Two Beacon Scholars, Joy Lelei and Tunde Muriuki, recently attended the 2013 Junior Round Square Conference in South Africa as representatives of their school, St. Andrew's, Turi. We asked them to tell us about the experience:

 

Joy Lelei reports:

On the 15th February, a bright Saturday morning, a group of six delegates accompanied by Mr. Palmer and Mrs. Jean-louis departed from JKIA destined for Johannesburg, South Africa.

After an entertaining 4hr journey, we arrived at O.R. Tambo Airport and then travelled to Sandton by means of a very efficient mode of transport, known as the 'Gautrain'.

On our arrival at our host school, St. Stithians, we were warmly welcomed, yet slightly intimidated by the vastness of the school which was literally beyond all measures!

I enjoyed socialising with the other delegates by means of interactive games. Later that evening, the conference was officially opened by the Headmistress of St. Stithians' after which, a sumptuous dinner was served.

For the first two nights, we were scheduled to stay with a host parent and I am glad to testify that this experience gave those of us not from South Africa, a taste of the lifestyle of this beautiful country.

The second day of the conference began on a high note as we went on a reflective 'Walk of Silence,' round the school's labyrinth and ventured deep into the school's grassland afterwards.

The highlights of the day included: witnessing the poetic tongue of Mrs. Everson who lead the talk 'Rebel with a Cause', and eating the most succulent, delicious pizza I've ever eaten, at what a tourist would call ''Little Italy'' in South Africa.

The final two nights we spent at Camp Discovery where we learned quite a lot by means of leadership/interactive games, team building activities,  and of course the infamous obstacle course.  All in all however, I can say that it was here that firm friendships were formed.

There is no doubt that all my fellow delegates will agree with me in that this trip was an experience that will last a lifetime's memory and we are all very grateful to have been a part of it.

I conclude this report with a quote that I link to the conference which has changed my perception on life in relation to taking every opportunity offered to you, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ― Winston Churchill

Tunde Muriuki reports:

'I was at first a bit apprehensive about the whole trip, seeing as I was the only male representative delegate from St. Andrew's School.

However, things began to look up once we arrived as I interacted with other delegates who proved quite amiable.

The first two days involved many talks and workshops concerning the environment; including the 'Rebel with a Cause' talk, where we were encouraged to grasp all opportunities life throws at us in every direction. These first two days took place at St. Stithians Girls College in Johannesburg, Sandton.

We as a group of Round Square delegates spent an enjoyable two days at Camp Discovery, a team building camp located in the province of Limpopo. We went for a game drive, engaged in team building activities, a democracy game and an extremely difficult and gruesome obstacle course. It was at this Camp that I truly bonded with my baraza group.

Personally, the highlight of this trip was the obstacle course and I've left the conference having learnt a lot and I am ready to make my school and the world, a better place!'