Brescia House girls grow stories, skills, and a forest in Madagascar

Brescia House School students, from grades 5 and 9, completed two transformative enrichment programmes this year: The Wonderful World of Trees and Write a Book to Change the World.

Delivered in partnership with Upschool, and guided by Kyle van der Merwe, the school’s media and curriculum support specialist, the programmes invited students into an unforgettable journey that blended storytelling, environmental stewardship, global citizenship, and authentic authorship.

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“Throughout the year, the girls explored global tree species, environmental challenges, world issues, and the power of writing with purpose,” said Van der Merwe. “They learned how ideas grow stronger through collaboration, and how their voices can inspire real-world change.”

Cross-grade teamwork formed a core part of the experience, strengthening sisterhood and allowing students to combine diverse strengths and perspectives.

The Grade 9 market day initiative added an entrepreneurial dimension, integrating directly with the business studies and accounting curriculum.

Learners budgeted, marketed, priced, and managed finances for their stalls, raising R3 800 through a stall-tax model to help plant the Brescia Forest.

Van der Merwe also said that every student wrote and illustrated a children’s picture book, which are now proudly housed in the school’s expanding Dear World Library, with local copies printed through DC Books.

From stories to sustainability: Planting the Brescia Forest
What began as research and creative writing blossomed into powerful environmental action.

Through Karri App Acts and Grade 9 entrepreneurial earnings, students raised an impressive R12 371.72, enough to secure the creation of the Brescia Forest, in partnership with Evergreen.

“This incredible, student-driven effort secured the planting of the Brescia Forest,” said Van der Merwe, “and stands as a shining example of young people turning creativity into climate action.”

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After evaluating five reforestation sites around the world, students voted to plant their forest in Madagascar, a biodiversity treasure facing urgent ecological threats.
By planting there, Brescia learners are helping to:

• Restore mangrove and dry deciduous forests,
• Protect rare and endangered species,
• Support local communities through employment, and
• Strengthen climate resilience and coastal protection.

Student authors shine at the Literary Linkup

The students’ achievements culminated in a proud moment on October 29, when eight Grade 9 learners represented Brescia House at the school’s inaugural Literary Linkup.
With more than 55 attendees, including librarians, educators, literacy leaders, book curators, and students from over 30 Gauteng schools, the event celebrated student voices and storytelling excellence.

Brescia House’s young authors dazzled attendees as they presented their published children’s books, shared insights into their creative journeys, and served as PR ambassadors, welcoming and guiding guests with warmth and professionalism

A legacy of hope, service, and student voices

These enrichment programmes have allowed the Brescia House School students to experience the true purpose of learning: To create, connect, serve, lead, and to make a difference.

“We are immensely proud of their achievements,” concluded Van der Merwe, “and I am in awe of the faith they placed in me on this journey. I’m especially grateful to the staff, families, and partners who supported them every step of the way.”

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