Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Some of the most meaningful lessons come from working with others, exploring different perspectives and experiencing challenges first-hand. Recently, two Hamelin-Laie Secondary students, Bianka and Maya, travelled to Houston to take part in the NAE Social Impact Summit 2026, joining students from Nord Anglia schools around the world for a week of collaboration, community engagement and global learning.
Learning Alongside Peers from Around the World
The summit brought together students from Nord Anglia schools across the globe, creating opportunities to collaborate with peers from different cultures and backgrounds. Through team activities, student-led discussions and interactive workshops, participants explored global issues and shared ideas on how young people can make a positive impact in their communities.
Through Nord Anglia Education’s collaboration with UNICEF, students examined the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while working on real-world challenges linked to this year’s theme, Making the Invisible Visible.
Turning Learning into Action
A key focus of the week was understanding how positive change happens through action. The visit to the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the United States, gave students the opportunity to contribute directly to a community initiative by sorting and preparing food for distribution.
By experiencing this work first-hand, students gained valuable insight into the challenges faced by many communities and the important role that organisations and volunteers play in supporting those in need.
Exploring Innovation and Big Ideas
Another highlight of the programme was a visit to NASA’s Space Center Houston. Through exhibits and learning experiences focused on space exploration, technology and scientific discovery, students discovered how innovation, collaboration and perseverance drive progress.
The visit encouraged them to think creatively about solving complex challenges and reinforced the importance of curiosity, ambition and teamwork in shaping the future.
Bringing New Perspectives Back to Hamelin-Laie
Returning to Barcelona, Bianka and Maya brought back new ideas, greater confidence and fresh inspiration. Their experience demonstrated how international learning opportunities can help students develop not only academic skills but also empathy, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our Commitment to Developing Global Citizens
At Hamelin-Laie, we believe education extends beyond the classroom. Experiences such as the NAE Social Impact Summit give students the opportunity to connect their learning to real-world challenges while developing the confidence, compassion and global outlook needed to make a positive contribution to society.
Through international collaborations, community engagement and meaningful learning experiences, we empower our students to become active, responsible and globally minded citizens, ready to make a difference wherever their future takes them.
