time to do something they enjoy as a hobby or something they are interested in. Students are able to visit teachers who share their interests and learn from them.
For junior Ayca Koksal, Warrior Connect was an opportunity to explore K-Pop, one of her interests, with others. “I went to a Kpop [tutorial] because I’m a fan of K-Pop music and they also had popcorn, which was a win-win, ” Koksal said.
Beyond fun activities, Warrior Connect provides students with the opportunity to find communities with Woodbridge staff and fellow students who share their passions and interests, helping to create a more unified school environment. Many students have spoken about the positive impact that NPFH has brought for individuals and the school as a whole.
“I think hate is a huge problem not only in this school but also all around the world and we need more events on campus [organized by] NPFH where people are free to like what they like and be who they want to be,” Koksal said.
The students involved with the planning and execution of these events have a passion for making a positive impact on their school community.
Junior Amritha Boddhu joined NPFH to contribute to positive change in the school community. She shares how rewarding it was to make a positive impact on Woodbridge High. “The impact and response has been fairly great. The people from the disabilities video became celebrities [at] school. I think the impact on the environment has been awesome and I am really proud to be a part of this group,” Boddhu said.
The No Place for Hate Campaign strives to create an inclusive community that is truly representative of each Woodbridge High Warrior, continuing to make new and engaging events that foster empathy.
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