From left to right, Isla Hall (Bermuda High School), Namya Goyal (Welham Girls School, India) Sipho Khumalo (Dainfern College, Johannesburg), Ashley Pietersen (Woodridge Prep), and Erica Zhang (Woodridge College) with
Today marks the start of the 2024 Africa Regional Round Square Conference, set against the picturesque backdrop of the beautiful Woodridge campus.
A total of 18 schools and eight countries including South Africa, India, Colombia, Namibia, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom are represented at the conference, with delegates between the ages of 12 and 14 years.
In line with the theme, Sizonqoba - Together we Triumph, there is a vibrant lineup of inspirational speakers throughout the conference.
Sivosethu Ndubela, a young Xhosa girl from New Brighton with a rare heart condition, will share her uplifting life story, giving insight into her remarkable resilience that enabled her to overcome many challenges, including poverty, being orphaned at the age of 13, and surviving two life-threatening open-heart surgeries.
Visionary leader in the field of education, Ajit Gopalakrishnan, will also address the delegation and share his passion for educating and knowledge of leadership in the tech space.
Last but not least, acclaimed South African adventurer and proud Old Woodridgean (class of 1985), Martin Dreyer, will speak about his commitment to social upliftment and his passion for endurance sports, having won the Dusi Canoe Marathon seven times, as well as various other international events.
“It is a huge privilege for Woodridge to provide these boys and girls, and their teachers, with the opportunity to participate in a global conference that brings them together with their peers to share perspectives, debate topical issues, forge friendships, and develop international understanding. We look forward to learning more about each other’s culture and developing the leadership characteristics of delegates and the exciting outdoor activities planned throughout the conference,” said Trevor von Berg, Woodridge Preparatory School Headmaster.
The delegation departs on Wednesday to the Tsitsikamma where the adventure will continue with several outdoor activities planned and an overnight camp in Nature's Valley.
The conference culminates in a colourful display of cultures during the closing ceremony at 17:00 on Thursday, 25 April.
MORE ABOUT ROUND SQUARE
In 2022, Woodridge was the first in Nelson Mandela Bay, and 2nd in the Eastern Cape Province, to join Round Square. This world-class programme is operational on six continents and strives to foster connection and collaboration between its 250+ member schools.
The Round Square educational approach encompasses character education and experiential learning, and the application of the Round Square Discovery Framework, which incorporates six themes, namely internationalism, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service.
These themes are underpinned by twelve discoveries that students typically explore during their learning journey, including inquisitiveness, tenacity, courage, compassion, inventiveness, problem-solving, self-awareness, sense of responsibility, appreciation of diversity, commitment to sustainability, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about Round Square here: https://www.woodridge.co.za/round-square
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