Newark School of Global Studies Student Leader Divine Kibe to Spend Summer Teaching English and Building Cultural Connections Abroad
NEWARK, N.J. – Divine Kibe, a graduating senior at Newark School of Global Studies and the Newark Board of Education’s Student Representative, has been selected to participate in the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Volunteer Teaching Program in Taiwan. The program is a highly competitive international initiative that connects student volunteers with schools in communities across the island.
Beginning July 5th, Kibe will join approximately 400 to 500 volunteers selected from an applicant pool of roughly 10,000 candidates worldwide. During the four-week program, she will teach English to middle school students while gaining firsthand experience with Taiwanese culture and education.
After completing a week of training and lesson planning, Kibe will be assigned to a school in Tainan, a community in southern Taiwan, where she will spend two weeks working with students before participating in a cultural tour of the island.
“This opportunity reflects Divine’s hard work and dedication, and the power of an education that encourages students to see themselves as citizens of the world,” said Superintendent León. “We are proud to see her take Newark’s values abroad as she begins this exciting new chapter.”
Kibe’s selection is particularly fitting given her long-standing involvement in the school’s Chinese language and cultural studies program. As a student in the school’s Chinese language track, Kibe has studied Chinese throughout high school, participates in Chinese cultural activities, serves as president of the Chinese Honor Society, and recently completed the Advanced Placement (AP) Chinese course.
“I hope to make a positive impact on the students I’ll be working with by helping them build confidence in their English skills while creating a fun and supportive learning environment,” Kibe said. “At the same time, I’m excited to grow as a leader, learn more about Taiwanese culture firsthand, and bring those experiences back to Newark to inspire other students.”
Kibe credits her teacher Monica Chen, who teaches Chinese, with encouraging her to apply for the program and guiding her through the application process. Chen also helped Kibe prepare for the experience by sharing insights about Taiwanese culture and life.
“Divine embodies the mission of Newark School of Global Studies,” “She has embraced every opportunity to expand her understanding of the world, whether through language studies, cultural exchange programs, student leadership, or community service. Her selection for this prestigious program is a testament to her intellectual curiosity, determination, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone. We are incredibly proud of her and know she will represent our school, our district, and our city with distinction in Taiwan.”
“As Principal, I am so very proud of Divine Kibe and her continued leadership here at Global Studied and now abroad as a Teacher in Taiwan,” said Principal Nelson Ruiz, who noted that junior Tatiana Cintron will be studying Chinese in Taipei over the summer. “Divine and Tatiana are modeling our school mantra: “LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE, TRAVEL ABROAD, BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER.”
As student representative to the Newark Board of Education during the 2025-2026 school year, Kibe has served as a voice for Newark students, presenting monthly reports and helping strengthen communication between students and district leadership. Her commitment to service has extended beyond the boardroom. Before graduating, she will complete a 22-page handbook designed to help future student representatives succeed in the role.
“Divine has distinguished herself as an exceptional student leader whose curiosity, compassion, and commitment to others have made a lasting impact on our district,” said Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Whether she is representing Newark students before the Board of Education or teaching English halfway around the world, she approaches every opportunity with purpose and excellence. We look forward to seeing all she accomplishes.”
This fall, Kibe will attend Drew University, where she plans to major in neuroscience as she pursues her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
For Kibe, the Taiwan experience represents both a culmination of her years at Newark School of Global Studies and a bridge to her future.
“Newark Public Schools has given me so many opportunities to grow as a leader and connect with students across the district,” Kibe said. “This program feels like the perfect transition between my time as the student representative and the next chapter of my life. I’m grateful for everyone who helped make it possible.”