United World Colleges https://uwc.org/ Inspiring Young People Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:18:30 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://uwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cropped-wordmark-32x32.png United World Colleges https://uwc.org/ 32 32 Standing with survivors: UWC alumna leads vital work on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women https://uwc.org/standing-against-gender-based-violence/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1377138 Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a reminder that gender-based violence touches every community and demands sustained action. In Eswatini, UWC alumna Nosipho Gwebu Storer (Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, 1992–1997) is leading that work through Goshen, a shelter she founded to support women and children in crisis. […]

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Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a reminder that gender-based violence touches every community and demands sustained action. In Eswatini, UWC alumna Nosipho Gwebu Storer (Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, 1992–1997) is leading that work through Goshen, a shelter she founded to support women and children in crisis.

Goshen offers emergency accommodation, counselling and skills training. Survivors are linked to clinical care, education pathways and livelihoods support, helping them regain stability and independence. The shelter operates in partnership with national services and development agencies including the European Union through UNFPA and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Nosipho’s work responds to a stark reality. In Eswatini, more than 8 percent of girls aged 13 to 24 report having experienced sexual violence, and most first incidents take place in the home. Goshen provides safety in these moments of deepest vulnerability. It supports survivors as young as 12 and prioritises those facing additional risks, including widows, refugees and trafficked people. Reflecting on Goshen’s beginnings, Nosipho explains: “When I started this project, my goal was to create a safe space where women and children could feel supported and empowered. I never imagined the ripple effect it would have in the community.” She often traces this commitment back to her time at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC:

UWC taught me to see challenges as opportunities for co-creation and to recognise that everyone can be an agent of change. Being surrounded by people from so many cultures shaped the way I work with communities today.

Nosipho Gwebu Storer (Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, 1992–1997)

Goshen’s support stretches far beyond immediate safety. Women access life skills, literacy support and training in areas such as baking, sewing, farming and jewellery making, helping them transition to independence. Several survivors have already moved on to employment and school re-enrolment.

Nosipho’s path began with a UWC scholarship. The UWC Global Endowment helps more young people follow that same journey, creating the space for future leaders to shape change in their own communities.

Support scholarships: Donate to the UWC Global Endowment

Already a member of the UWC Hub? Connect with Nosipho.

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Launch of the Young Aurora 2025-2026 competition https://uwc.org/launch-of-the-young-aurora-2025-2026-competition/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:00:18 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1375370 The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and United World Colleges (UWC) are delighted to announce that submissions are now open for the next cycle of Young Aurora, a competition that inspires young changemakers to design and implement projects addressing pressing humanitarian challenges in their local communities. Presented by Aurora in partnership with the UWC and with the […]

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The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and United World Colleges (UWC) are delighted to announce that submissions are now open for the next cycle of Young Aurora, a competition that inspires young changemakers to design and implement projects addressing pressing humanitarian challenges in their local communities.

Presented by Aurora in partnership with the UWC and with the participation of Teach for All and the African Leadership Academy (ALA), Young Aurora encourages student teams from UWC and ALA to submit innovative project proposals for a chance to win a USD 10,000 grant to further develop their initiatives.

Since its launch, the programme has empowered numerous student-led projects to create lasting social impact. From 2017 to 2025, Young Aurora has evaluated 145 projects from 19 partner schools and issued 16 grants, with awards totalling USD 50,000. Each proposal is assessed for creativity, sustainability, research quality, and potential for impact. Every year, three finalist teams present their ideas to a distinguished panel of humanitarians, entrepreneurs, and global leaders. All participants receive personalised feedback and mentorship to strengthen their initiatives.

The 2024–2025 Young Aurora winning team from UWC Mahindra was announced during a special ‘Aurora Dialogues’ online event and panel discussion titled “Youth As Changemakers: Driving Social Change.”

The winning team’s initiative, “The Chulha Project,” seeks to replace traditional mud cookstoves (“chulhas”) with locally produced rocket stoves featuring J-shaped combustion chambers. These stoves reduce emissions by up to 86% and firewood usage by 50%, protecting women and children most affected by indoor air pollution.

Initially targeting 50 households in Maharashtra’s Mulshi Valley, the project aims to expand through training programmes and community-based advocacy for clean cooking solutions. The team has used its USD 10,000 grant to bring their vision to life.

Previous winning projects have included:

Aurora and its partners look forward to discovering the next generation of student innovators. As interest in Young Aurora continues to grow, the Initiative seeks to expand partnerships with academic institutions that share its mission to empower young leaders driving positive social change.


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London alumni gather for Innovation for Impact forum https://uwc.org/london-alumni-gather-for-innovation-for-impact-forum/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:46:23 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1374950 On Saturday 27 September 2025, the UWC community gathered at the Department Store in Brixton – and online around the world – for the Innovation for Impact forum. Co-hosted by UWC International, UWC Atlantic, UWC Great Britain and Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong, the event brought together alumni, staff, volunteers and friends to […]

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On Saturday 27 September 2025, the UWC community gathered at the Department Store in Brixton – and online around the world – for the Innovation for Impact forum. Co-hosted by UWC International, UWC Atlantic, UWC Great Britain and Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong, the event brought together alumni, staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate how UWC values translate into action across diverse fields.

The morning opened with reflections on the power of the UWC network and a call to give “time, treasure and talent” to sustain the mission. From there, alumni and scholars took the stage to share their ideas and experiences in TED-style talks. 

First to speak was Baher Al Abd (UWC Atlantic), a UWC-Horizon scholar whose journey took him from Syria to Bristol and now Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He described how education had been his “lifejacket” throughout his life:

For the first time in my life, I had the whole world in front of me and felt I could do something about my life… even though my life has not necessarily gotten easier, I’m now part of a very big global community that can help me make a change.”

From the world of technology and entrepreneurship, Ka Ling Wu (Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong), co-founder of Upsolve AI, spoke about how AI can be used for social good, showing how values of intercultural understanding can inform the design of future technologies.

When you have lived through a UWC experience, you know in your bones nothing is impossibleIdealism and fear aren’t enemies – they’re dancing partners.” 

Sunil Hiranandani (UWC Mahindra College) explored what it means to live a values-driven life. Having begun a successful career in international banking and government, he made the courageous decision to pivot, founding Sirf Coffee — a platform connecting the Indian diaspora.

His talk traced this shift from “prestige to purpose”, explaining how his UWC education instilled empathy and a sense of global responsibility that shaped his entrepreneurial path:

The UWC journey… the return on investment is measured in decades.” He added, “if you can hit two from purpose, passion and profit, you’re very lucky. If you hit all three, you probably went to a UWC.”

Finally, Ffiona Rowland Devasabai (UWC Atlantic) challenged the audience to think differently about leadership and sustainability. As a psychologist and founder of Galera Ltd., she drew on her work guiding changemakers through complex transitions, showing how strategy and psychology can converge to accelerate a healthier, more equitable world.

We all face double binds: doing the right thing in one way means failing in another. How do we navigate that while staying true to our values?” she asked. “The self is the part in all of us that feels calm, content and loving. Connecting to that gives us courage and creativity to act in line with our values.

Networking followed, with alumni enthusiastically reconnecting and building new collaborations over coffee. As one participant put it: “When I connect with UWC people, I feel like there is a whole layer of familiarity with the other person. Even though I may not know their name or their background, they already know something about me and I know something about them. It’s an immediate bond”.

The forum closed with remarks from Naheed Bardai, Principal of UWC Atlantic, and Dr Spencer Fowler, Principal of Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong.

Spencer reminded the audience that “it changes your DNA to want to do good in the world.” Naheed added: “Too often alumni feel they’re letting the movement down if they think about profit. But if we want to be sustainable, it’s a necessity.” 

Watch the Innovation for Impact Forum Livestream

Support our work by giving to the UWC Global Endowment Fund

Donate


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UWC alumni at the heart of historic climate justice ruling https://uwc.org/uwc-alumni-at-the-heart-of-historic-climate-justice-ruling/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1377004 Several UWC graduates have helped make legal history. In an unprecedented example of global-movement building through law, alumni from across schools and colleges and cohorts contributed to what is considered the largest climate justice case in history.  In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) published a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries may […]

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Several UWC graduates have helped make legal history. In an unprecedented example of global-movement building through law, alumni from across schools and colleges and cohorts contributed to what is considered the largest climate justice case in history. 

In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) published a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries may be legally responsible for their role in the climate crisis. It also confirmed that states could be required to pay compensation or restore damaged environments if they fail to prevent climate harm.

Dylan Kava (UWC Atlantic, 2012–2014), Strategic Engagement and Communications Lead at the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN), played a key role in driving the campaign across the Pacific and Internationally. Jenisse C. Da Silva (UWC Maastricht, 2015-2027) supported legal submissions as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Timor-Leste. Theresa Amor-Jürgenssen (UWC Adriatic, 2014-2016) contributed vital legal research and helped build capacity among youth campaigners throughout the process. 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), principal judicial organ of the UN, delivers its advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, on Wednesday 23 July 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court. The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and agencies.

UWC Maastricht alumna Aoife Fleming and Jule Schnakenberg (UWC Maastricht, 2014–2016) were also central to the effort. Their journey to the ICJ began as students at UWC Maastricht, where a shared passion for environmental justice grew into active collaboration through student-led workshops and lectures on climate change. Inspired by UWC’s mission to unite people for peace and a sustainable future, they began to see the law as a tool for systemic change.

After graduating, both went on to study Law and co-founded World’s Youth for Climate Justice – a youth-led campaign that successfully lobbied the United Nations to request the ICJ opinion. The campaign brought together young people from around the world, including Pacific Island nations already facing the devastating effects of climate change. Aoife now works with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, supporting over 90 countries to align economic policy with climate goals. Jule is completing an MSc in Human Rights Law and continues to advocate at the intersection of law, climate, and human rights.

International courts around the world have spoken loud and clear: climate harms must be avoided and reparations must be paid where damages have been caused. The alignment amongst these international courts demonstrates a unified understanding that the climate crisis threatens fundamental human rights. This consensus strengthens the foundation for ambitious climate action and provides a powerful mandate for governments to protect human rights from the adverse effects of climate change.

– Jule Schnakenberg, Executive Director, World’s Youth For Climate Justice, (UWC Maastricht, 2014–2016)

The ICJ ruling is an authoritative pronouncement on states’ legal obligations regarding climate change and human rights, and is considered a historical breakthrough. It confirms that states have a legal duty to prevent greenhouse gas emissions and act on fossil fuels, and that governments must regulate private sector activities that contribute to climate harm while protecting the rights of those affected. The decision is expected to shape future climate negotiations and legal cases.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it “a victory for our planet, for climate justice and for the power of young people to make a difference”.

Read a brief summary of the court’s findings

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Celebrating 25 years of the Davis UWC Scholars Program: A legacy of opportunity https://uwc.org/celebrating-25-years-of-the-davis-uwc-scholars-program-a-legacy-of-opportunity/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1377101 This July, we’re proud to join the global UWC community in marking 25 years of the Davis UWC Scholars Program – a landmark initiative that has opened doors for thousands of UWC graduates to continue their education at leading universities across the United States. Since it was founded by philanthropist Shelby Davis and international educator […]

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This July, we’re proud to join the global UWC community in marking 25 years of the Davis UWC Scholars Program – a landmark initiative that has opened doors for thousands of UWC graduates to continue their education at leading universities across the United States.

Since it was founded by philanthropist Shelby Davis and international educator Phil Geier in 2000, the Davis UWC Scholars Program has become the largest privately funded international scholarship programme in the world. 

More than 900 million USD in scholarships have supported over 15,000 UWC graduates from around 160 countries to study at leading US universities and make a positive impact around the world.

UWC International’s Executive Director, Faith Abiodun, will join alumni, university partners and friends of the programme at the 25th anniversary gathering at  Wellesley College, one of the first Davis UWC Scholars partner institutions. All UWC schools will be represented at the gathering. This milestone event will reflect on a quarter-century of partnership and the ripple effect these scholarships continue to have.

In the words of Rosette Hobeich, a Dare to Dream and Davis UWC Scholar from Lebanon:

“Dare to Dream was the biggest stepping stone of my academic trajectory. Shelby Davis ensured I had all my needs covered beyond simply attending school. Now I’m studying International Security Studies at the University of Oklahoma and I’ve had multiple opportunities to travel and study abroad – but none of this would have happened without the foundations the Davis scholarship provided.”

Rosette Hobeich (UWC Mostar, 2019-2021)

These scholarships show what UWC is all about: unlocking the potential of young people to become catalysts for a more peaceful and sustainable world, not only during their time at UWC schools and colleges but for life.

Alongside the Davis UWC Scholars Program, Shelby and Gale Davis, together with Phil Geier, also founded Dare to Dream – UWC’s largest and most transformative scholarship initiative. Since 2018, Dare to Dream has enabled students from less-advantaged backgrounds to access a UWC education they might never have imagined possible. Dare to Dream now supports up to 350 students each year across our schools and colleges, helping to strengthen the diversity of our student community and giving hundreds more young people the chance to become changemakers for a better future.

Together, these programmes are proof of what is possible when vision and generosity come together to create real, lasting change.

Read more in the special 25th Anniversary Davis UWC Scholars Program Annual Report
Explore the  UWC International impact report featuring more inspiring stories of Davis UWC and Dare to Dream Scholars.

    As we look to the next 25 years, we celebrate our students, our alumni and our partners who share our commitment to making education a true force for unity and opportunity worldwide.

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    UWC award for peace education and sustainability in education 2025 https://uwc.org/uwc-award-for-peace-education-and-sustainability-in-education-2025/ Tue, 27 May 2025 11:21:13 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1377081 We are delighted to announce that the recipient of this year’s award is the Horizon Foundation. These awards recognise and celebrate some extraordinary individuals who have contributed to building and strengthening the UWC movement. Whether organisations, educators, business leaders, philanthropists or other members of the UWC community, they share a resolute determination to support UWC’s mission […]

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    We are delighted to announce that the recipient of this year’s award is the Horizon Foundation. These awards recognise and celebrate some extraordinary individuals who have contributed to building and strengthening the UWC movement. Whether organisations, educators, business leaders, philanthropists or other members of the UWC community, they share a resolute determination to support UWC’s mission and be part of its journey towards a more peaceful and sustainable future.

    “For 19 remarkable years, the Horizon Foundation has enabled nearly 200 young individuals to pursue their education, with most becoming students at UWC schools and colleges. The vision of Patrick Smulders and Kirkland Newman Smulders, through the Horizon Foundation, has profoundly transformed the futures of these young people. They truly embody the spirit of this award, and we take immense pride in having them as a partner in the UWC community.”

    Faith Abiodun, Executive Director UWC International

    The scholarships offered by the Horizon Foundation provide young refugees and other young people living in conflict zones with a life-changing opportunity. So far, 142 young people have received scholarships to attend UWC schools. This programme gives them hope and a chance for a better future, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue further and higher education or enter into the workforce. We are delighted that so many Horizon-UWC scholars also take advantage of the Davis UWC Scholars Program by attending universities in the United States, and that so many want to give back, applying what they have learned to improve their communities and the lives of other refugees, displaced individuals, and those affected by conflict.

    The award was officially announced at the UWC International Gala 2025, held at International House in New York on 8 May. The award was presented by Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu and collected by Horizon scholars Donia Khraishi (UWC Maastricht 2015-2017), Dima Muamar (UWC Maastricht, 2020-2022), Yewong Dongchung (UWC Atlantic, 2007-2009) and Tsethar Fnu (UWC-USA, 2017-2019).

    The Horizon Foundation partners with local communities to identify young people who would benefit from a Horizon scholarship. In India, the foundation collaborates with the UWC India National Committee, which consists of UWC volunteers dedicated to identifying and selecting students from India for admission to one of the UWC schools. This partnership, with support from the Central Tibetan Administration, specifically reaches out to Tibetan refugees living in India, providing them with the support needed to attend a UWC.

    We are honoured to receive the ‘2025 UWC Education for Peace Award’ and we thank our UWC colleagues and Horizon-UWC scholars for being part of this deeply meaningful experience. The Horizon Foundation supports refugees and students affected by conflict or occupation, particularly Palestinians, Syrians and Tibetans. People enduring war or oppression have the most to gain from the UWC experience, precisely because they have limited access to good holistic education. Our Horizon-UWC students also benefit from the Davis UWC Scholars Program to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States – further strengthening the impact of Horizon’s UWC scholarships. As we enter the 19th year of our partnership with UWC, we find that a UWC education is even more pertinent in today’s world as it offers students the opportunity to tackle key issues – such as human rights, the plight of refugees and climate change.  We are very proud of our scholars, their personal journeys and achievements as we see them doing well at school, completing university, launching their careers and serving their communities, however they can.”

    Samia El Tabari, CEO, Horizon Foundation

    When Horizon Foundation came up to sponsor us to have this education it felt like a light in the darkness. I had a great childhood compared to my parents but still there is always a nagging feeling and remembering of being a refugee. I am truly grateful for the Horizon Foundation for giving me such a great opportunity to be a proud representative of Tibet but also, improve myself in any ways possible and also become more experienced with life. I have truly become much more experienced as I have challenged myself a lot by stepping out of my comfort zone at my stay in UWC. I have learnt to grow as a person and become more mature. With Horizon’s help and UWC education, I have come to realise a lot about life, be able to dream, achieve and aim for more and last but not least, I am now a person who can depend on myself and trust myself

    Namsay Tenzin (UWC Maastricht, 2024-2026)

    Through its partnership with the UWC India National Committee, the Horizon Foundation also supports Tibetan refugees living in India. Since 2016, this collaboration has enabled 40 Tibetan students to receive a UWC education, working closely with the Central Tibetan Administration to reach those who would otherwise have little access to such opportunities. “These partnerships are vital” says Head of the UWC India National Committee, Rohan Agarwal, “They make it possible for us to keep sending brilliant young people for a UWC education and give them the chance to go out into the world as proud flag bearers.”

    We congratulate everyone at the Horizon Foundation on this award and for their dedication and support for young people. We look forward to continuing the partnership into the future.

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    2024–2025 Young Aurora finalists announced https://uwc.org/2024-2025-young-aurora-finalists-announced-2/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:48:50 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1348342 The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, in partnership with United World Colleges International (UWC), Teach for All, and the African Leadership Academy, has announced the three finalists for the 2024–2025 Young Aurora competition: UWC Adriatic (Italy), UWC Dilijan (Armenia), and UWC Mahindra College (India). Launched in 2017, this annual competition empowers young changemakers to develop innovative solutions for humanitarian challenges impacting their local communities. The […]

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    The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, in partnership with United World Colleges International (UWC), Teach for All, and the African Leadership Academy, has announced the three finalists for the 2024–2025 Young Aurora competition: UWC Adriatic (Italy), UWC Dilijan (Armenia), and UWC Mahindra College (India). Launched in 2017, this annual competition empowers young changemakers to develop innovative solutions for humanitarian challenges impacting their local communities. The winner will be announced in March.

    Each year, student teams taking part in Young Aurora submit proposals for projects that respond to local humanitarian challenges and compete for a USD 10,000 grant to bring their ideas to life. Young Aurora’s three finalists present their ideas to a panel of distinguished humanitarians, entrepreneurs, and global leaders, who provide personalised feedback and support to help students refine their proposals.


    Previous winning projects have included Enlightenment (2023–2024) from UWC Changshu China, which aims to empower rural youth from underprivileged backgrounds by providing them with resources and support to pursue their aspirations; Combili (2022–2023) by UWC Dilijan, which addresses the lack of effective and sustainable bio-waste disposal systems in Yerevan and other cities by creating small ‘urban garden’ models run by local children; Seed of Hope (2021) by Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa, designed to empower young people at Malindza refugee camp in Eswatini through the creation of a youth hub; and Beehive Divide (2020) by a team of students from UWC East Africa, who constructed a beehive fence to address the human-elephant conflict in Sanya Hoyee village, Tanzania.


    First-time panelist Robert Bob Okello, the Founder and CEO of Ugandan education technology company Maarifasasa Limited, reflected on his experience with Young Aurora:

    “Judging the Young Aurora submissions was an incredibly humbling and inspiring experience. The quality of the projects and the thoughtfulness behind each proposal reflect the power of young minds to drive positive change in the world. It’s heartening to see such innovative and sustainable approaches to tackling real-world challenges, and I have no doubt that these students will continue to make a profound difference in their communities and beyond.”


    The 2024-2025 finalists were selected from 19 submissions across UWC schools and colleges, as well as the African Leadership Academy. Their proposals offer innovative solutions to local challenges identified by students, including support for migrant children in building community and confidence, enhancing home insulation and rural and underserved communities, and mitigating health risks associated with traditional cookstoves. 


    As the teams approach the competition’s finale next month, they are diligently refining their presentations, with the aim of securing funds from Aurora that will allow them to bring their impactful initiatives to life.  

    Full details of these inspiring projects can be found below. 

    Dandelion Project — UWC Adriatic 

    Dandelion addresses the emotional and social needs of migrant children in elementary schools by providing tools for adaptation and integration. The project consists of picture books and interactive workshops designed with input from professionals in developmental psychology. These resources help children explore key topics independently, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging while embracing their identities. Initially launching in Trieste, Italy—a major migration hub where thousands of children struggle with identity and belonging—the project aims to provide essential mental health support and promote social inclusion. 


    Rawane, a member of the Dandelion Project, drew inspiration from a personal experience: 

    “Migration goes far beyond the concept of a story or an experience for me; it’s part of my DNA. Growing up in Morocco, I experienced what it feels like to move from an underprivileged area to the economic pulse of the nation. When I think of migrant children, I see emotional struggles that often go unnoticed, and that’s where Dandelion comes in, offering the support needed to help them find a sense of belonging.”

    TakToon Project — UWC Dilijan 

    TakToon, derived from the Armenian words for “warm” and “house,” focuses on creating cost-efficient insulation solutions for rural Armenian homes. By repurposing plastic and metallic waste for insulation, the project not only helps vulnerable communities retain warmth but also promotes sustainable recycling practices. Addressing the urgent need for better insulation in ageing homes, TakToon reduces both environmental impact and financial burdens on families. Through community education, this initiative fosters energy efficiency and improves living conditions. 


    Andrea from the TakToon Project notes: 

    “In my first three months in Armenia, I experienced firsthand the harshness of the local temperatures. The difference between me and the local people made me reflect on how even small, often underestimated things can lead to enormous change. We don’t want to bring unaffordable thermal insulation to the market; instead, we aim to create insulation that anyone can afford and improve the conditions of their home.” 

    The Chulha Project — UWC Mahindra College 

    The Chulha Project tackles the harmful effects of traditional mud cookstoves, known as chulhas, which emit toxic smoke linked to serious health risks and contribute to deforestation through excessive firewood consumption. By introducing locally manufactured rocket stoves with J-shaped combustion chambers that reduce emissions by up to 86% and decrease firewood usage by 50%, the project aims to protect women and children, who are most affected by indoor air pollution. Initially targeting 50 households in Maharashtra’s Mulshi Valley, this scalable initiative intends to empower communities through training programs, sustainable stove production, and peer-driven advocacy for clean cooking solutions. 


    Leila, a Chulha Project team member, explains: 

    “As the UWC Mahindra College community, we are tightly connected with villages around the college. I believe in our project, because this is a serious issue that hasn’t been tackled before, and it would be a huge achievement for me if a problem that affects the health of these families was eradicated—I would love to give back to these villages as much as I can.” 

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    UWC International newsletter – Dec 2024 https://uwc.org/uwc-international-newsletter-dec-2024/ Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:58:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1348348 Celebrating 2024: a year of impact, community and growth at UWC As we wrap up 2024, the UWC International newsletter reflects on an extraordinary year of achievements – from hosting the UWC International Congress and expanding the Dare to Dream scholarship programme to celebrating our global volunteer community and alumni impact. Dive into stories of […]

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    Celebrating 2024: a year of impact, community and growth at UWC

    As we wrap up 2024, the UWC International newsletter reflects on an extraordinary year of achievements – from hosting the UWC International Congress and expanding the Dare to Dream scholarship programme to celebrating our global volunteer community and alumni impact.

    Dive into stories of resilience, community and transformational education, and learn how you can get involved – from completing the UWC Global Alumni Survey to joining our volunteer network or supporting life-changing scholarships.

    READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER NOW!

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    UWC national committee spotlight – UWC Sudan https://uwc.org/uwc-national-committee-spotlight-uwc-sudan/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:08:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1348353 Since 2020, UWC Sudan has selected 33 students to attend UWC schools. Despite the challenges posed by war, UWC Sudan’s volunteers remain committed to providing life-changing educational opportunities to students affected by conflict. UWC Sudan National Committee volunteer, Amna, shared: “We actively identify and support students from diverse backgrounds and regions in Sudan, particularly those […]

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    Since 2020, UWC Sudan has selected 33 students to attend UWC schools. Despite the challenges posed by war, UWC Sudan’s volunteers remain committed to providing life-changing educational opportunities to students affected by conflict. UWC Sudan National Committee volunteer, Amna, shared:

    We actively identify and support students from diverse backgrounds and regions in Sudan, particularly those affected by conflicts like Darfur and the current war. Despite fundraising challenges due to economic instability, we work to ensure that students on full scholarships can attend UWC without financial barriers such as flight costs or pocket money. We provide round-the-clock support for applicants and their families, addressing challenges like displacement, emotional stress and safe travel routes. Furthermore, we advocate for Sudan’s representation within the global UWC movement, emphasising the role of education in rebuilding nations affected by conflict and war.

    Nabwia Mohamed, a current Sudanese student at UWC Robert Bosch College, fled the war in Khartoum nearly two years ago to pursue her dream of studying at UWC. Now in her second year, she has led a successful fundraising campaign that provided hygiene products and health education to 565 women affected by conflict in Sudan. Reflecting on her journey, she says:

    “In my darkest hour, the UWC movement reached out and lifted me up. With the help of the NC, board members and others, I secured a visa in Ethiopia. Inspired by their support, I was determined to give back to those who needed it most—women in my country enduring the consequences of war.”

    – Nabwia Mohamed (UWC Robert Bosch College, 2023-2025).

    Applications to apply through the UWC Sudan National Committee are open until 27 December 2024.

    APPLY THROUGH UWC SUDAN

    Learn how to become part of UWC’s international school community, with details on the different routes through which you can apply, when and how.

    HOW TO APPLY TO UWC

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    Celebrating International Volunteer Day https://uwc.org/celebrating-international-volunteer-day/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:44:00 +0000 https://uwc.org/?p=1348359 Today, 5 December, is International Volunteer Day – a special day to recognise and celebrate volunteers all around the world.  At UWC, our work would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of volunteers. Every year, over 150 UWC national committees (NCs) across the globe, made up mostly of volunteers, give their time, […]

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    Today, 5 December, is International Volunteer Day – a special day to recognise and celebrate volunteers all around the world. 

    At UWC, our work would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of volunteers. Every year, over 150 UWC national committees (NCs) across the globe, made up mostly of volunteers, give their time, skills and energy to identify young people with potential, ensuring that students from all backgrounds and financial circumstances can access a life-changing education. Many of these volunteers are UWC alumni who have experienced the transformative power of a UWC education and remain involved to make sure others can access the same opportunities.

    One such volunteer is Carlos Hernandez Tellez, a member of UWC International’s ARDEI (Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Steering Group and a long-time NC volunteer. From 2020 to 2023, Carlos served as Chair and Partnerships Director of UWC Brazil, helping to drive growth, inclusion and opportunity across the national committee. His remarkable journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of UWC and the dedication of its volunteers who continue to give back to the movement.

    Carlos’s UWC journey began as a student at Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong (2008–2010), a life-changing experience for the Venezuelan native and his first time living abroad. After graduating, he earned a Davis-UWC Scholarship to study at Vassar College in the United States and later built an international career across Asia, Europe and Latin America before settling in Brazil.

    Carlos remained deeply connected to UWC by volunteering with the Venezuelan NC and later joining the Brazilian NC, where his role steadily grew. Ultimately, he became Chair of UWC Brazil, leading the organisation to new heights and strengthening its impact.

    Creating opportunities and promoting diversity

    For Carlos, volunteering with UWC is both personal and meaningful. His own life-changing experience at UWC inspires him to create similar opportunities for others, while his journey as a migrant has strengthened his commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion. Reflecting on what motivates him to dedicate his time and skills, Carlos shares:

    UWC changed my life on a deep and fundamental level, and it continues to impact it in so many ways today. Even though Brazil isn’t my home country, it has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. I want to make sure others have the same opportunity.”

    As Chair of UWC Brazil, Carlos worked to make UWC more inclusive by reaching students from remote or under-represented areas who might not have known about UWC.

    We wanted students who might not have applied to see that they too could be part of UWC. Seeing diverse representation on the NC team itself was also important – it showed students that they belonged.”

    UWC Brazil selection weekend facilitators

    UWC Brazil selection weekend facilitators

    The Brazilian NC also used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to grow. With more people able to volunteer, the team scaled up their efforts, including fundraising and promoting UWC through social media.

    We played to everyone’s strengths,” Carlos says. “I’d worked in digital design and with start-ups, so we used tools like Instagram takeovers to encourage young people to apply. In just a few weeks, our social media following grew by 40%. Now we receive over 3,000 applications every year—double what we were getting before the pandemic.

    A lifelong commitment to UWC’s mission

    Balancing his NC work with his day job hasn’t always been easy, but Carlos finds it incredibly rewarding. “Making those offer calls to accepted students is such a privilege,” he says.

    It’s energising to connect with young people and see how they are thinking about the world. UWC is all about bringing young people together and giving them the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. There’s no better motivator than that.”

    Carlos’s story is just one example of the many volunteers who keep UWC’s mission alive. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate Carlos and all the volunteers around the world who dedicate their time and energy to making UWC a force for positive change. Thank you for all that you do!

    BECOME A UWC VOLUNTEER

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