Round Square International Conference: Switzerland Update (Tuesday 11 Oct)
Sunday morning saw us fly to Geneva and then by train to Aigle, more or less and hour and a half away around the impressive Lake Geneva. In the afternoon, we registered and while the students went to their boarding houses, each one in a different one, Martín Álvarez (Pastoral Care) and I went to our hotel where me met up with Dr. Alberto Taquini (h), Chairman of the BDS Board.
That evening there was the opening ceremony at which our flag bearer, Camila Rodríguez Cardin, represented BDS. The ceremony was lively with much music, videos and Swiss dancing all from Aiglon College students. The President of Round Square, King Constantine of Greece, opened the conference and then there were words from the Chairman of the association, the Headmaster of Aiglon College, and as a special guest, the Aga Khan.
The conference proper started on Monday morning, when after a period of meditation, Sir John Young “Jackie” Stewart , OBE, spoke to all the delegates. A three time World Grand Prix Motor Racing driver, he took us through his exploits on the track but focused on his dyslexia and how as a student he failed in school and yet his dyslexia had helped him as a driver and earlier as a crack rifle champion. He later started in Scotland a trust to help those with dyslexia and to train teachers. His children, similarly dyslexic, attended Aiglon College and led healthy and creative lives in the music and film industries. His grandchildren were now students at this beautiful school. His was a remarkable message in which he brought to our attention the names of many famous people who likewise suffered the same.
Today, Tuesday, we had the pleasure of listening to Meagan Fallone (Barefoot College) and Alessandra Morelli (UNHCR). Both were very provocative with their messages. Meagan outlined the work of Barefoot College and their empowerment of women in rural areas across the globe in the area of education, business, water resources, solar electricity and sustainable growth. It was a very strong and stimulating message. Alessandra talked about her work with refugees that spanned 25 years. She was determined and critical of the developed world, particularly Europe, as nations dilly-dally with the large numbers of refugees coming from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia and other parts of Africa. Nations must not hide behind a fear of terrorism when refugees simply look for a place to live in peace. She asked for all nations to show solidarity with the millions of displaced people. Two strong messages to start the day.
In the afternoon we all separated for IDEALS day. Ignacio and Camila went to a “high ropes” course, Nicole and María Jesús went to the Chateau de Chillon, Alan went underground to a mine, while Martín and I went on an excruciating nature hike in the mountains! This evening all attended an ice hockey match.
Steven Page – Headmaster & Rector
