THORNHILL – Woodridge Preparatory School recently achieved another landmark moment in its commitment to character building and global engagement.
Drawing on the enduring philosophy of Kurt Hahn and the principles of the Round Square IDEALS, the school’s dedication to fostering future leaders was exemplified as five student ambassadors represented Woodridge and South Africa on the international stage.
The young delegates participated in the Round Square International Junior Conference, held last month at Sunbeam School, Lahartara, in Varanasi, India.
This extraordinary global event brought together students aged 12 to 14 from around the world to delve into Round Square’s six core IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
For Woodridge, this conference highlighted its growing influence in international education and its steadfast dedication to nurturing leaders with courage, a sense of responsibility, and a global perspective.
For the delegates, the experience was deeply transformative.
The school’s representatives — Austin Botes, Murray-John Boonzaier, Anina Krugel, Jasper Poultney and Gibran Hassim — embarked on this life-changing journey with the guidance of Garron Adlard (Head of Round Square, Woodridge Preparatory) and Roslyn Pienaar (Librarian and Head of the Eco-Committee).
Their route took them through Doha and Delhi, eventually arriving in Varanasi, a city renowned for its history and spirituality.
From their first evening in India, the delegation took a deep dive into the vibrant culture with a visit to the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat — a mesmerising display of fire, chanting and devotion. Immersing themselves in Indian traditions like this ceremony set the tone for a journey marked by respect, discovery and personal growth.
Throughout their stay, the Woodridge representatives were met with exceptional hospitality and kindness, leaving them humbled by the cultural warmth and welcoming nature of their hosts.
A high-calibre conference with lasting lessons
The conference was a resounding success, offering delegates a meticulously planned programme filled with inspiring talks, interactive workshops and cultural highlights. Woodridge hailed the event as “world-class,” crediting Sunbeam School Lahartara for delivering an unforgettable experience.
Sessions included thought-provoking keynotes. Among the standout speakers were Dr Himanshu Rai on uncovering “The Leader Within,” Parnab Mukherjee on self-reflection, and Vikram Sridhar, who explored the power of storytelling.
Delegates also engaged in thematic activities, from filmmaking to creative role-playing, nurturing leadership and self-expression.
One memorable trip took the students to Sarnath, a sacred site where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Exploring ancient Buddhist landmarks like the Dhamek Stupa exposed the delegates to a rich chapter of cultural and spiritual history.
During the grand finale, students showcased their home countries through performances.
Woodridge’s ambassadors delivered a heartfelt poem inspired by the school and its heritage, captivating their global peers.
Adventures beyond the conference
Beyond the conference itself, the delegation experienced a cultural whirlwind. In Delhi, they toured the President’s House, rode rickshaws through bustling streets, and explored sustainability at Beejom Organic Farm, where they learned about terrace gardening, pottery and sugar-cane juice-making.
The journey also took them to Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal, where they reflected with a yoga session overlooking the monument.
A visit to Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park added a natural touch, with cycling tours through this renowned bird sanctuary.
“For Woodridge Preparatory, this experience was the epitome of what it means to be a Round Square ambassador. The five delegates embraced every opportunity, forming friendships and connections that transcended borders,” said Pienaar.
“We are incredibly proud of our students. Not only did they represent Woodridge and South Africa with dignity, but they also lived the Round Square IDEALS in every interaction, embodying global citizenship, cultural appreciation and true leadership.”
