The 2006 Student Conference marked a return to the ‘roots’ established in 2000. The venue was St George’s College, Quilmes. The conference took place this year from Sunday 17th to Thursday 21st September and brought together 60 students from 20 schools in 6 countries in Latin America. These figures are eloquent testimony both to the established success of the conference and to the internationalism which has become the hallmark of LAHC. Peter Ashton, acting Headmaster of St George’s College, and the host and organiser of the conference, provides his account of the proceedings.
When the delegates assembled, Anna Kenny, the conference co-ordinator, outlined the programme and formed “teams” which would be working together throughout many and varied activities in the days ahead.
After this, there was a welcome dinner, which was attended by members of the LAHC Executive Committee. This was the first time that this had happened at a Student Conference, and those present were addressed by Ian Tate, Headmaster of St George’s College North and Chair LAHC and by the Headmaster of the host school.
The official opening of the Conference took place the following morning in the impressive St George´s College Centenary Theatre. The presence of Don Daniel O Scioli, Vice President of the Argentine Republic, gave a level of importance to the proceedings that no previous LAHC Student Conference had enjoyed. After the opening Ceremony an impromptu and relaxed photo session with the vice president ensued. This was a proud moment and a fitting start of the 2006 Conference.
During the days that followed key speakers, discussions, outdoor activities, visit to the Senate, and time to relax, making new friends were the order of the day.
A number of outstanding items are worthy of mention. Carlos Martinángeli, President of NEC Communications Argentina and Director NEC Latin America cleverly wove together the theme of the Conference: “Self Leadership leading to Team Leadership”. This was a polished presentation, generating much debate which, at times, clearly reflected the different political and economic postures of the various individuals and countries represented!
Considerable emotional content was given to the occasion by the presence of two survivors from the 1972 Air crash in the Andes involving the Uruguayan rugby players from the Stella Maris School. This incident was immortalised by Piers Paul Reid in his account Alive!, which was subsequently adapted for the screen. Although some delegates found the account distressing, it clearly highlighted something that was to become a familiar phrase in our Conference: “There are no limits, only limitations.”
The following comments from students who attended the conference are testimony to the impressions it left on them:
Argentina:
“The topics discussed opened our eyes to the role of a leader in a group, modifying the previous concept everyone had.”
“From this experience we concluded that role of leader is not to stand out but to collaborate by efficiently combining the strengths of every group member to reach a common goal.”
“The struggle most clearly evidenced in the outdoor practical group activities. These were designed to face up to confidence issues and to enable us to trust both ourselves and our team.”
“The exchange of people from different parts of Latin America was very enriching because we seized the opportunity to interact and synergize with people from different cultural backgrounds that could contribute to our views of the world.”
“I had an amazing time, learning many new things that will help me in my near future! Thanks you all very much for your hard work, I will never forget it!!!”
“I had an amazing time, I wish I could stay ‘cause I’ve made so many friends!”
“Great social experience. Excellent speeches. I learned a lot and had a great time with all the people that came.”
“I loved the conference!!! Thanks for everything!”
Peru:
“I think I will never forget this experience and the new friends I have met. As well as the tools I have learned, I believe they are going to help throughout my life!”
“It was a very helpful and didactic conference, workshops, etc. I also had a great time and it was great to meet new and excellent friends.”
“The experience has been amazing!”
Ecuador:
“I had a very good time and enjoyed everything. The only thing that I didn´t quite like was breakfasts because it wasn’t very varied (It´s difficult to be perfect!!!!)”
“I had a wonderful time, met some great people. It will definitely be an experience I will always remember.”
Mexico:
“It was such a wonderful experience. I have learnt so much and was also left with many questions. I think it would be better, though, that the conference lasts a bit longer. I also think that these meetings should be more frequent. Congratulations for setting up a very interesting and effective conference.”
Chile:
“It was an incredible experience and I learned a lot. I specially liked that some of the key speakers were important and recognized people. Thank you for everything.”
Brazil:
“It was one of the best experiences in my life and I’m thankful for the opportunity!”
