After a hearty breakfast, time was given for each individual to reflect upon the previous day’s activities and to record their thoughts and feelings.  This daily quiet time is appreciated, enjoyed and good use made of it by the delegates who enjoy the opportunity to be quiet and alone in their communion with the natural environment around them and with themselves.

During the course of the day international introductions were ably and efficiently presented by China, Japan and Sri Lanka.  The delegates find these sessions very informative and use the opportunity to find out more about the respective countries, often raising rather challenging, pertinent and very current questions of the presenters, who are equally able to respond.  The level of understanding of their cultures and countries is most encouraging.  These young delegates exhibit an informed and knowledgeable understanding of their countries, cultures and its environmental problems and solutions.  Clearly all have made an effort to research one another’s countries before coming.

Eco-Warriors, an activity on water use and the consequences thereof, was a real eye-opener for the delegates.  They discovered first hand the reality that water is not only a precious resource vital to the environment, but to the very existence of mankind, and that it is a non-renewable resource and once used it is gone forever and cannot be re-created. 

The Media joined us for the afternoon.  After interviewing the delegates it was a quick walk to the Ndebele village. Here the children were introduced to Ndebele culture, lifestyle, customs and dances. Their colourful and vibrant culture amazed and inspired all was the general comment from the delegates. This was followed by a session of painting were each delegate got to paint their own “Ndebele style” plate under the encouraging eye of the Ndebele women.  Members of the media joined in and much fun was had by all – often more paint on hands than plate as masterpieces were in the making! “So great and challenging” concluded Bao Ho from Vietnam.

The evening meal was a traditional Ndebele (African) meal of meat and potato stew served with pap (maize porridge) and marog (wild spinach vegetable). This meal was especially enjoyed by the delegates from the Asian countries as it is very different to what they normally eat.

Under the brilliance of the star filled African skies, and around a roaring fire with flames leaping high, a busy third day was rounded off with an evening of song, dance, fun and socialising.  This social was held at the Ndebele village.  Once again the Ndebele women entertained with song and dance and then invited the delegates to partake of their traditional drink before enjoying the traditional Ndebele meal.  The evening was rounded off with the Cathay Pacific Advertisement group activity.  Each team was given a topic and had to present this in advertisement form. “It was so fun.

We acted, and ran and cried and coughed.  And other teams were great to” concluded Jee Soonyata Mianlamai from Thailand.  The social and atmosphere was described as amazing, awesome and great and a good time had by one and all

The star bright night sky had a great impact on the young delegates. Star gazing proved popular and for many it was the first time that they had seen so many stars in the sky. Several children were lucky enough to see a shooting star and make a wish! The children were awed by it all.