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

Ameer Bateman

Student

Hi, I’m Ameer Bateman, an actor currently navigating the whirlwind of university applications and auditions. Acting has always been my anchor, especially when life felt like a series of wrong places and wrong times. Whether it was missing opportunities, feeling out of sync with my surroundings, or facing the sting of rejection—from auditions to university applications—I’ve learned that every “no” is just another step toward the right “yes.” On stage, I find a sense of belonging and control that real life doesn’t always offer. It’s where I can turn uncertainty into art and connect with audiences through honest, human stories. As I apply to drama programs like Juilliard, I’m embracing the vulnerability of putting myself out there, knowing that every experience, good or bad, fuels my passion for storytelling.

Isabella Blaser

Student

I am a 15-year-old student at the American International School of Cape Town. I was born in Mauritius and have lived in Tanzania, Uganda and now Cape Town I am usually more reserved, but I come alive with the right people. My favourite thing to do is laugh with my best friends. I’m passionate about football—my favourite feeling in the world is scoring a goal #YNWA. I also stand up for what I believe in and love to challenge outdated ideas. I want to become a biomedical engineer, and I’m dedicated to using science and my ambitions to make a difference in the ever-changing, yet imperfect world we live in today.

Kaylin Venter

Student

My name is Kaylin Venter, and I’m a 15-year-old student in Grade 9 at the American International School of Cape Town. From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about creative writing, poetry, cultural arts, and animals. More recently, my interests have expanded to include human and animal rights, as well as international law. My ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in law and use my knowledge to advocate for justice on a global scale.

Lupemba Fisher

Student

My name is Lupemba, a student at the American International School of Cape Town. I play football on our school team and at club level. In my free time, I play and listen to music, go to the gym, and spend time with my friends. I am interested in how to prepare and develop a solid future for myself after high school, this led me to understand what truly matters in life.

Max Van Der Toolen

Student

Hi, my name is Max Van Der Toolen. I am half Dutch and half Polish. I was born in Poland but I now live in South Africa. My passion is playing golf but I am very interested in other sports like: skiing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, basketball, scuba diving, and many more. My goal is to be a successful entrepreneur and a phenomenal golfer.

Thando Ngwenya

Student

My name's Thando Ngwenya, I am 18 years old, and trying to figure out how to make something worth sharing in my life. If there's one word to describe me, it's 'introvert'. Don’t get me wrong, it is nothing crazy, but I just prefer to listen to music while working at home than going out and partying. In my spare time a solid book or a sketch book are my comfort. I’ve seen being shy as a negative in the past but now I'm starting to have a different way of looking at it.