Understanding what it takes for a person living in a third world country to access clean water or creating a mud brick home for a family of eight, were some of the questions put to delegates of the Australasian Junior Round Square Conference for 2012, that was hosted by The Armidale School in collaboration with New England Girls School last week.
Around 150 delegates from schools across the globe including Australia, New Zealand, India and Bangladesh came to Armidale for the week-long conference and to take part in activities centred around the conference motto of “Out of the Blue – Water Changes Everything’. The conference promoted water conservation and the concept of “Water is a life source that must be protected’.
Guest speakers included TAS Old Boy and Clean Up Australia founder Ian Kiernan, Sharon Crean from Beyond Water, which seeks to help African communities better utilise water, and Canadian Justin Bedard from Jump Foundation, who engaged delegates in activities to empower and make a difference.
When Ian Kiernan found out that his old school was hosting the Round Square Conference he jumped at the chance to be involved.
“I gave the keynote speech and have been here for two days involving myself in all the activities,” said Ian Kiernan.
“It really is impressive. The kids are keen, and they are learning a lot in a very practical method of teaching.
“They are understanding the importance of water as the most vital staff of life.
“Delegates will take the information they have shared and learnt, back to their home countries and share it with their compatriots.”
Mr Kiernan believes that students who have attended the conference are our eco warriors and watch dogs.
One of those eco warriors was NEGS year 11 student Mollie Galvin who was a Barazza Leader during the conference.
“I have found the conference really insightful, especially doing all of the activities,” said Mollie.
“It was really interesting learning about how important water is, and how we often don’t think about where that water comes from.”
As a Barazza Leader Mollie took on the responsibility of being a teacher in the conference and found this experience to be really rewarding.
“I have always had a passion for environmental causes and hope to one day go into a field of science, maybe environmental or something to do with helping people.
“I really enjoyed the tree planting along Dumaresq Creek; especially getting the international students involved who found this activity a lot of fun.”
The conference encompasses the Round Square pillars: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
On the last day of the conference, delegates were divided into groups that represented the wealth of the world, and fed accordingly. A bonfire, bush dance and other social activities consolidated life-long friendships that were made during the week.
Story: Jo Harrison
