When Stories Grow into Forests

Brescia House Students Write, Create, and Act to Change the World

A transformative enrichment journey in literacy, storytelling, and environmental action - 120 girls becoming published authors and growing a forest to combat climate change!

Brescia House School is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of their Grade 5 and Grade 9 students through two powerful enrichment programmes:

The Wonderful World of Trees and Write a Book to Change the World – A Study in Spreading Hope, delivered in partnership with Upschool.

These initiatives helmed by Mr van der Merwe – resident Librosaur [Media and Curriculum Support specialist], invited students into a learning experience that extended far beyond the classroom — blending creativity, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and authentic authorship.

A Learning Journey Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the year, students explored:

• Global tree species and pressing environmental challenges.
• The power of storytelling to inspire change and spread hope.
• How purpose, voice, and intention shape them as young writers.
• Real-world global issues through the Upschool curriculum.
• Collaboration across ages, strengths, and ideas through cross-grade teamwork – strengthening sisterhood bonds across the school.
• Entrepreneurial learning through the Grade 9 Market Day initiative, linked directly into the Business Studies and Accounting curriculum. Learners applied budgeting, pricing, marketing, and financial planning skills, contributing stall overheads through a stall tax model that raised an initial R3,800, used to secure the planting of the Brescia Forest.
• Leadership, responsibility, and Serviam in action — bringing learning to life through purposeful service.

Every learner wrote and illustrated, in groups and pairs, a fully published children’s picture book, now housed in Brescia’s growing Dear World Library, with local printed copies produced through our partnership with DC Books.

From Stories to Sustainability: Planting the Brescia Forest

What began with research and storytelling evolved into something extraordinary: the creation of the Brescia-Branded Forest in partnership with Evertreen.

Through a combination of Karri App Acts and the Grade 9s’ entrepreneurial stall tax contributions, students raised:

R12,371.72 — approximately $715 USD

This incredible, student-driven effort secured the planting of the Brescia Forest and stands as a shining example of young people turning creativity into climate action.

Throughout the year, students explored:

• Global tree species and environmental challenges.
• The power of storytelling to inspire change.
• How hope and purpose can shape their voice as young writers.
• Real-world issues through the Upschool curriculum.
• Collaboration across ages, strengths, and ideas.
• Leadership, responsibility, and Serviam in action.

Madagascar Chosen as the Home of the Brescia Forest

As part of their environmental decision-making, students explored five global reforestation sites. After reviewing the ecological impact, community benefits, and restoration needs of each, they voted — and chose Madagascar.

Madagascar, known for its rich biodiversity and urgent need for reforestation, became the meaningful home for the Brescia Forest. Through their decision, students will help:

• Restore mangrove and dry deciduous forests.
• Protect rare and endangered species.
• Support local communities through employment.
• Strengthen climate resilience and coastline protection.

This choice reflects the heart of our project: for students to see their stories make a difference in the real world.

Student Authors Take Centre Stage

Eight Grade 9 learners were proudly selected to represent Brescia at their inaugural Literary Linkup, held on 29 October 2025 at Brescia House School.

This landmark event brought together over 55 attendees from more than 30 Gauteng schools, including school book curators, librarians, media specialists, educators, and leaders in literacy and reading culture.

At this bookish gathering, the Brescia students stepped confidently into roles that extended far beyond the classroom. They:

Showcased their published children’s picture books — the result of months of research, writing, and illustration. Shared the story behind their creative process, speaking with insight, authenticity, and passion and served as dedicated PR ambassadors, warmly welcoming guests, guiding attendees, and representing Brescia with professionalism and pride. Their presence formed a central highlight of the event, which also featured:

• A thought-provoking address by Dr Kate Ellen (Upschool) on Purposeful Education for a Better Tomorrow.
• A keynote by Jaco Adriaanse, Head of Adult Fiction Publishing at Penguin Books SA, reflecting on the power of storytelling in shaping society.

The Grade 9 students stood shoulder-to-shoulder with industry leaders, demonstrating exceptional confidence, leadership, and voice. Their ability to articulate their creative journeys — and the deeper meaning behind their work — was a powerful testament to the impact of enrichment learning at Brescia House School.

A Legacy of Hope, Service, and Student Voice

These enrichment programmes have allowed the Brescia House School students to experience the true purpose of learning:

To create.

To connect.

To serve.

To lead.

To make a difference.

They have learned that a story can spark awareness… and a student can spark change.

Through their creativity and courage, they are planting both trees and a legacy of hope.

“We are immensely proud of their achievements and I am in awe the faith they placed in me on this journey – I’m especially grateful to the staff, families, and partners who supported them every step of the way,” said Mr Kyle van der Merwe, Media and Curriculum Support Specialist, Brescia House School.