There is more in us than we know. As the first step in their journey of finding out the secrets hidden within the five students - Prachi Jain, Jaanya Rathi, Akshi Singhvi, Virika Mehta & Suhani Lodha along with Mrs Sapna Gupta set out to Brookhouse schools Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Round Square International Conference 2023 being hosted there. The conference commenced with an Opening Ceremony where they introduced to us the idea of "The New Africa '' which allowed everyone to explore many ways in which the continent has evolved over the years. The guest of honour was Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, former First Lady of the Republic of Kenya where she gave an enlightening speech on the talents hidden within all of us. For the rest of the conference we were all split into different Barazza sessions and each Barazza session had their own unique agenda and perceptions. The first day began with the Round Square Pillar of Democracy, with a programme of Keynotes and panel discussions that highlighted an array of African innovators namely, Waihiga Mwaura: Kenyan Journalist and BBC presenter of Focus on Africa, Peggy-Mativo Ochola: Educational entrepreneur and Executive Director at PACEMaker International ,Christian Lambrechts: Environmentalist and Executive Director at Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, Kenya,Bright Simons: Technology entrepreneur and President of the mPedigree phone-based system. This informative session was followed by an exciting treasure which helped us to foster a sense of partnership with our Barazza members and leaders. Later that evening we were escorted to our homestay families. The Brookhouse families provided us with comfortable homestay accommodations and a first-hand experience of African hospitality for all of us. The next day of the conference included a day devoted to community-based projects which covered the Round Square Pillar of Service. We were physically involved in building, creating and decorating an environment where learning could flourish. This activity also provided us with a chance to interact with the deprived students of Africa. The day ended with a vibrant cultural evening in which every school from every corner of the world showcased their talents and traditions. The following day being Adventure Day, featured a night under African skies, camping in the Nairobi National Park, with wildlife game drives and an environmental conservation focus. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And what an end it was. The entertainment and the enjoyment felt beyond gratifying. And the memories and friends made along the way are a constant reminder of the great times we spent there.
