Intl Arts Festival Cultivates Unity Among Diverse Students

by Malaika G., ICS student & ISSEA Band member

The ISSEA trip to Kenya was a chance to bring months of hard work to life, and it turned out to be so much more than just a performance. (Watch the final performance here.)

ICS Addis is part of the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa conference, a group of eight schools which compete and collaborate in extracurricular sports, arts, and academics for high schools students. Not only do students on these trips get the chance to travel and compete, but they also get to engage with their peers from around the globe, learn from peers and global experts, and build lasting connections.

The International School of Kenya hosted the ISSEA Arts Festival in February, and ICS had several performing artists there representing our band and choir.

"What stood out most was the sense of unity that defined the entire trip. Unlike the usual sports ISSEA events, where competition is at the heart of the experience, this event was all about collaboration. The choir conductor kept reminding us to stay “together,” and that really resonated throughout the trip," said ICS student Malaika G. 

"It became clear that this ISSEA wasn’t just about playing music—it was about coming together as one, supporting each other, and creating something special."

Even though the groups arrived in their own school jackets and uniforms, they all wore the same white tops and black bottoms for the performances, symbolizing how, despite being from different schools, the students were united in purpose.

A big shout-out to the ICS students, who worked tirelessly since August to prepare the music. Their dedication and commitment were evident in every note they played, and they represented the ICS Eagles with incredible pride and excellence. They truly made us all proud.