A chance to see the world differently with Round Square
Last summer, Ermitage International School students seized an unforgettable opportunity through the Round Square network: a transformative two-week project in South Africa, where they built a school, connected with a new community, and gained experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

More than a Round Square Project
At Ermitage International School, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. In July 2025, a group of our students embraced this philosophy as they set out on a meaningful journey to South Africa. Their mission went beyond travel: it was about connection, collaboration, and contribution. Through the Round Square International Service (RSIS) project, these young global citizens discovered what it truly means to make a difference: building not only a school but also empathy, understanding, and lifelong friendships across cultures.

Building a Brighter Future in South Africa
The core of the mission took the international team to the rural village of Matlaneng, where they collaborated with the local community to complete a permanent building for the Oledile Early Learning Center. This kindergarten is a vital resource, standing as the only one serving a 20 km radius.
The work was hands-on and physically demanding. As Esteban from Ermitage International School explained, “It is like a lot of labour… We’ve moved a lot of bricks and rocks, but it’s really great to see that we are contributing to helping the community.” By laying bricks and moving rocks, the students were literally building a foundation for a brighter future for hundreds of local children.

Building More Than Just a School
The project proved to be an act of both giving and receiving. Beyond construction, students fully immersed themselves in the local culture, exploring unique initiatives like beekeeping and learning about the region's rich history. A poignant visit to Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, for instance, sparked deeper questions about how history shapes present realities.
The students realised that true service is about becoming part of a community, not about being a hero.  « Il ne s'agit pas d'être un héros ou de venir sauver des gens. Il s'agit de faire partie de la communauté et d'apprendre d'elle." This sentiment was echoed by others, who stressed that the project was “about respect, about listening and understanding rather than just giving.” The experience pushed students to carry home a curiosity about the country's past and present.

Giving and Receiving: A Lesson in Global Citizenship
The project proved to be an act of both giving and receiving. Beyond construction, students fully immersed themselves in the local culture, exploring unique initiatives like beekeeping and learning about the region's rich history. A poignant visit to Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, for instance, sparked deeper questions about how history shapes present realities.
The students realised the true meaning of service « It's not about being a hero or coming to save people. It's about being part of the community and learning from it. » This feeling was echoed by others, who stressed that the project was “about respect, about listening and understanding rather than just giving.” The experience pushed students to carry home a curiosity about the country's past and present.

Lifelong Friendships Across Continents
Perhaps the most unexpected reward was the powerful network of friendships formed. With no phone distractions for two weeks, students from over ten countries were able to focus on genuine connection, bonding over shared hard work and laughter.
Katlego from Tiger Kloof described how meeting so many new people challenged her to think differently: “The minute you start to be who you are, you realise that people will actually talk to you and be with you because you are being who you are.”

A student reflected on the deep bonds formed: “We came here knowing a few mates from school, but as we’re leaving now, we’re going to leave with lifelong friendships… being connected with, like, 10 other countries from around the world, learning about their different cultures, you can bond real tight.”
As other students highlighted, stepping out of their comfort zone and taking risks, meeting new people, and going without technology was "really worth it". The RSIS South Africa Project offered participants a chance to see the world differently, to question what they knew, and to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be part of a global community. They didn't just build a school; they helped build a new perspective, one brick and one friendship at a time.