Gratitude On safari with Jack McKeown and Tom Foster
D iscovering the ‘New Africa’ and going on safari in Kenya have been life-changing experiences for Tom Foster and Jack McKeown. Along with former Deputy Principal Rob Donaldson, the two College delegates to the 55th annual Round Square International conference in Nairobi have described their 16 days in Africa in 2023 as “a once- in-a-lifetime trip”. “While the purpose of the trip was to attend the conference in Nairobi, we experienced so much more,” they recall. “After arriving in Kenya, we spent one night in the capital before undertaking a six-day safari. Along the way, we were constantly learning about the way of life in the parks.
“Some of the things we have learnt include the culture of the indigenous Maasai people – with the millennia-old traditions still in practice – as well as the behaviour and lifestyles of the vast range of wildlife within the game parks. In total, we saw 35 lions, five cheetahs and a cheetah cub, a leopard out in a field, and many hippos, warthogs, vultures, and bird varieties. We also got close to a very rare black rhino, as well as a rhino and her calf. Each day, a new sighting topped the previous one.” Following their safari, the College trio were welcomed to Brookhouse School – the site of the conference – where they were greeted by dancers and drums, and met conference delegates from around the world.
“Getting to meet other individuals your age from all over the world is such a unique experience and allows you to share different opinions and conversations, while making friendships and contacts for the rest of your life,” Jack says. The conference theme – ‘The New Africa’ – aimed to explore the many ways in which the continent had evolved and its position in the 21st century. “We have explored this theme through democracy, service, and adventure, with panel speakers, homestays, service trips, and even an overnight camp in Nairobi’s own national park within the city. “Conferences like these start to open your eyes to how Africa can create a new and improved future
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