The Round Square Dynamos

By Darpan Sheth, Junior Reporter

From the 20th December to the 23rd December, The Indian High DSO Branch held the ‘DYNAMOS’ senior round square conference. The conference attracted 125 students from a medley of reputed schools from India and the Gulf Region. The theme of the conference was “Leadventure” which in layman language meant Leadership & Adventure.

Round Square is a student exchange programme over a worldwide network interlinking 40 countries across five continents which aims to guide students into becoming well rounded, informed, responsible, principled and confident global citizens. The Conference was spread over four days which were full of fun and frolic and valuable lifetime advices. The schools from the length and breadth of India and the Gulf were warmly welcomed by the IHS team with smiles and welcome kits.

The session on the first day began with a documentary on the venue country titled ‘UAE Then And Now’ which showcased the rich cultural heritage and the spectacular transformation of the United Arab Emirates. After this an artistic Ceramic painting session took place. Creativity surged through the atmosphere, paint brushes and markers were exchanged, young innovative minds poured their thoughts into art. The strokes of colour gave life to the boring ceramic plates turning them into unique masterpieces showcasing the artistic calibre of the delegates. Soon after they were entertained with the likes of activities like ‘AD Mad’ and ‘Complete the Story’. These activities sure did douse their negative thoughts and shyness as the tiring but fun filled day came to an end.

The Second Day of the conference started with a grand inaugural ceremony at The Indian High School, Dubai. A delegate of each school proudly participated in the flag march which was followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by the IHS Round Square escort teachers. After the positive and mesmerising welcoming ceremony came the Leadership Session where Mr. Pradeep Kumar the keynote speaker delivered an inspiring speech titled ‘How to be a good leader’. The speech surely did fulfil its aim in inspiring future leaders and enhanced their leadership skills. The enthralled students where quickly moved to rooms allotted to them where a very unique icebreaking Barraza session took place which was held by IHS teachers and supporting student volunteers.

The third day began with the enthusiastic delegates heading to Mirdiff City Centre for another thrilling adventure activity, The Sky Trail. A challenging obstacle course at a height of 13 metres tested and sharpened their motor skills. A round of bowling at ‘Yalla! Bowling Lounge’ helped enhance the experience. The adventure didn’t end just there they were supplied with another dose of thrill as they revisited nature while trekking the Wadi Mountains in the scenic emirate of Fujairah. This way they discovered untold sides of the United Arab Emirates and were very glad to take home a few relics found on the way!

The fourth and final day started off with a cultural program where all schools participated and showcased their talent. This was then followed by the CEO’s workshop which taught the students life skills and gave them advice on leadership and team work. After this they were taken to the field where a flamboyant dinner was held named ‘CEO’s Dinner’ which formally marked the end of the amazing four day Leadventure journey!

All 125 students went back home with memories that would last forever and experiences that will mould them for the future. All in all it was a successful conference and would not have been accomplished without the efforts put in by the staff and volunteering students!