Oakridge Students Shine at the NAE Summit in Houston
- 8 July 2025
At Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, one of the best international schools in Hyderabad, we believe that education goes beyond textbooks. It’s about nurturing global citizens who lead with empathy, purpose, and vision.
This belief came to life when four of our students were selected to attend the prestigious NAE Student Summit in Houston, Texas. It was a transformative experience that was a blend of leadership, collaboration, and social impact.
“At the heart of the summit, giving life to the vibrant excursions and diverse interactions were the workshops that included everything from SDG and UNCRC refreshers led by guest speakers from UNICEF to leadership panels wherein global leaders came together to discuss their unique insights and experiences connected to leadership,” says Aditya Raghav Sunkara of Oakridge Gachibowli.
The summit brought together 164 students from Nord Anglia Education schools across the globe, from China and Spain to Brazil and Costa Rica. “The workshops, peer talks, and immersive activities, we were able to dive deeper into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which helped us gain insights on how communities can be driven through meaningful change,” adds Aditya.
Meghana Valluru Raju’s inspiring moment was her peer talk on HPV vaccine awareness, a campaign she initiated after realizing the lack of awareness among her peers. “I aim to educate students about the importance of cervical cancer prevention by collaborating with government schools, media outlets, and healthcare professionals,” adds Meghana.
Meanwhile, Aanya Patel, another Oakridge student, mentioned, “The summit has helped me discover core values and align myself with social impact projects with global goals like SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). For me, the summit was a perfect blend of learning and bonding, a space where ideas flourished and friendships blossomed.”
“One of the most memorable parts of the summit for me was volunteering at the Houston Food Bank. Having the opportunity to be able to contribute hands-on to help fight food insecurity reminded me that even simple actions can have a significant impact. It was not only fulfilling to do the work, but it also allowed me to connect with other students in a fun and engaging manner,” says Nishka Reddy.
“The way the summit week was structured allowed me to form close friendships with many of my peers. From the discussions within our randomly selected groups to friendly competition in the form of a scavenger hunt, the people I’ve met have truly made me feel like I belong and that I can achieve great things. Apart from our educational seminars, our excursions to science museums, space centers and leadership-centered movies tied together the whole experience,” she concludes.
NASA Visit: A Dream Experience for Oakridge Students
Beyond the classroom, students experienced the vibrant culture of Houston, attending a baseball game, volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, and even visiting NASA.
These experiences weren’t just memorable, they were foundational. As part of their commitment, students will now work on sustainable social impact projects and apply for UNICEF grants, continuing their journey of change-making throughout the year.
At Oakridge Gachibowli, we are proud to foster such transformative experiences. As one of the top global schools in Hyderabad, we empower our students to think beyond borders, act with compassion, and lead with purpose. The NAE-UNICEF Summit was a testament to the values we hold dear, and a glimpse into the bright future our students are shaping.
