Explore the World at the Annandale High School Just World Festival

You don't have to travel the world to become a global citizen. Instead you can leave your passport at home and explore the world right here in Annandale at the sixth annual Just World Festival at Annandale High School on Friday, Feb. 25 from 2-7 p.m.

Hosted by the AHS Just World Interact Club and sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Association of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, the festival will provide fun and education about global issues and youth initiatives through international exhibits, food and workshops.

“The Just World Festival is a unique chance to expose students to real global issues from people who are making a real difference in the world,” said Just World Interact Club Sponsor Kim Becraft. “It also allows them to see how their peers are engaging in these issues and illustrates that no matter what your age, with passion and conviction, you can create a more just world.”

In addition to the workshops, there will be a Fair Trade Marketplace featuring handcrafts from around the world. AHS culinary technology students will also prepare international dishes for the World Café.

“Our goal for the attendees is to learn and have meaningful exposure and interactions with these various issues,” said Kimi Sisskind, who is in charge of marketing for the festival and an ESOL teacher. “I have students from all over the globe in my classes. I would really like to encourage my students to embrace diversity. By embracing diversity, together we can all learn from one another and create a positive and peaceful global community."

Over 100 nations and 90 different languages are represented in the AHS student body. Eleventh grade IB students Jiyeong Park and Esrael Muche said they learned a lot when they volunteered at last year's Festival and are looking forward to attending this year. Jiyeong, originally from South Korea, came to Annandale in 7th grade and was an ESOL student. She now has goals of going to college and medical school.

"I like to experience different cultures," Jiyeong said. "[At the festival] I became more aware of world issues." She hoped the Henna demonstration would be back this year. Esrael, originally from Ethiopia, lived in Lancaster, PA when she first came to America in 6th grade. She said likes Annandale better because "of the diversity" and "you get to learn a lot about other people." She particularly liked the presentation about chemical-free, natural makeup at last year’s festival and hoped there would be similar, interesting exhibits this year.

The Just World Festival is free and open to the public. For details about the exhibits or how you can get involved, visit the website.