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Colonial School District: PWHS students work on becoming peer trainers through ADL World of Difference Institute

  • October 6, 2021

More than 20 student volunteers at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) recently spent the day learning about bias — and each other — as part of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) World of Difference Institute Peer Training Program. 

“We all had different opinions, but we all really cared about making our school a better place,” said Teresa Wosczyna, a PWHS senior. “So we were all here for a common value, which I liked a lot.”

The group began the day doing team building exercises and creating a safe space to share difficult conversations.

“I really liked being able to have discussions with other people,” said Sarah-Ann Chiara, a PWHS senior. “There were times that I was afraid to say something and felt vulnerable, but after I said it, it felt good.”

“It was just insightful,” added PWHS senior Maya Hoffman. “I found out that other kids were thinking some of the same things, too, and I didn’t really realize how similar our responses would be.”

The main focus of the day was to learn how bias affects the way people interact and to explore the difference between explicit and implicit bias.

“Explicit is what you’d consider blatant racism or sexism versus implicit bias, which is something that you don’t really realize you’re doing,” explained PWHS sophomore Emily Moore.

The students are preparing to lead similar discussions and activities in visits to ninth grade classrooms during homeroom period, known as Bonus Block. The peer trainers will address bias, bullying, and online aggression.

“When I look at the evolution of this program at Plymouth Whitemarsh, I’m very inspired,” said Randi Boyette, Senior Associate Regional Director of Education for the ADL, who has been leading the training at PWHS for more than a dozen years. “The kids become peer trainers, because they had a great experience when peer trainers came to their freshman Bonus Block, and that’s the beauty of the way peer training is coordinated here at Plymouth Whitemarsh. I think the conversations these kids have with each other are really powerful, and I see this group of kids as real change agents in the school.”

The students have two more full days of training through the ADL World of Difference Institute Peer Training Program before heading into classrooms. The program is sponsored by Mrs. Edwards and Dr. Madel.