Rendezvous with Brian Dawson
We met up with Mr. Dawson in Tabasco, the coffee hangout in Singapore Internaonal School. Befing the venue, the interview
began with Mr. Dawson, requesng for a steaming cup of coffee!
Chandreyee: Has your e been chosen deliberately for wearing to this conference? Its printed with zebras!
Brian Dawson: Ah yes! Its an interesng one, isn't it? Well, it actually symbolises my love for the wild life It is one of my
passions. I live in South Africa, a beauful country. Whenever we can, my family and I pack up for a trip to the wilderness to
be close to wild life. So yes, the zebras signify that.
Chandreyee: Mr. Dawson, you have been associated with Round Square for a great many years. What has movated this
long associaon?
Brian Dawson: The principal movaon for me was the change I saw in my 3 children. All three of them are
Round Square kids. They have been to numerous conferences, contributed in many service projects and have friends from all over
the world which has made them culturally aware and accepng. I wanted to be a part of this wonderful movement to create
opportunies for more
children. Over the years I have witnessed the effect of Round Square on many more children.
Chandreyee: What has been your greatest achievement in these years in the organisaon?
Brian Dawson: Well, when I joined we had a membership of 55 schools. When I le last year, we had membership of 144
schools. I am very pleased about that. I must tell you , that we have protected the ethos of Round Square and the schools
have all been selected and granted membership aer close scruny. The schools haven't been taken on just to increase numbers.
Chandreyee: Could you share with us the story of the birth of Young Round Square?
Brian Dawson: Ah! Now... it actually happened over a cup of tea, or coffee I think, in a restaurant in London. The principal of Fernhill
School in Toronto and I discussed the possibility of opening up Round Square to younger students. This was in 2011. We discussed
plans, ideas and logiscs. In 2012, the Fernhill school organised the first Young Round Square Conference. It was a success. In 2014 we
had our first Internaonal Young Round Square Conference in South Africa and 55 schools parcipated. So yes, it has grown
tremendously in a short while. It gives me great joy to visit your school and see what a wonderful success this conference is too.
There is so much energy and enthusiasm in the environment.
Chandreyee: Lastly, you rered from Round Square last year. What now?
Brian Dawson: Well, now I am associated with an organisaon called Global Study Pass that is involved in creang innovave online
resources for educaonal instuons.
Chandreyee: Thank You Mr. Dawson! We hope you enjoy the rest of the conference and the remainder of your stay in India.
Brian Dawson: Thank You. And yes, we love vising India and have enjoyed every visit here.
began with Mr. Dawson, requesng for a steaming cup of coffee!
Chandreyee: Has your e been chosen deliberately for wearing to this conference? Its printed with zebras!
Brian Dawson: Ah yes! Its an interesng one, isn't it? Well, it actually symbolises my love for the wild life It is one of my
passions. I live in South Africa, a beauful country. Whenever we can, my family and I pack up for a trip to the wilderness to
be close to wild life. So yes, the zebras signify that.
Chandreyee: Mr. Dawson, you have been associated with Round Square for a great many years. What has movated this
long associaon?
Brian Dawson: The principal movaon for me was the change I saw in my 3 children. All three of them are
Round Square kids. They have been to numerous conferences, contributed in many service projects and have friends from all over
the world which has made them culturally aware and accepng. I wanted to be a part of this wonderful movement to create
opportunies for more
children. Over the years I have witnessed the effect of Round Square on many more children.
Chandreyee: What has been your greatest achievement in these years in the organisaon?
Brian Dawson: Well, when I joined we had a membership of 55 schools. When I le last year, we had membership of 144
schools. I am very pleased about that. I must tell you , that we have protected the ethos of Round Square and the schools
have all been selected and granted membership aer close scruny. The schools haven't been taken on just to increase numbers.
Chandreyee: Could you share with us the story of the birth of Young Round Square?
Brian Dawson: Ah! Now... it actually happened over a cup of tea, or coffee I think, in a restaurant in London. The principal of Fernhill
School in Toronto and I discussed the possibility of opening up Round Square to younger students. This was in 2011. We discussed
plans, ideas and logiscs. In 2012, the Fernhill school organised the first Young Round Square Conference. It was a success. In 2014 we
had our first Internaonal Young Round Square Conference in South Africa and 55 schools parcipated. So yes, it has grown
tremendously in a short while. It gives me great joy to visit your school and see what a wonderful success this conference is too.
There is so much energy and enthusiasm in the environment.
Chandreyee: Lastly, you rered from Round Square last year. What now?
Brian Dawson: Well, now I am associated with an organisaon called Global Study Pass that is involved in creang innovave online
resources for educaonal instuons.
Chandreyee: Thank You Mr. Dawson! We hope you enjoy the rest of the conference and the remainder of your stay in India.
Brian Dawson: Thank You. And yes, we love vising India and have enjoyed every visit here.