Woodridge Preparatory School will represent South Africa as the only participating school from the country at the upcoming Round Square International Junior Conference, hosted by Sunbeam School Lahartara in Varanasi, India, from 19 to 23 August 2025.
This highly anticipated international gathering will bring together student delegates aged 12 to 14 from Round Square schools across the world to explore the organisation’s six foundational IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
These guiding principles will shape a dynamic week of workshops, cultural exchanges, collaborative learning, and personal growth for all participants.
Representing Woodridge — and South Africa — are five outstanding young ambassadors: Austin Botes, Murray-John Boonzaier, Anita Krugel, Jasper Poultney and Gibran Hassim.
Accompanying them on this journey are Garron Adlard (Head of Round Square at Woodridge Preparatory School) and Roslyn Pienaar (School Librarian and Head of the Eco-Committee).
Together, they will travel via Doha and Delhi to the sacred and historic city of Varanasi, where they will join peers from around the globe to celebrate unity, leadership and global understanding.
In preparation for this experience, the team attended a pre-conference cultural immersion camp at the Gamtoos Ferry Hotel from 7 to 8 August, where they gained important insights into Indian culture.
This included lessons on temple etiquette, traditional customs, and an understanding of the country’s multi-faith religious landscape — ensuring they embark on the journey with empathy, respect and open-minded curiosity.
Following the conference, the delegation will undertake a richly layered post-conference cultural and environmental tour that concludes on 29 August 2025.
Highlights include a guided tour of the President’s House in Delhi, a visit to the Museum of Illusions, and an immersive exploration of Old Delhi through a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk — capped with a vibrant kite-flying session at a traditional haveli.
Additionally, the group will spend a day at an organic farm outside Delhi, where they will learn sustainable farming techniques, explore methods to reduce carbon footprints, and gain insights into the ancient relationship between humans, animals, and nature.
Activities will include an organic farm-style lunch, a practical workshop on urban terrace gardening, and recreational pursuits like pottery, knitting, and horse-riding, all promoting self-sufficiency and environmental awareness.
The adventure continues with a journey aboard one of India’s fastest trains to Agra.
There, the delegates will visit the monumental Agra Fort, experience the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunset, and reflect on their journey during a peaceful yoga session overlooking the iconic landmark at dawn.
A visit to Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur will allow them to enjoy cycling, a sketching workshop, and a deeper appreciation of one of the world’s renowned bird sanctuaries.
This incredible opportunity follows Woodridge Preparatory School’s successful hosting of a Round Square Conference in 2024, an event that brought together local and international schools to engage in meaningful dialogue, environmental action, adventure and leadership activities.
“Opportunities like this further solidify why Woodridge is more than a school — it’s an experience.
“These global moments of connection, learning, and leadership reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing compassionate, courageous and capable future leaders. We are thrilled for our students to take part in this life-changing journey,” said Trevor von Berg, Headmaster of Woodridge Preparatory School.
“They will represent not only our school and country with pride but also return with new perspectives, friendships, and the confidence to help shape a better world.”
