During the last week of the Term 3 holidays and the first week of Term 4, a delegation of Barker College students, for the first time, attended the Round Square International Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
They joined 1,200 student delegates from 160 schools from across the world at the conference hosted by Brookhouse School.
The conference was opened by the former First Lady of Kenya, Mrs Margaret, amidst vibrant musical and dance performances. The auditorium was filled with songs from the Brookhouse School choir, including solos from former Brookhouse students. Barker was officially welcomed as a Global Member, receiving its Round Square flag, formal Membership Certificate and pins.
Throughout the week, delegates experienced a series of focus days that brought to life the conference theme, the ‘New Africa’. On the Democracy Day, delegates heard from guest panellists, keynote speakers, and participated in Baraza discussions before heading to their homestay for a taste of Kenyan hospitality.
During the Adventure Day, delegates ventured into Nairobi’s National Park for a mini safari and overnight camp. The Service Day saw delegates work at Brookhouse’s community partner schools in the Nairobi area, refurbishing classrooms, gardening, and playing sports with the children.
Barker College said the conference was an enriching experience for its students, one that celebrated African innovation and aspiration. However, it was the Kenyan people’s pride in their culture and community as well as the hope they have for their future that spoke loudly about their individual and collective identity and belonging. A reoccurring African word featured prominently throughout the conference that aptly encapsulated this; ‘Ubuntu’, I am, because we are.
