Student delegates from Year 11 and 12 proudly represented St Andrews Bangkok at the Nord Anglia Education Student Summit at The Village School in Houston, Texas, which brings together students from 52 NAE schools across the world. The seven-day summit focused on empowering students to become future leaders in social impact and community projects, all geared towards supporting the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through talks, hands-on activities, and workshops with subject matter experts.
Learning to lead and create change
Through engaging sessions with UNICEF and the World’s Largest Lesson, students learned more about the SDGs: why they matter, how they were created, and how they can be applied in our own communities.
The students also explored Nord Anglia’s Social Impact Grants, a programme that has awarded over US$735,000 since 2021 to support student-led initiatives that create solutions around the Sustainable Development Goals. From expanding healthcare access and promoting sustainability to advancing digital literacy and inclusion, these grants empower Nord Anglia students to turn their ideas into action within their local communities.
The summit began with workshops led by experts like Lisa Petro from Generation Global, who guided students through the power of meaningful dialogue and inclusive leadership. Students explored how thoughtful conversations can lead to real social impact.
Community action in Houston
Midweek, the students visited the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the United States by distribution. There, they sorted over 6,500 kilograms of donations, providing more than 12,000 meals to local families. It was a meaningful, hands-on experience that highlighted the importance of community service. Students also delivered Peer Talks, where they shared their own stories of leadership and social impact. Their reflections sparked deep conversations about how we can all take responsibility for creating positive change, both locally and globally.
A vision for the future
The week concluded with the capstone project presentations, where students shared their final ideas for making change in their communities. Our students – Eloise, Kashvi, Proudy in Year 12, and Kate in Year 11 – focused their project on improving access to healthcare, an issue they’re now passionate about tackling here in Bangkok.
Exploration and new perspectives
Alongside the learning and leadership, there were also chances to explore Houston. Students visited the Johnson Space Center, attended a baseball game, and enjoyed a night of ten-pin bowling. These moments helped strengthen friendships and build connections across Nord Anglia’s global family.
Opportunities like the NAE Student Summit are vital for helping students grow into responsible, forward-thinking leaders. By engaging with global issues, connecting with peers from different cultures, and taking part in real-world problem-solving, students develop a more inclusive and global perspective. These experiences not only build confidence and leadership skills but also inspire a lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
