Six students arrived in London on the morning of September 17 to represent the school at the annual Round Square conference, which focuses this year on environmental and social awareness.
The Round Square, a network of schools in 50 countries, hosts an annual conference to promote the organization’s “IDEALS” — intercultural understanding, democracy, environmental awareness, adventure, leadership, and service.
After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the conference is back in person. The theme for this year’s program is “Take Less, Be More.” Sahil Annamaneni ’24, Abigail Gugsa ’24, Jaidyn Hurst ’23, Aster Lufkin ’23, Richie Mamam Nbiba ’23, and Jason Shan ’23 were selected to attend the 53rd conference.
The students spent their first few days exploring London — attending Shakespeare’s Tempest at the Globe Theater, visiting famous landmarks such as the London Eye, and walking around Westminster Abbey, where Queen Elizabeth II is now buried. In a newsletter to the school, Annamaneni wrote, “I am curious what other student delegates are saying about the Queen’s passing, the English Royal Family, and what this means for the rest of the world. Many of the Round Square schools are in Commonwealth Countries, so [they] have a long relationship with England.”
They spent the next three days at the University of Oxford, attending keynotes by Ben Fogle, an award-winning broadcaster and writers; Sir Dieter Helm, professor of economic policy at the University of Oxford; and Lesego Serelong, founder of the company Bee Loved Honey and co-founder of Raise the Children International. Founder of the Sparkle foundation, Sarah Brook, also spoke.
Shan said, “Driven by the life experience of being treated first only because of her skin color, [Ms. Brook] intends to create a future in which every [person] has equal opportunity to live a life of health and self-sufficiency.”
After the speeches, students attended a series of open debates called Baraza Groups. The word baraza, originating in Eastern Africa, means “the coming together of different people.” Baraza Groups encourage students to make their voices heard in conversations about the Round Square IDEALS.
Mamam Nbiba said, “My group discussed the disproportionate impacts of pollution on underdeveloped countries and impoverished communities. This led us into the further discussion of different cultural and societal norms and what role they play in a country’s outlook on pollution and climate change.”
The students then traveled north to their host school, AKS Lytham, spending the day at Lake District National Park, where they canoed, climbed high ropes, and engaged in team-building activities.
The students also participated in community service with AKS, learning about beach restoration and turning empty chip bags into blankets. In the evening, students enjoyed an international food festival prepared by the school’s award-winning catering team.
Round Square provides numerous opportunities for students to develop their intercultural skills, practice teamwork, and connect with peers from around the globe.
