In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

American International School of Cape Town
42 Soetvlei Avenue
Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806
South Africa

Benjamin Gillman

High School Student

My name is Ben Gillman, I am South African. I like video games and playing sports, specifically swimming and basketball. I am funny, spontaneous, outgoing, and open to meeting new people. I live in Cape Town, South Africa and I go to the American International School of Cape Town. My favorite class is public speaking. I am looking forward to giving a bodacious TEDx Talk!

Francesco Vecchi

High School Student

My name is Francesco Vecchi, an international student originally from Italy, Rome. Throughout my life I have moved from country to country. I was born in South Africa and have lived in Italy, Ethiopia, Bahrain, and then back to Italy. I am now doing my final years of high school in Cape Town. Aside from my obligatory school studies, I have an interest in the intricacies of software development which intensified during the lockdown period. Ever since then I have been captivated by the industry.

James Samassa

High School Student

My name is James Samassa, I am a South African, currently in High School in Grade 11. I enjoy nature, from the oceans to the mountains, and I am blessed to live in a country with both. I am a fan of MMA, which is fighting, it is my favorite sport. From the most peaceful experiences to the most masculine and dangerous, I enjoy it all.

Kirill Chapman

High School Student

My name is Kirill Benjamin Chapman, I am a junior in High School and I am 17 years old. I am a child of diplomats and I have lived in 7 countries experiencing many cultures and communities. I have learnt a lot about myself through having to move around a lot and I am interested in pursuing a career in the business sector.

Luna Schlosz

High School Student

I'm Luna Grace Schlosz, I am 15-years-old, a South Africa who has been deeply immersed in ballet for 13 years and fuelled by a passion for music. My heart beats for my homeland, where I aim to return one day armed with a solid education to drive positive change. Join me in my TedX talk as I share how embracing my passions and speaking my values can help impact the world in a positive way.

Rafaela Francisco Marques

High School Student

My name is Rafaela Francisco Marques and I am in Grade 9. My nationality is Angolan and Portuguese and I’ve always lived in South Africa. I’m someone who is passionate about making the world a better place whether it's by small or big changes. I like to mention, it’s better to take things one step at a time as Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”. One thing I can say is that life has taught me to appreciate the small things in life and taking nature walks is one of them.

Wiktor Waligora

High School Student

My name is Wiktor Waligora, I am originally from Poland, but I have lived in Florida for most of my life. I have recently moved to Cape Town and I am excited to meet new people and have new experiences. In my free time, I love to watch movies and spend time with friends. I hope that my time in Cape Town will allow me to learn new things and better myself.

Yi-Fei Wang

High School Student

My name is YiFei Wang, my nationality is Chinese however I’ve been living in South Africa all my life. I am currently in Grade 9 but would like to accomplish great things by the end of high school. I enjoy playing the piano and gaming.

Ying Chen Leu

High School Student

I’m a 14 year old Chinese student with a deep love for technology. I’ve always believed in change, and growing up I’ve always loved the “new things”. From coding lego robots, to creating short pieces of useless code, I find joy and a sense of accomplishment in these seemingly useless things. My personal philosophy in the words of Wayne Dyer and something I live by is "Do it now; the future is promised to no one."