TEDxSchuleSchlossSalem Youth: Ideas that Inspire and Move

Held in the auditorium of Salem International College, the fourth instalment of the renowned TEDx event took place. Under the theme “Philosophy, Society, Life”, students and members of staff presented ideas that reached far beyond the campus and everyday school life. The event is an entirely student-led initiative – and an impressive testament to the fact that responsibility at Salem is not merely an educational buzzword, but something that is genuinely lived out.

What began five years ago as a simple student project has since become a firmly established feature of the Salem school calendar. This year, the organising team – made up of Paulo and myself – took the next step and opened the event to a public audience for the very first time.

The content covered a wide spectrum of topics. Tim opened with a speech on Salem’s core values. Julia explored the importance of philosophy in an increasingly utilitarian world, while Alex offered engaging insights into the art of interpersonal communication. Amelia addressed the universal uncertainty of our time and the question of how to learn to live with it. Antonia demonstrated how privilege can be used as a tool for positive social change. Teacher Tim Evers analysed the stages of smartphone addiction and explained how this cycle can be consciously broken. The evening was accompanied musically by the rhythmic sounds of a handpan, performed by Keyuan.

From recruiting speakers and coaching them, to managing the technical set-up and promotion, the entire project was placed in students’ hands. “I am incredibly proud of how our students continue to take the lead on such a major initiative and bring it to life so successfully,” praised Joshua Parker, IB Coordinator and mentor of the project.

For us as organisers, the event will remain a particularly memorable experience: independently delivering a project of this scale – while helping others bring their ideas to the stage.