A visit to the de-militarized zone between North and South Korea showed that international borders cannot divide the human spirit, KB Fergusson believes.
“We had our own ideas about what happened across the river which is the border, but then we heard a whole new side to the story that was radically different, emphasising how important it is to gain a new perspective and understanding,” said KB, one of three Year 12 students from The Armidale School to attend the Australia and East Asia Regional Conference of Round Square, a global organisation of schools of which TAS is a member.
“Technically the countries are still at war, but it was really eye opening to learn how in many ways, the people are just the same.”
With a fitting theme Building Bridges Beyond Borders, the conference, hosted by Cheongshim International Academy, attracted delegates from countries including Russia, Belgium and Thailand.
Conference speakers spoke of the legacy of Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, peace activist Sun Myung Moon and Round Square founder Dr Kurt Hahn, and their vision and dedication to positive change.
“The attributes of good leadership go beyond national borders, and the immersive nature of the conference only heightened this,” Hadrian Wright said.
Snow skiing and sightseeing of popular and lesser-known Korean attractions complemented the cultural understanding.
