The African Regional Round Square Conference for 12 -14 year olds was hosted by Dainfern College in Johannesburg from 20 – 24 March.
Six of our students from Grade 8 and Grade 8-0 attended the conference, namely David Mulder, Jade Hitchins, Laura- Anne Muller, Ellain Chidavaenzi, Willem Vos and Owen De Witt. The theme of the event was ‘Discover’ and the students participated in activities that entailed the 12 discoveries.
The students thoroughly enjoyed their time at The Cradle of Humankind where they visited Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves in their “Discover your Origin” activity. They also got a brief overview of South African history in “Discover your Democracy” by visiting key sites in Soweto such as the famous Vilakazi Street, where Mandela’s House and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s home are situated (both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize), the Hector Pieterson Museum and Regina Mundi Church.
Before they knew it, the conference was nearing its end. A few tears and hugs were shared and a lifetime of memories, discoveries and friendships were made.
My favourite part of the Round Square conference was probably meeting and making new friends. I went to the conference knowing nothing about Round Square but after the couple of days we were there, I learnt the discoveries and so much more! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to go. A big thanks to the teachers that went with us and my parents who allowed me to go! – Jade Hitchins, Grade 8-0
The conference taught me a lot about people and ways of living. Going on this Round Square conference was great fun and educational, I learned about new ways to help the environment. My outlook towards others has changed. I now have a new found passion for learning and discovering new things. Not knowing many people and being split up from all the Stanford kids, means I made a lot of new friends. I would never have talked to them if I had just stayed with the Stanford kids. – Laura-Anne Muller, Grade 8