From March 13th to 16th, two students from Vienna International School (VIS) had the unique opportunity to participate in the 35th annual CEESA (Central and Eastern European Schools Association) Conference held in Split, Croatia. This year’s conference, themed "Igniting Leadership: Every Voice, Every Role," provided a platform for student leaders across the CEESA region to present and discuss important issues surrounding diversity, inclusion, and leadership in schools. These student-led sessions were aimed at sparking conversation about how schools can create more inclusive environments, address subtle forms of discrimination, and foster a culture of belonging for all students.
Eleonora Yakubova (Grade 11) presented a session titled "Building Belonging: A Student-Driven Playbook for Inclusive Schools", sharing practical strategies and insights on how schools can make every student feel valued and included. Meanwhile, Nicola Maina (Grade 12) led a session on "Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions: A Student-Led Guide for Educators." Nicola’s presentation focused on the often-overlooked, yet impactful, issue of microaggressions—subtle, everyday slights or insults that can harm individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Both Eleonora and Nicola’s sessions were well-received by the educators and students in attendance, sparking deep discussions about the role of schools in fostering inclusivity and addressing bias in all forms. The chance to present these important topics to such a diverse audience was an invaluable experience for the VIS students, and they returned from the conference with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. As part of their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, Eleonora and Nicola are eager to share the insights and strategies they learned at the CEESA Conference with the VIS community.
VIS is proud of the leadership demonstrated by its students at the CEESA conference. Their contributions to the ongoing dialogue about inclusion and their proactive approach to creating positive change reflect the values of empathy, respect, and leadership that are integral to the school’s mission.