Member Article

Westfield School students return from Bhopal conference

Students from a Newcastle school have just returned from visiting the location of one of the world’s biggest industrial disasters in recent times.

Five pupils and two teachers from Westfield School for Girls in Gosforth have described their trip to Bhopal in India as a humbling, yet inspirational and life-changing experience.

The delegates from Westfield School were there to represent the school at the annual international Round Square Conference. Westfield is the sole North East member school in Round Square, a global organisation committed to rounded cultural understanding and learning through shared experiences.

Before the conference, the Westfield delegation also had the opportunity to visit one of the most remote and highest regions of the world, Ladakh, to view for themselves a Round Square project aimed at improving the welfare and lives of local people including the building of a school near a Buddhist monastery.

Lower Sixth students, Georgia Hanson, Imogen Poore, Anna Riley, Olivia Saint and Annabelle Simpson, were accompanied by Mrs Jani Keep, Westfield School Governor responsible for Round Square and assistant head teacher and Round Square coordinator, Mr Steve Ratcliffe.

Olivia Saint said: “This was a once in a lifetime chance to gain first hand experience of a region that has suffered such devastation. What we found was a region determined to look after its own people as the long rebuilding process continues. India seems to be in a constant state of flux. I will treasure the time spent there and keep in touch with the many friends I made at the conference.”

Thousands lost their lives almost 30 years ago in what was one of the world’s greatest industrial disasters following a toxic gas leak from a factory in the region.

Mr Ratcliffe added: “At Westfield School we give our students incredible international opportunities. Through our membership of Round Square our students have experienced at first hand the cultural diversity of India.”

“They have taken part in an outstanding conference in Bhopal. The choice of location is at the very root of what Round Square attempts to teach its member students. This is all about understanding, appreciating and learning about different cultures with hands-on experience.” The theme of the conference, ‘We may not have it all together, but together we have it all’ was reflected by its location.

Mr Ratcliffe added: “In the past twelve months girls have also visited Costa Rica on an Eco project and South Africa and Namibia on a service and adventure project. These opportunities are life-changing and enriching for all who take part.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Westfield School for Girls .