Kuruman Primary School steps onto the international stage at BRICS Youth Innovation Summit

IN A BOLD move to inspire young minds and ignite a culture of innovation and leadership, Kuruman Primary School proudly took part in the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit 2025 as observers, exposing their learners to a world of possibility on the international stage.

The opportunity was not a coincidence. It was the result of persistent networking and visionary leadership. “I attended one of the summits years back and built networks I was able to reach out to and make this happen for our children,” explained a school representative. “I asked the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) to allow us to bring our children to the summit, and our request was granted.”

This year, Kuruman Primary selected their head girl and deputy head girl from the current Learner Representative Council to represent the school. Their selection was based on leadership, commitment, and potential to benefit from the exposure to global ideas and initiatives.

Ahead of the summit, the learners underwent meaningful preparation. “The cohort participated in a leadership camp in January,” said the school's representative. “The whole group will also take part in the NEXTGEN Trailblazer Leadership training.”

These programmes aim to strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills vital for tomorrow’s changemakers.

Though the school’s learners did not showcase any individual projects at the summit this year, their attendance as observers marks a strategic beginning. “This is a long-term goal,” the school emphasised. “For our kids to be part of the innovators that showcase their work on the international stage. This gives them a five-year head start to work and refine their ideas.”

Kuruman Primary has long been committed to innovation, sustainability, and technology. Rather than limiting education to the classroom, the school integrates real-world experiences into its curriculum. “We expose our learners to platforms that already exist, and we listen to and support ideas they may want to implement,” said the representative from the school.

Participation in the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit is a natural extension of this ethos. “Integration is very important to us – for learners to see concepts come to life,” the school's representative explained. “We don’t only teach abstract concepts; we expose them to concrete outputs.”

For the learners of Kuruman Primary, the summit was more than just a one-time event – it was a glimpse into what the future can hold. And for the school, it was the first step in a journey that aims to see its learners not just attending but one day leading on international platforms.