POLOKWANE – Stanford Lake College (SLC) recently hosted the Round Square Africa Conference for 14 and 15 year old learners.
Round Square is a worldwide network of innovative schools in 40 countries across five continents. The Round Square approach guides learners into becoming well-rounded, informed, responsible, principled and confident global citizens. Round Square schools build and benefit from a mutually supportive network that shares resources, ideas, methods, experience and opportunities locally, regionally and internationally.
The four-day conference brought together learners from 18 Round Square member schools from across Africa. Some 135 learners and 32 adults were treated to three keynote speakers, as well as the chance to attend workshops and various organised leadership, outreach and adventure activities.
The theme of this year’s conference was: Dream an’ Do, which was based on the name of SLC’s outdoor programme, with emphasis on encouraging all the delegates, young and old, to live out their dreams. The conference was led by the college’s gr. 11 learners with the support of the personnel.
On day one, the learners were treated to a motivational speech by Andrew Desmet, section ranger of the Letaba section of the Kruger National Park, who spoke of his personal journey and fight against rhino poaching in the park. Day two saw Arthur Preston, the principal of Elkanah House Senior Primary in Cape Town share his experiences and motivated the learners to follow their dreams and goals. On day three, John McInroy, the founder of “Red Sock Friday” and the Unogwaja Challenge gave some inspirational words.
Learners participated in six outdoor activities including the Magoebaskloof canopy tour and abseiling, a visit to the Organic Dairy at Wegraakbosch, a service project at Glenshiel Farm School, where the learners built a library and paved the playground area and activities in and around the lake at Stanford Lake College.
According to Rona McGaffin, the SLC marketer, the conference had a significant impact on each child in terms of developing awareness and understanding of international relations and issues affecting the continent, communities and the environment.
“It was an ideal opportunity for learners to interact with others from the Round Square member schools and a chance for learners to become better acquainted with the ideals of the Round Square organisation,” SLC thanked all their sponsors who helped to make the conference a memorable one.
