In our present day and age it is more important than ever that our young people learn tolerance, acceptance and understanding of difference. 

These are vital attributes for our leaders and in working towards international understanding and peace in our multicultural world.

Travelling to Rwanda extended our six students, Michael Connor Aherne Year 11, Marcus William Sykes Year 11, Lily Hooper Year 11, Cara Georgina Nivison Year 10, Alice Kate McKeon Year 10, and Jessica Iris Sykes Year 10, in all these areas to their maximum. 

1. Making friends. Our BDC students made friends at the conference with students from Denmark, Kenya, Germany, Rwanda, England, South Africa and Ecuador. This was a joyful experience and a great way to learn about other people, countries and ways of thinking.

2. Rwandan Genocide Memorial. This visit was a confronting experience that was presented in such a thorough way that most of our students named this as their most memorable experience of the whole trip. It delved into the history and factors leading up to the genocide, how it was orchestrated and the generational trauma that it has left behind.

It also focussed on the reconciliation actions implemented throughout the country that can be seen today in the national mindset to move forward together as one; "We are all Rwandan" is the catchphrase we heard many times. This emotional work towards forgiveness and working together towards good, is the force that has made Rwanda today one of the safest countries in Africa to visit.

Thirdly, the Genocide was put into context with reference to other genocides around the world, citing those in Germany, Cambodia and Bosnia. The memorial prompted us to think not of Rwanda as an isolated incident, rather to consider our own human susceptibility to being influenced and the importance of being aware and working against prejudice and towards acceptance, understanding and tolerance.

3. Opportunities for Service - The Green Hills Academy is a privileged school like BDC. It was very comforting to know that we would always be well looked after in Rwanda and have a secure support system and advice should we need it.

When we stepped out of this school we could also see the differences in wealth between the city and country and rich and poor, more easily than in Australia.

It was so heartwarming to visit a local school and share educational resources with them and to be welcomed with song and dance and so much joy. It is a great lesson in being joyful with whatever material situation we are in.

The last Saturday of every month is a community service day throughout the country. It is a day for everyone to work together on projects that need addressing or assisting others in the community who need help. This is an impressive example to us all.

4. Environmental stewardship. Even though Rwanda is a much poorer country than Australia, it is extremely clean and there is a strong awareness of the importance of the environment. Single use plastics are illegal and much revenue comes into the country from tourism visiting the Gorillas and other rare animals in the national parks.

5. Personal growth opportunities. From this experience some of our students are considering volunteering in schools or assisting in national parks in Rwanda when they graduate. This trip has presented opportunities and food for thought in many areas.

I could talk further about how tremendous all six students were, about what thoughtful discussions have been had and how well they worked together as a group.

I believe that having challenges to face, like different food, transport, people, languages, scenery and social norms, brings people together and this is certainly true for this group. It is also important to be able to debrief together and discuss to help process the new experiences: travelling with teachers like Mr. Mick Klipin was great for this.

I believe the Thailand trip has been equally expanding and has provided an amazing platform for growth for our ten Year 7 students, teachers and their cohort.

I look forward to BDC being able to continue to offer these conferences to our students into the future through the Round Square network, exploring diversity, building empathic leaders and promoting international understanding in our world.

Karina Rothacker
Round Square & International Program Coordinator