KHADICHA KOSIMJONOVA IS ADVOCATING FOR EQUALITY
Baldwin High School senior Khadicha Kosimjonova has a unique insight into the lack of equality experienced by women— and the power of speaking out. Khadicha was born in Uzbekistan, where women are not offered the same opportunities or respect as men. She reflects,“ My parents have always been ridiculed by other people from my homeland because they‘ didn ' t have sons and therefore wouldn ' t have successful children.’ In order to give me and my sisters a chance to be successful, my family immigrated here.” Her parents ' bold choice and their belief in her has inspired Khadicha to strive to make a difference in her world.
She started at her high school, where she founded Sisterhood, Affection, Freedom, and Equality, or S. A. F. E., a discussion-based club that focuses on helping women feel empowered and uplifted by listening to their concerns and giving them a safe place to talk. Khadicha explains,“ For far too long, women everywhere have been silenced and pushed aside. However, I believe speaking up is the first step to a change in the world. That ' s why we need a supportive community for young women to speak up about these concerns and stand with one another.” The response to the club has been overwhelming. The first meeting at Baldwin High School was standing-room only. The model has successfully been replicated internationally, boasting 4 additional chapters as far afield as Toronto.
Passionate about uplifting others, Khadicha is involved in many other community service roles and is honing her science skills through a prestigious research internship at the University of Pittsburgh ' s Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute Lab.
Khadicha has received a full scholarship to attend Columbia University, where she will study medicine. Her efforts have earned her recognition as one of Junior Achievement’ s 18 Under Eighteen.
THE AMAZING SHAKE: NEW PROGRAM TEACHES PROFESSIONAL SKILLS aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
In our increasingly digitally interfaced world, some students are missing out on essential people skills that they need to thrive in their professional and civic lives after school. That’ s why the teachers at J. E. Harrison Middle School and R. A. Lutz Elementary School are shaking up their approach to career-readiness skills with The Amazing Shake. This program emphasizes manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct, equipping students with essential skills for success in a professional environment. The program teaches students how to develop a proper handshake, master social interactions, build professional confidence, and prepare for real-world scenarios, like a job interview or public speaking.
The Amazing Shake is inspired by a program at the paradigm-setting school The Ron Clark Academy. The initial cohort of 30 students is already excelling.“ Our long-term vision includes growing this program so that participating students gain the confidence to become ambassadors. I see incredible potential for these middle school students to share their skills with others, such as younger elementary students or even high schoolers preparing for their senior exit interviews. This peer-topeer teaching model could have a powerful impact across grade levels.” shares Jonathan Peebles, Assistant Principal of J. E. Harrison Middle School.
Students put their newly acquired skills into action during the The Cookie Extravaganza at Baldwin High School, showcasing all they’ ve learned in a short time.
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