Beacon Academy, Jakarta, hosted its second student-led Global Awareness Conference (GAC) on February 5, 2025. The conference centred on the theme “Ubuntu: I am because we are”. It brought together students from eleven schools, including Beacon Academy and two overseas schools. Two schools joined virtually from India and one from Surabaya. Year 11 students planned and executed the event with teacher guidance and supervision. The conference featured engaging activities, including icebreakers, workshops, games, debates, and live performances. The opening ceremony brought together online and offline participants who were treated to a thought-provoking and influential keynote address by Dr. Namrata Daniel, a women’s rights activist and social scientist.
Icebreaker activities were designed to foster connections and build a sense of community among participants. Offline games, such as Bridging Borders and The Digital Dilemma, challenged students to work together and solve problems. Online participants engaged in the Ubuntu Fusion Games, which included Ubuntu Quest and Values Relay, to explore the core values of Ubuntu. Workshops provided a hands-on experience where teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving were essential. Participants worked in groups to analyse real-world scenarios and conflicts, using the Ubuntu philosophy to find solutions. The short-talk sessions allowed participants to share ideas and explore new perspectives on Ubuntu. The debate sessions encouraged critical thinking and collaboration, engaging participants in dynamic discussions on various topics.
The second GAC at Beacon Academy was a resounding success. It provided students with a platform to connect, collaborate, and explore the concept of Ubuntu. The event fostered learner agency and student leadership and was visible in its smooth organisation. GAC 2025 shall be noted for inspiring not just the participants but also the educators by empowering minds. The event fostered a sense of encouragement and encouraged students to become agents of positive change.
