(above) Members of the Westfield High School Girls Learn International Club visit the United Nations in New York to attend the 2019 Day of the Girl Summit, an event held annually since 2011 when the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare October 11 the “International Day of the Girl.”
WHS Students Attend “Girls Speak Out” Summit at UN
Members of the Westfield High School Girls Learn International Club recently visited the United Nations in New York to attend the 2019 Day of the Girl Summit, an event held annually since 2011 when the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare October 11 the “International Day of the Girl.”
Girls from around the world attended the summit and shared inspirational stories, videos, photography, performances, artwork, and songs as part of “Girls Speak Out.” Also in attendance were representatives of the United Nations and other international organizations with all speakers addressing the needs and issues facing girls around the world.
“The mission of the day is to ‘help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential,’” said WHS social studies teacher Hilary Haskell who, with fellow social studies teacher Elizabeth Piombino.
Topics addressed included immigration, education, leadership, and violence, as well as health and sanitation. Haskell said that one group of teenage girl performers tied these themes together by dramatizing stories relating to these issues, provided to them by other girls from around the world.
“This was a unique opportunity and learning experience for the Westfield High School Girls Learn International Club members,” Haskell added.
Photo by Westfield Public Schools
