Colombia – A Life-Changing Experience for Students and Staff
Our group of students and staff recently returned from an unforgettable experience at the Round Square International Conference 2024 in Colombia. The conference, themed "Blooming from the Past," provided an opportunity for learning, growth, and global connections.
It had an immeasurable impact on both students and staff, opening their eyes to new ways of seeing the world and empowering them with skills that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the week, our students made friends from across the globe, gained insights into different cultures, and saw the Round Square ideals come to life. They’ve returned to the UK with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective on their place in the world. Here’s a breakdown of their incredible journey accounted by the students.
Day 1: Departure
Our journey began with a mix of excitement and anticipation as we met at the airport, said our goodbyes to parents, and prepared for the 10.5-hour flight to Bogotá, Colombia. As we discussed the week ahead, everyone was eager to see what this adventure had in store.
Day 2: Arrival in Bogotá
After a long overnight flight, we landed in Bogotá at 3:30 am, feeling tired but buzzing with excitement. Even in the early hours, we started meeting fellow students from other schools at baggage claim, setting the tone for the collaborative atmosphere of the week. We were welcomed warmly by our Colombian hosts and transferred to The English School, where we participated in activities like hand-painting, traditional dance, music, and even a game of football. The day ended with a breathtaking marching band performance.
Day 3: Opening Ceremony
The official start of the conference was marked by the flag ceremony, where schools from around the world proudly represented their countries in full uniform. The diversity of schools and the sheer number of delegates was awe-inspiring. The opening ceremony included musical performances and a riveting speech by keynote speaker, Juanita Gobertus, a human rights lawyer who spoke on "From the opportunities of peace to the challenges of state building." Later, we departed for Villa de Leyva in the Boyacá region, where we would stay for the next few days. We quickly bonded with peers from as far as Australia, South Africa, and Japan.
Day 4: Baraza Groups and Adventure
We were divided into Baraza groups—small, student-led teams that foster leadership and collaboration. Each of us participated in various activities: highlights included a scavenger hunt around the historic town and high-rope zipline challenges. The day ended with a keynote talk from Mariana Santamaría, who delved into complex issues like toxic masculinity and violence against women, sparking deep discussions within our Baraza groups.
Day 5: Service and Sustainability
This day emphasised the Round Square Ideal of service. Our group hiked up a mountain to contribute to an afforestation project, planting trees to combat invasive species threatening local water supplies. In addition to the hands-on experience of planting, we learnt about local myths and environmental challenges. The high-altitude hike tested our endurance but also built fitness and camaraderie. In the evening, we were inspired by Ana María Pacheco’s keynote on social justice and pushing personal limits to effect change.
Day 6: Cultural Immersion
We ventured to the Sacred Valley, where we saw ancient pre-colonial art, connecting them to Colombia’s rich past. The day was filled with team-building activities, from art projects to navigation exercises. We also visited a village renowned for pottery and basket weaving, where students enjoyed crafting their own creations and had a chance to shop for souvenirs. The evening was a highlight with the cultural showcase, where students performed traditional dances and songs from their home countries.
Day 7: Closing Ceremony
The final day of the conference was bittersweet. We travelled back to Bogotá for the closing ceremonies, where we listened to thought-provoking speeches from former Colombian Minister Mauricio Cárdenas and the conference leaders. There were more than a few tears as we said heartfelt goodbyes, promising to stay in touch with our new friends from around the world.
Day 8: Bogota Street Art Tour
Before our departure, we spent the day exploring the vibrant street art scene in downtown Bogotá. We were fascinated by the bold creativity displayed in the graffiti and murals, even getting the chance to try our hand at graffiti art themselves. The day wrapped up with a meal at a local restaurant, sampling more of Colombia's delicious cuisine before we returned to collect our bags and head to the airport.
Day 9: Return to the UK
We landed safely back in the UK, carrying with us unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
The week in Colombia has left an indelible mark on both students and staff. The skills, experiences, and connections they gained will undoubtedly shape their futures, while the lessons of service, leadership, and cultural appreciation will resonate long after their return. The Round Square ideals truly came to life, and we look forward to seeing how this experience blooms into action in the months and years to come.
A special thanks to Mr. Scott and Ms. Reed for joining our students and supporting them throughout this transformative journey.
