Round Square International Conference - Switzerland 2016
In 2016, Round Square’s 50th Anniversary year, the two host schools, Aiglon and Stiftung Louisenlund, will run almost simultaneous programmes, staggered by one day. The Round Square International Conference is focused on ‘the journey that makes us’. The idea of a journey is not only referring to the journeys made to arrive in Europe, but also encompasses the journey each one of us makes through his or her life and the journey Round Square has made through the last 50 years.
Reflection on the trip“The theme of the conference is so true, ‘’The journey that makes us,’’ for it isn’t the destination but the actual process and events that help you grow as a person. This trip has been the best school trip I have ever attended and one I will truly never forget.” ~ Bridget
Neeki A., Bridget C., Olivia G., Savin N. and Ms. Field attended the Round Square International Conference at Aiglon College in Switzerland from October 7-14th. Before the conference began, they spent a day exploring Geneva where they visited the Red Cross Museum, and took a boat trip across the lake to the famous Geneva icon, walked through the streets of old Geneva and had a taste of fondue. Aiglon College itself is in a picturesque Swiss Alps town and they hosted the 500 students and teachers from around the world and through this experience we met people from South Africa, Peru, Jordan, India, Transylvania among many other countries. “The highlight of my trip was without a doubt the amazing keynote speakers that spoke in front of all 500 kids every day. From Mark Grist, a middle school English teacher turned professional rap battler, to Alfred Worden, a crewmember of Apollo 15, these speakers were beyond inspiring.” ~ Savin
The conference itself was a mix of keynote speakers, activities to explore the local Swiss culture and hiking to explore the Swiss Alps. The keynote speakers highlighted the IDEALS of Round Square and were we were inspired through their fascinating, humourous, and informative speeches. While the IDEALS Day offered smaller groups of delegates to explore the Swiss culture, the Adventure Day was a highlight as it involved all 500 delegates to choose a two-hour hike in the Swiss Alps that would end at the top of the mountain with outstanding views of the Swiss Alps. “I loved listening to the answers of my baraza group's answers because it gave a little bit of insight into what kind of person they are and how their backgrounds influenced their answers.” ~ Neeki
The baraza groups were discussion groups that the students were divided into to discuss the keynote speakers. “Baraza” means “the coming together of people from different cultures” so these groups were made up of students from all around the world. The baraza leader was a student from Aiglon College who generated discussion based on the keynote speakers and the answers given from all the members were representative of all the different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives the students came from.
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