Significant steps have already been taken in this direction, including:
1. Empowering Student Initiatives and Clubs: We encourage student-led initiatives, clubs, and activities that empower students to champion important causes. These include groups such as the Anti-Racist Alliance, Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Social Justice Club, CEESA-DEIB Club, and the Black Student Union.
2. Teacher Empowerment: Our staff members participate in workshops focused on Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, Dominant Cultures, and Anti-Racism. Moreover, we've conducted schoolwide student-led workshops to engage our faculty in these vital conversations.
3. Promoting Inclusion through Events: The school organizes events that serve to further enhance inclusion within our student body. These events include Pride Week, Mental Health Awareness Week, Unity Day, and our active participation in the Vienna Pride Parade.
The Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) recently inaugurated its 2023-2024 DEIJ Cohort, featuring a group of 17 educators from around the world. We are delighted to announce that Ms. Ceman and Ms. Kelly have been selected to represent Vienna International School throughout the upcoming school year as part of this esteemed cohort.
As we move forward, Vienna International School remains committed to fostering dialogue and action around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) throughout this school year. We will continue to celebrate the rich diversity that enriches our school community through a variety of initiatives and platforms.