A Journey of Service, Culture, and Connection

This blog brings together reflections from two students, Hizei Katjivirue (Grade 11) and Grace Shipange (Grade 11), who participated in the Round Square International Service (RSIS) India 2025 project.

Stepping Into a New World

The RSIS India 2025 project was a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that allowed us to step into a new environment, engage with a different culture, and contribute to local communities in a purposeful way, as experienced by Hizei. Working alongside students from around the world showed Grace how global collaboration can create real change.

Service that made an impact

Much of our time was spent in Panna at the serene Ken River Lodge with group leaders and fellow participants who quickly became close friends, experienced Hizei. Together, we supported service initiatives that had a lasting impact, including assisting at a health camp that provided free healthcare to nearly 1,000 local community members, said Grace. Being part of this effort was both humbling and inspiring, and it showed how collective action can make a meaningful difference, as Hizei experienced.

Growth Beyond the Comfort Zone

The experience pushed us beyond our comfort zones in unexpected ways, said Grace. We learned to communicate more openly, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and face challenges we never imagined we could overcome, recalled Hizei. Through service, we developed a deeper sense of empathy and understanding of cultures different from our own, said Grace.

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Alongside the service work, there were many unforgettable highlights, including a safari with multiple tiger sightings, visits to cultural museums and the Khajuraho temples, and a final talent show celebrating our diverse cultures, interests, and skills, experienced Hizei. These moments strengthened friendships and created memories that will last forever, commented Grace.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

We are deeply grateful for the opportunities, support, and scholarships that made this journey possible, said Grace. The friendships formed and lessons learned during RSIS India 2025 will continue to shape our future, recalled Hizei.