January 2010

Feature
The ‘brain drain’

United
debate

Exchange of
ideas

World
Teacher and student
exchanges explored

Spotlight
on remote National
Committees
In this issue News
On the cover
Welcome European National
Committees meet
Participants at the 2009 Talk Together programme.
Read the article on page 20.
to United World
in Brussels
The next edition of United World – May 2010 – will
be sporting the new UWC brand. Following extensive
consultations and workshops, the UWC brand was
presented to the UWC Council and Board in October The European Regional Meeting took place in Brussels in
for approval and taking into account their suggestions, November and was the largest ever, with 86 delegates in total and
representation from 32 European National Committees and nine
Head of
it will be launched on 05 February 2010. We will
report fully on the Brand, the UWC Toolkit and its
Colleges.
The NC of Belgium did a fantastic job of hosting the meeting, particularly
Finance
implementation in the next edition and on the website.   
3 News Other projects we’re working on include translating
given the unexpectedly large turn out.
at UWCIO
The programme for the meeting was put together by a working group of the
the website into a multi-lingual site and replacing the National Committee team at UWCIO and NC members. Many sessions were Geoffrey Browne, Head of Finance and Administration at
7 From the Chair extranet so that it becomes an effective communication facilitated by NC members, with main sessions held on potential and diversity; UWC International since 2006, retired in December 2009. We
tool for all UWC members.  As we prepare for the new promotion, preparation and selection of students; outreach and fundraising send him our appreciation and wish him all the best in his
8 Fundraising extranet, from January 31 we will be asking users to and parents. retirement. Geoffrey is replaced by Willa Geertsema. Willa
has worked in finance and consulting in the corporate and
verify their details to facilitate a smooth transfer to the
10 Feature Rita Fuchs, from the NC of Austria was on the organising group. She says
NGO sector for many years, most recently as Head of Finance
new system. Follow the ‘member login’ link at “Being involved in the organisation of the meeting gave me the chance to
National Committee members Dafna Herzberg and and Resources at the European Council on Refugees and
www.uwc.org to do this. contribute something, to balance the massive input of the meeting with some
Laura Carone discuss the ‘brain drain’ debate. Exiles. “I’m excited to join UWC and learn about its inspiring
form of output. As someone who has been very active in the Austrian NC
diversity, and am looking forward to help strengthen a
for the past 10 years, I left the meeting with a surprising motivation to take
network of finance people across the organisation.”
things ahead. I think UWC as a whole is taking some big steps into the right

Get in touch direction, and I loved seeing so much momentum within the European NCs as

If you have an idea for an article, email brief

details to [email protected]
well as the global movement.”
Natalie Gopall from the International Office National Committee
Development team adds
Obituaries
It is with great sadness that we report the deaths of :
Comments and feedback on the magazine are also “The energy and commitment during the meeting was invigorating and we
Fawaz Lukman - first year student from Ghana at UWC-
very welcome. Email us or write to: have lots of ideas to take forward. There are huge benefits for NCs in sharing
USA
The United World Colleges (International), experiences and ideas face to face and it makes a big difference to our work
Dr Rodrigo Carazo Odio, founding Chair of UWC Costa
14 Education Second Floor, in the IO being able to meet NC members in person. It was also extremely
Rica
17-21 Emerald Street, valuable to have so many Colleges represented.”
London, WC1N 3QN, UK. “Don Rodrigo played a critical role in the founding of
17 Profiles UWC Costa Rica; in fact it probably would not have
happened without him. But what touched everyone who
had the privilege to work with him was his deep and very
real sense of humility – not a virtue always associated
with former Presidents – and his commitment to the
United World is distributed to all members of the UWC International cause of peace.” Keith Clark, Executive Director, UWC
movement. Articles or comments attributed to individuals do not International.
necessarily reflect the views or policy of The United World Colleges Michael Schweitzer - Bursar at UWC of the Atlantic,
(International). While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of 1965-1997
information at the time of going to press, no responsibility can be
“Michael made an immense contribution to Atlantic
accepted for incorrect information included in good faith or subject
College and to the development of UWC. In fact, as Kurt
20 Outreach to subsequent change.
Hahn’s private secretary for six years, his involvement
pre-dated the founding of Atlantic College, and his
The United World Colleges (International)
22 Spotlight is a company registered in England and
more than three decades of service to the College were
marked by selfless commitment and deep conviction.”
National Committees operating without a permanent Wales and Limited by Guarantee No 908758.
NC members discussing outreach at the European Regional meeting Keith Clark.
local membership. Registered Charity No 313690.

News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 3

College second year Peace and Conflict Studies
students participated in a learning day, at
ceremony of opening the third Ministry for
Peace in the world. When I was writing my

contributes which they met and worked with students

from university institutions including INCAE
speech, I realised that talking about peace
was not that easy. Many times we end up

to Peace Summit Business School and Earth University. A

closing event was held on the International
over using the word and the concept of
‘peace’ to such an extent that it in the end it
Students and staff at UWC Costa Rica Day of Peace at the National Theatre in San loses its meaning. We often say that our aim
contributed to the fourth Summit of Jose and seven students represented the is to build a peaceful world. But with such an
the Global Alliance for Ministries and College by sharing a message of peace with abstract word and concept, are we actually
Departments of Peace last September the audience. talking about the same thing? In my speech
in the capital San Jose. UWC student Aurora Robles (Finland) says I decided to replace the word peace with
The Global Alliance (GA) is a worldwide “The experience made me try my limits. the word to care - caring about others and
community of civil society campaigns, I would have never thought that I would especially those in need”.
organisations, committed citizens and do a speech in the National Theatre in the Right to left: participants practicing the Dragon Dance, Chishio (second from right) with other organisers.
government officials working for the

Dialogue for young neighbours

establishment of ministries and departments
of peace that reflect and support the
emergence of a global culture of peace and
non-violence. Costa Rica was the first country One of the new short programmes even after sharing very painful stories, the opportunity they had to others. Organiser
in the world to formally abolish military of 2009 was the Sino-Japan Youth participants expressed their strong desire and Annora Ng (LPC 05-07) explains “Working with
forces so it is fitting that it has become the Conference which was organised by a determination to build a positive relationship UWC students and revisiting the UWC mode
third country to open a cabinet level Ministry group of 27 UWC students and recent between the countries in order to achieve a of work and spirit refreshed my mind and
of Peace, with the legislation to establish graduates from China and Japan and more peaceful international community and gave me the energy to keep the UWC spirit
a Ministry passing through the National took place at Li Po Chun UWC of Hong ensure that these atrocities never happen alive in my personal life.” Fellow organiser
Assembly just before the summit. Kong in August. again.” Chihiro Yoshida (MI 07-09) adds “I often
College Head Mauricio Viales, Development The aim of the conference was to bring For many participants, the opportunity feel that we graduates of UWC have much
Director Carlos Sandoval and Professor Steve youth from all over the region together to to meet the local people in Si’an village, potential to radiate the strength of our two
Hawkins took part in sessions including promote dialogue, mutual understanding a remote village in Guangdong Province years out into the world, yet still lack the
defining the mission of the GA. Additionally UWC Costa Rica student Aurora Robles at the Global Alliance summit.
and celebration of difference. The organisers was the highlight of the programme. One realism and willpower to do so. However, the
promoted the conference through schools participant commented “I have enjoyed this conference truly served as a materialisation
across the region and 24 participants from trip so much - from singing and dancing of our hopes and thoughts of creating a UWC

New green initiative at UWC in Mostar China and 24 from Japan took part. with the villagers to chatting to them about atmosphere. One participant said to me
their lives, I learned that I should appreciate “Here at this conference, I can truly express
The programme was diverse in content, with
everything no matter what.” myself and throw myself into everything. We
academic sessions, guest speakers, games,
A student led initiative at UWC in Mostar to reduce the college’s can discuss our true emotions and opinions. I
theatre workshops and excursions; the Xiaoxue Weng (PC 04-06), one of the
impact on the environment is still in its infancy but is ambitious in could never do that at school in Japan, and it
theme of breaking down barriers between organisers, thinks that one of the main
its aims of drawing attention to sustainability in a country where feels amazing.” These words express precisely
the countries and facilitating a better challenges at the conference was the
environmental issues are not high on the agenda. the enlightenment UWC empowered me
understanding of each other ran throughout language barrier. “The main language used
with, and I truly hope that this conference
Second year student Andy Hemphill (USA) explains, “Although the conference. Examples of this included a was English but this was a huge challenge for
continues.”
green projects are becoming quite commonplace around the session on education where the participants a lot of the participants. Bilingual organisers
world, this is something very radical for the country of Bosnia discussed how the marked differences in were always on hand to allow all participants Chishio concludes “This conference has
and Herzegovina, which is still recovering economically from the Chinese and Japanese textbooks regarding to express themselves and participants successfully created a space where youth
wounds of war. Therefore, up until this point, attention to and key historical events contributed to also made good use of body language to from both countries can honestly share their
legislation concerning the environment has been almost non- misunderstandings and a theatre workshop communicate, as well as learning key phrases ideas. We hope that the participants will take
existent.” where the group used image theatre to for each language. We received feedback back these messages of peace to their home
explore stereotypes and overcoming from participants saying that although they’d communities and that they will continue to
The College hopes that by starting locally, it can influence both
prejudice. found the language issues a significant be committed to peace-building not only for
the local community of Mostar and the wider country. At the
obstacle, they had learnt useful skills in the Sino-Japanese relationship but also for
College, students are starting with basic projects including A focal point of the conference was the Peace
finding other ways to communicate and the world as a whole.”
changing to energy saving lightbulbs, composting and reducing Commemoration Ceremony, where the group
waste. Bigger plans include a goal to create a wind-power shared personal stories from their families being patient.” The organisers are planning a second
generator to provide power to the school. “In the spirit of the about the Second World War. Chief organiser For many of the graduates, being involved in conference for 2010.
UWC movement, we hope that an exchange of ideas will develop Chishio Furukawa (LPC 06-08) explains: “It was organising the conference was a significant www.sinojapanyouthconference.org
between the UWCs, so that together, we can significantly reduce an emotionally overwhelming experience opportunity for them to use their UWC
UWC in Mostar students Ingrid Fielder and Andy Hemphill the harmful impact on our home,” says Andy. for all. What was remarkable was that experience in practical way and extend the

Page 4 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 5
UWC Strategic Plan 2010-2015
The adoption of a strategic plan is a was conscious of the degree to which this day work, and this will continue as Colleges
hugely important moment for UWC,
but its significance goes beyond a
sense of direction for the next five
had been a collaborative exercise, reinforcing
the idea of collective ownership.
Of course, the greatest significance of a
and National Committees incorporate the
objectives into their work.
An immediate priority is to develop a system
From the Chair
years. strategic plan must be in its content. The of monitoring – a ‘dashboard’ to use the Over the past few years I have tried to use this space to
The new UWC strategic plan was adopted aim is to give life to the UWC mission. That current jargon. This must not become a
bring members of UWC up to date with what has been
by the UWC Council and International ambitious statement – UWC makes education major system in its own right, but it will be
Board at meetings at Pearson College in a force to unite people, nations and cultures important to know how we are doing. The going on at the UWC Council and Board meetings but I
October, following 18 months’ work. The for peace and a sustainable future – is its objectives will shape the agenda of the am still surprised by how often I hear “But I didn’t know Tim Toyne Sewell meeting students at the UWC
plan is of great significance because the foundation stone. The plan must give life to International Board while the annual UWC Maastricht opening ceremony.
this or that was happening; how exciting!”
planning period (2010-2015) covers UWC’s the mission or both will be meaningless. Council meeting will be an opportunity
50th anniversary, and yet it is the first time The plan aims to do this through 29 to review progress and to insert a degree
Perhaps not enough people read this magazine so, since you are problems and benefits faced by all our colleges. These meetings help
that such a plan has been in place for the objectives grouped into six overall themes. of accountability. An effective monitoring
reading this, please pass on your copy to another graduate who hasn’t to unite the organisation and enable us to work better together to
organisation as a whole. The 2005 ‘vision The objectives are further broken down into regime will also mean that the strategic plan,
and bring them up to date! take the movement forward.
objectives’ were a major step forward: 114 action points which represent the means especially the action plan, becomes a living
One of the main issues at the meeting of the UWC Council in October An important issue in the last part of 2009 has been to work with
the new plan takes by which the strategic document which can be adapted without
was our new strategic plan. We consulted widely as the plan was our colleagues in Bosnia and Herzegovina to identify options for the
organisational strategy to a “the greatest plan can be achieved. They losing the overall framework.
being produced and I believe the end result incorporates pretty well future of the UWC-IB Initiative there, and specifically for the UWC in
different level. significance of a are detailed points, and The strategic plan presents us with a
everything bar the kitchen sink. This is no bad thing as this first plan Mostar, now that its initial phase is complete and remembering that
That raises the question strategic plan must be provide the steps – as many direction and a challenge – in fact, 114
sets the bench mark for all our ongoing and future work. The plan this was not necessarily intended to be a permanent venture. I find
challenges! It will need a great collective
of why now? The most
in its content. The aim is as eight or nine in some has now been endorsed by the Council and will be put into effect by it remarkable just how much has been achieved in the College’s first
obvious answer is that cases – necessary for each commitment, but it will send the signal that
the organisation is ready
to give life to the UWC objective. UWC is looking ahead with conviction to the
the International Board. Key parts of the implementation plan will three years and I want to do all I can to find a way forward.
be carried out by committees of the Board, working in cooperation
for it. It is absolutely clear mission.” Keith Clark The strategic plan start of our next 50 years.
with Colleges, National Committees and the International Office. Our
Dr Jennifer Dueck has been working hard on the Middle East and
North Africa project, which, as was reported in the last edition,
that a strategic plan has undoubtedly presents Board committees consist of Board and Council members and others involves building UWC’s profile and capacity in the region, including
to be for the organisation as a whole and UWC with a major challenge – but that’s Strategic objectives who have specialist advice to give: they have a hefty work load facing through strengthening the National Committee system and looking,
its successful implementation will require the point. Some of the objectives will be • To ensure that UWC’s model of them and I wish them luck. in the longer term, for a possible location for a new college. She
a collective commitment from throughout particularly difficult: the biggest challenges education maintains relevance and A second major issue was branding; deciding who we are and how and I have recently visited Abu Dhabi, where we have identified
UWC. In adopting the plan, we are sending are likely to be around developing a form becomes more widely known as an we should project ourselves to the wider world, including defining considerable interest in UWC. As a result, the development of a
the signal that this is feasible – a confidence of recognition or certification (a ‘UWC example of education for a peaceful our key messages that can be used whenever we talk about UWC but new National Committee is under way and several other activities
underpinned by the prevailing belief that we Diploma’), investigating and reforming UWC’s and sustainable future. especially when talking to those who know little or nothing about are being planned. In addition we hope to have a number of new
will be stronger if we work together. scholarship allocation model, improving our
• To extend UWC’s impact. us. This was obviously an emotive subject; in the past we have relied scholarships from the UAE in 2010 and perhaps even greater
The strategic plan is also significant because global profile and, of course, building greater
• To strengthen and develop the UWC on our Colleges and National Committees to identify themselves involvement in the movement in the future.
it has been a test of UWC’s new governance financial security. However, the step-by step
National Committee system. but to the rest of the world there is no consistency and this results I have now completed my first three years as Chair of the International
model. In particular, the UWC Council approach makes even these most challenging
in confusing messages. At a time when we are trying to raise our Board and Council. Like many others before me I find myself
was able to play precisely the sort of role objectives attainable. On the other hand, • To create a secure and sustainable
profile and considerable sums of money for scholarships and other committed more and more to this extraordinary movement and just
envisaged for it. After detailed workshop if those steps lead to the conclusion that a financial and funding model.
major projects this inconsistency becomes a weakness. Inevitably hope that, having been asked to complete a second (and final) period
discussions on a number of strategic themes certain objective is not feasible or desirable, • To increase awareness, recognition
finding a common brand means that there has to be some give and in the chair, I can work with you all to make UWC even better known
at the inaugural UWC Council in February, then we will know that for sure. and understanding of UWC.
take between our component parts but I am relieved that, at the end in the wider world and create new opportunities for more and more
and at the Global National Committee Despite the very considerable challenges, • To continue to strengthen of a sometimes heated debate, the proposal and outlines of a policy students to take advantage of what UWC can offer.
Meeting at the same time, a clear sense of I do not think we should be daunted by organisational effectiveness and unity. were agreed. There is still work to be done but I am confident that by
priorities emerged; in fact, the outcomes the volume or detail of the plan. Many the time you read this, we will have agreement on the few remaining
The full strategic plan and action plan are
from those discussions made the initial action points draw into a strategy work issues.
available on the UWC website –
drafting of a plan relatively straightforward. which we already do, or formalise some www.uwc.org/strategicplan/ Since the UWC Council involves all the College Heads and Chairs it
The planning process has been genuinely of the directions in which we are already
The UWC Council and International gives the opportunity for both groups to spend some time together
consultative, with input from around the heading. We should be able to prioritise Tim Toyne Sewell, Chair
Board were enormously grateful to Driek in ‘retreats’. The Heads have been doing this for some time, with very
movement. Some UWC constituencies more effectively – perhaps to say ‘no’ more
Desmet (AC 82-84) and his colleagues positive results, but this is the first time that the Chairs have done so.
consulted in great detail within their often – and to recognise that much of what
from McKinsey & Co who were invaluable Both groups were able to exchange information informally and this
communities and the vast majority of the we do forms a part of the bigger whole.
throughout the strategic planning proved immensely helpful in creating a better understanding of the
feedback was both positive and helped to Within the International Office, the strategic
process.
strengthen the final drafts. The UWC Council plan is already playing a role in our day-to-

Page 6 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 7

Fundraising

Welcome to UWCIO’s
Milestones in UWC-USA fundraising
Director of Development Milestone in
Steve Donato joined UWC
as Director of Development,
UWC International on 30
alumni Support
November 2009. Steve joins
UWC from King’s Academy,
Jordan where he was
Director of Development
based in New York.
Prior to his time at the King’s
Academy, Steve was Executive
Director for Institutional
Advancement at Columbia
University Teacher’s College,
Vice President and COO at Helen
London to Paris Bertrand Kan (USA 82-84), a member of the
Montezuma castle, UWC-USA
Jane Caldwell, Fund Development Assistant at the UWC first graduating class of UWC-USA, will be the
Keller Worldwide and Director of Major and Planned Gifts and then
International Office cycled from London to Paris in October first graduate of the school to fully-endow a
Executive Vice President at the American Lung Association.
The new Development function at the International Office is intended to
to raise funds for UWC scholarships. Jane and a friend have
raised almost £1,000 in sponsorship to date. They cycled
scholarship. He made his commitment as part
of the celebration of the 25-year reunion of his Philanthropy through
planned giving
help UWC reach new sources of funding that will be best approached at the 520km route in three days, having planned the route graduating class.
an international level. The function will also act as a hub for coordinating with assistance only from Google Maps. Jane says “I wanted “Bertrand’s gift marks a turning point in how UWC-
fundraising operations around the UWC organisation, and help to build to show my support for the many excellent fundraising USA will be sustained for the future. His gift is
professional and volunteer networks of UWC fundraisers as well as a UWC-USA has received a generous legacy gift from
volunteers around the organisation by getting out there exceptional in that he is leading the way for our
stronger culture of fundraising throughout UWC. an Arizonan couple who found out about UWC when
and doing it myself, as well as to demonstrate that everyone graduates to help provide new and future generations
they moved to New Mexico on their retirement and
“I am greatly looking forward to working with my many new colleagues has it in them to be a fundraiser. The only requirement with a UWC education,” says Lisa Darling, President of
became involved in the local community.
at UWC. We have a deeply compelling mission and I am excited to have is a bit of determination and not to be shy about asking UWC- USA.
an opportunity to be able to contribute to this work. people to support a great cause.” Jane hopes to complete John and Roz Pintek came to know UWC-USA through their
Originally from the Netherlands, Bertrand now works
Certainly, the fundraising challenges ahead are not insignificant, a similar cycling challenge next year with a bigger team, volunteer work as Montezuma Castle guides for a community
in London and is a newly-elected member of the
however meeting those challenges is precisely why I am so excited to not necessarily in the same global location. Any volunteer organisation that raises funds for and awareness about
Board of Trustees of UWC-USA. He was a scholarship
begin my work. I’m confident that together we will make real progress.” fundraisers up for the challenge are encouraged to get in historic preservation.
recipient as a student and would like to provide
touch at [email protected] the same opportunity to new UWC students of
When the Pinteks were considering their estate planning and
philanthropy, they were attracted to the global mission of
extraordinary merit.
UWC and they also liked the idea of supporting global work in

Dialogue across the Seas “UWC has had an important impact

on my life; it taught me how to live
their ‘own backyard’.
“We worked hard, made sacrifices and have lived carefully
Miguel Arrobas from the National Committee of Portugal has continued to and work in a very international to earn and preserve what we have and we want to leave
raise funds for UWC by taking part in a number of swimming challenges.
Following his success in the English Channel in 2008, which raised £1,000
community, gave me a set of it to a place that will put our assets to work for a greater
good,” Roz comments. “Education was key to our success
for the NC, Miguel raised further funds in 2009 by swimming the Straits of enduring friendships around the and we loved the idea of being able to help extend the
Gibraltar in July and a swim in Tunisia in October. The Tunisian swim was part world and opened up opportunities opportunity of a great education to promising young people,”
of the ‘Dialogue Across the Seas’ project – an intercultural exchange through that would otherwise not have been John adds.  “Long after we’re gone, we’ll be supporting
sport between the countries of the Magreb. Miguel’s participation in the 2009
available to me,” says Bertrand. kids from around the world as they learn to appreciate and
event has led to an invitation to be the European representative for the 2nd communicate with each other.” Elizabeth Morse, Director
edition of the Dialogue Across the Seas Project for 2010. This swim, of around “I think that it is vital that those who understand the
of Development at UWC-USA says “The support of those
90km, will take place in August 2010 and Miguel and Mariana Arrobas (AC benefits of the UWC experience better than anyone
who, like the Pinteks, remember UWC with bequests and life
91-93, Secretary of the NC) plan to use the event and its synergies with UWC’s else – our alumni – do what they can to make that
income gifts helps ensure the continued excellence of the
mission to continue to fundraise for UWC at the international level. Check experience possible for promising new students from
UWC experience for generations of students to come.”
Miguel after completing the channel swim. www.uwc.org for updates nearer the time. around the world.”

Page 8 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 9
 seems to feed this trend: Colleges take pride in this matter. We see the appeal for students assurance that the donation will also bring
in the number of students admitted to top in being accepted to a top university in the benefits to that country.
universities in the US or the UK, and many US or the UK but, should we not put more, Another issue which has a great influence
students, staff and graduates are concerned or at least equal effort on nurturing our on the NC’s themselves is that as alumni
that there is too much emphasis placed on students’ commitment to their roots? Should are returning at a decreasing rate, the same
personal academic achievement compared to we not encourage them to reconnect with graduates remain involved in the committee
the other components of a UWC education. the place and people they left at the age of for longer. This leads to exhaustion in the
The entry requirements for prestigious 16, and use their UWC experience to make scope of activities and reduces levels of
universities in the more privileged parts of a positive difference to their motivation of members to
the world are rising, the IB programme is communities? “We should the minimum needed to
increasingly demanding, and the Colleges, It is also often argued that in constantly remind operate, or less.
wishing to support their students with the some cases it is difficult, or our selves that UWC The question then remains:

The ‘brain drain’ debate

best opportunities, push them to excel in even impossible, for students
their academic life. As a result, on arriving at is meant to be a what can we do about this,
to go back home, as they if we agree that we should
UWC, students quickly adopt a fixation with come from areas affected force for change
do something? It is no secret
grades and college applications; they forget by armed conflict, extreme and encourage that the writers of this article
By National Committee members Laura Carone (WK 02-03) from that they applied to a UWC for a different poverty, gender inequality, students to be that feel that action must be
Argentina and Dafna Herzberg (USA 00-02) from Israel. purpose, and that a UWC education is not a corruption, discrimination, change.“ taken on this matter, by all
merit-based personal prize, but a chance and etc. But the question that of us who comprise this big
a responsibility to strengthen their potential came up during our meetings was: hasn’t this movement. However, it is equally important
Across UWC, the ways in which the movement has improve our own societies as well. However, what brought us as leaders in their communities. been an excuse for too long now? As NCs, to emphasise that we are not condemning
made the world a better place in its 50 years of all to the discussion table during the GNCM and later on our
Many times, when we’re asked about what our communities trust us with their most those who choose to go to Harvard or wish
existence are often questioned and debated. This mailing forum, was the growing feeling that it is becoming
our students do after UWC, we hear ourselves important assets – young people who can to work in finance rather than volunteer in
question can be looked at from many different harder for us to pick those fruits, as they tend more and more
explaining that the pursuit of a career be potential leaders in their communities an orphanage. One of the ideals of UWC is to
perspectives. Some of the main focus points should to ripen outside our gardens.
abroad is because of a lack of competitive – in exchange for a promise, and we have a embrace diversity and respect differences;
be how we measure and quantify the ‘betterness’ This isn’t the first time that NCs have expressed their universities, high unemployment or poor responsibility to keep that promise. So when we strongly support such practice, and
of the world; whether we should look at the world preoccupation about sending young (potential) leaders to a working conditions back at home. When the fact that a country is victim of conflict or think each should do as they believe is
as a whole or at each local community or country UWC who then do not return to their home countries, thus students receive significant scholarships to inequality is reason enough for the students right for them. We do not wish to measure
individually and, referring directly to our mission, draining those countries of one of their most important attend university abroad, then they really not to return, we fail that community; and each individual’s personal contribution to
how a UWC education has an impact on peace and assets: human capital. While reading these lines, some may ‘hit the jackpot’, as they will have a top the harm is even greater, since we contribute making a better world, nor do we state that
sustainability. It is also important to ask disregard this claim, since ‘brain drain’ is not a
whether our impact should focus on the “This isn’t the first phenomenon unique to the UWC movement. education and will prosper professionally to the loss of leadership where it is needed we ourselves embody the idealistic life of
and financially, in a way they wouldn’t be the most. We believe that, after 50 years of
individual – the UWC student – or on the time that NCs have Indeed, the flight of human capital from the UWC graduate. Having said that, we
able to in their home countries. What we fail educating students from around the world, feel that, as an organisation that aims, as
impact UWC students can have on the expressed their developing countries to developed ones has to answer, however, is how the developing we should have had a stronger, more positive stated in the new strategic plan, ‘to produce
lives of others. preoccupation been a global concern for many decades, and countries are supposed to ever achieve impact on those developing countries. We UWC graduates each year who, through
represents one of the major development
Last February, during the Global National about sending economic growth and improved academic should constantly remind ourselves that their own action and personal example, can
Committee Meeting (GNCM) in Swaziland, a constrains in many regions of the developing
young leaders to world. Even though the causes for this extend
competitiveness when their human capital UWC is meant to be a force for change and become leaders in their communities and
workshop on the subject of ‘brain drain’ drew continues to be drained. It is often argued encourage those students to be that change
the attention of a large number of National
UWC who then do well beyond UWC, usually having more to
demonstrate their commitment to making a
that alumni will stay abroad for further – working towards breaking the cycle of positive difference in the world’, ‘brain drain’
Committee representatives from every region. not return to their do with the realities of the source regions education and training, and then return when poverty and inequality that drove them to is something that we should be concerned
As the discussion could only go on for a limited home countries.“ and the opportunities offered by recipient they are older and have more to offer their leave in the first place. Instead, by using the about, and our responsibility for it something
time at the meeting, a significant number of NC countries, as a global movement committed home country. Although this does happen, same excuses for so many decades, we seem we should strive to minimise.
representatives – mostly from Africa, Latin America and the to peace and a sustainable future we cannot avoid asking the truth is that many never go back. Another to be fostering the opposite attitude.
Firstly, we feel that as NC’s, we should look for
Middle East – felt the need to continue the discussion outside ourselves whether we are contributing to this problem, or if argument is that alumni abroad contribute On a more institutional level, the issue of ‘brain commitment in our applicants and continue
the workshop. we could at least be doing something to offset it. to their home economies through sending drain’ also affects the movement directly. There to nurture that commitment during their
Many of us work passionately within the NC’s because we are The issue of ‘brain drain’ may be looked at as yet another money to their families or supporting is a growing trend for National Committees preparation to attend a UWC, their time at the
committed to the UWC ideals; we believe in what we stand normal consequence of globalisation. Those who are projects in their communities, but the impact to seek local funding for scholarships, but College and after they graduate. We should
for and we strive to make this wonderful project flourish. We advantaged in terms of skills and education will seek the best of this support, although highly valued, does in our experience we find it hard to recruit reinforce the idea that being awarded a UWC
put our efforts in to trying to find the best suitable candidates professional opportunities available to them. This is normally not replace the loss of knowledge and skills local donors and we believe local donors in scholarship implies a responsibility, and
from our countries, seeing this not just as a service to those where resources are abundant and for many UWC students, suffered by the source countries. We believe developing countries are reluctant to invest remind students how important they are to
individuals, but as a long-term investment and a way to this description does not fit their home countries. Sadly, UWC that we must be more critical about our role in a scholarship for one student without an our communities. There are already examples

Page 10 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 11
of NCs doing this. The Israeli NC holds a two- After all, how many times do you get to
day preparation seminar every year, where
future students attend different lectures and
perform ‘The Island’ next to a South African,
learn about military coups in the history
The Social Perspectives on the debate
workshops but more importantly, take part class you share with a Honduran or about Commitment
in an open discussion with NC members
about the importance of activism and what
inflation in the economics class you share
with a Zimbabwean, or discuss free elections
Task Force
the NC expects from them during their time with an Iranian or climate change with a The Social Commitment Task Halimatou Hima Moussa Dioula (USA 04-06) from differently about the challenges our continent faces. I
in UWC and after. Another good example Maldivian? Outside the classroom, project Force was set up following the Niger is a senior at Wellesley College, USA and is am now a founding member of an alliance seeking to
is that of the Angolan NC, which this year weeks could be oriented to identifying issues workshop on ‘brain drain’ held involved in the Harambe Initiative. capture, inform and engage Africa’s global intellectual
accompanied their selected from home and designing, by during the Global National My school counselor back in Niger was not too thrilled capital in a sustained, strategic and concerted
development of Sub-Saharan African. In its inaugural
students through a six month “The classroom cooperating with your friends Committee Meeting in about my departure. “The bright ones leave and never
February 2009. come back,” he said. The biggest tragedy, I thought, year, our alliance formed ten country teams that worked
process of preparation before can provide from different cultures and
in collaboration with students in African universities.
they set off to the Colleges, with different experiences, The group’s main objectives were to was that we were poor. Yet upon joining the UWC, I
food for thought realised that although poverty was indeed a problem, In April we hosted our second annual symposium,
consisting of debates on ‘brain initiatives that address such reflect on the problem of brain drain,
drain’ and social commitment.
to generate issues. explore the reasons for it and suggest even more disconcerting was the fact that the majority which serves as a marketplace of ideas and a platform
collaborative of those who could do something about it were not to solidify our actions. Interestingly, many Harambe
This resulted in an oral history The Colleges might also possible solutions.
members are UWC alumni. There is a need to set up a
project where they interviewed solutions. “ reconsider the preference The Social Commitment Task Force is
doing much. With my various UWC experiences came
the understanding that it was my responsibility to be system that would support or facilitate the engagement
grandparents and elders about given to universities in the now exploring the issue of brain drain
part of the change that I wanted to see. So when I came of UWC alumni in their home countries. It would be
their memories of war and colonial times. richer parts of the world, and balance the from a broader perspective with the
across Harambe Endeavor through my sophomore year naïve to deny the problem of ‘brain drain’, but with some
The process culminated with the students scale by informing students about applying mission of helping UWC restore the
at Wellesley College, I was thrilled at the opportunity of inventiveness, boldness, and cooperation, one can truly
making a public commitment to each other to local universities with the same passion, social commitment component. We transform it into ‘brain gain’.
working with fellow African students on trying to think
that they would return to their country after or supporting a ‘gap year’ back home before aim to do this by:
their studies. university, emphasising the importance of • Stirring the debate
Secondly, we feel that the Colleges reconnecting with family, friends and their • Reflecting on the mission and
themselves could help by promoting the local communities. aims of the movement and
idea of going back and making an impact Lastly, we hope the organisation will reflect revisiting our success so far Maria Vargas (MI 98-00) from Costa Rica is UWC. Even if you never returned home to ‘give back to
at home, and not only from a distance by upon these questions while reexamining currently completely her Master’s thesis in Paris, your own society’ you could give to others and yet this
making financial contributions. A good • Nurturing students’ and
itself with the approaching 50th anniversary. France. She previously worked as an Advocacy seems to happen very little. Sometimes it seems that
graduates’ sense of social
way to do this is to allow students to think Do we still represent the same ideals we have and Protection Officer for the Danish Refugee the social commitment we gained at UWC vanished the
commitment by:
of ways they could apply what they learn become known for? Is it still our aspiration Council in Hargeisa, Somaliland. moment we left. I don’t believe that it would be fair to
at UWC to the realities they face at home, to promote the bettering of the world as a • Providing local opportunities and I believe in the general social commitment of the UWC say that students from developing countries have to
tailoring learning to suit the particular whole, or has it become enough to improve increasing awareness as NCs movement and at Mahindra UWC I strongly felt that return to their own countries to help out because that
needs of their communities and fostering the lives of the individual students who have people were committed to give back to society – which somehow discriminates – what about the students that
• Working with the International
intercultural networking to better tackle ever one it was. I say whichever one because I also come from the developed world – should they just return
the privilege to attend our schools? Are Board’s National Committee
those needs. The classroom is one of the strongly believe that to give back – to help out or to home then? What happens to people that come from war
we still a unique and idealistic educational Development Committee (NCDC)
settings for this, as any subject in the IB be socially committed you do not necessarily have to zones, or people that simply do not want to go back for
organisation or have we become another to support initiatives from the
syllabus has room for stirring the discussion be bound by national frontiers and issues of national personal reasons? I would strongly contend that it is not
‘prep-school’ for the future ‘rich and Colleges and other NCs.
of ‘local’ issues and can provide food for identity. about location – whether you are living where you were
successful’?
At the Latin America and Caribbean born, in a neighbouring country or across the globe – it
thought to generate collaborative solutions. The UWC experience gave me the courage to not be
Regional Meeting in March 2010, the is about commitment and engaging in the society that
afraid – to seek challenges and to work every day for
Task Force will be presenting its work to surrounds you.
what I believe in – that ended up being on the other side
the NCs present and discussing future Although UWC gives you a lot of understanding on social
of the globe from where I grew up yet I do not feel more
plans, including the development of issues and how the world works – very little is done to
or less merit in which country people seek to engage in –
a UWC-wide alumni survey. If you make you continue on these lines when you leave. In
as long as they engage.
are interested in contributing to the my experience, there is an over emphasis on university
debate please email: The biggest challenge I see in terms of UWC and ‘brain-
education and not enough counselling on how people
[email protected] drain’– people never returning to their own countries – is
could continue social engagement after they graduate,
not the fact that people do not return but the fact that
wherever they may end up.
not enough graduates engage in anything socially after

Page 12 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 13
 Left to right: Showing the Laski students round campus at RCNUWC, Lisa Mbuli Marlborough College, Richard Lamont at Waterford’s Community Service Ward 8.

Exchange of ideas
Marlborough,” explains Lisa, “and limited “At first I had to train my ear to the countless found much to admire in the Community
diversity on the teaching staff. accents in the classroom and train my tongue Service programme. “I was in charge of a
“We talked a lot inside and outside class about to the plethora of unpronounceable names,” he CommServe called Ward 8, a children’s ward
diversity – some of the students had never says. “On the teaching front, in a government hospital
Exchanges, whether teacher or student focussed, are “What I went through was a very personal journey,” says Lisa. been taught by a black teacher – and I think I was really tested as I had “Waterford offers that was a forgotten room
likely to become more important across the organisation “I was away from those I love, away from what makes me that many of the teachers were also excited to one IB set which included students and teachers of orphans, the abandoned
as UWC strives to ensure that its educational model comfortable. I had to live a life without braais, Fanta Grape, the have someone so different among them.” 16 Ethiopians with varying remarkable and life- and children with cerebral
maintains relevance and becomes more widely known. sun…” levels of English, alongside palsy,” he says. “Our job was
Lisa says she learnt a great deal from her
a Norwegian, a Finn and
changing experiences.
Working with partners from outside UWC is a way of However, Lisa says that she learnt a great deal, both about herself mentor at Marlborough, Lavinia Ford, and to take them to the park
introducing new perspectives and approaches, and a Turk – and was asked to I returned home with or swimming pool to try
and about teaching. “I learnt that I am a strong, independent felt that during her exchange she developed
UWC teachers and students testify that spending woman who can embrace her ‘Africanness’ and talk about it as a teacher. “I was exposed to some new
teach So Long a Letter, a fresh expectations of my to sprinkle a little weekly
time in other settings expands their proudly – who can teach Shakespeare, ideas which I have tried to implement since
novel originally written in school and my pupils.” magic.”
Senegalese French!”
horizons, allowing them to return to “We talked a lot inside Keats and Milton as well as anyone but can I got back. I really enjoyed meeting the Richard Lamont Richard returned to
their Colleges with renewed vigour and and outside class about also, more importantly, communicate the Marlborough sixth formers out of class, when Richard was impressed by Marlborough and its
greater insight. significance of texts from this continent.” we read plays together and had a meal, and how hard both students and teachers work exciting period of academic change inspired
diversity – some of the this is something I’ve done with my IBs since at Waterford. “Students are neither force- nor
Below we profile two very different She taught the ‘Cambridge Pre-U’ syllabus by his time at Waterford and determined to
exchanges, one between Waterford Kamhlaba
students had never been to two Lower Sixth classes (the equivalent of I returned to Waterford. We also had a junior spoon-fed, and with the IB programme there is provide “a more global and diverse perspective
UWC in Swaziland and Marlborough College taught by a black teacher IB1), and chose Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous poetry evening at Marlborough which we will a genuine hunger for learning, he says. “What for our pupils”. I sincerely hope that we can set
hopefully do here at some point.” the classroom experience showed me was that up a formal partnership and establish student
in the UK, and the other between Red Cross – and I think that many Conditions, Athol Fugard’s The Island and
Shakespeare’s Othello as her texts. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world… IB English is challenging and exciting to teach, exchanges with Waterford,” he says. “Two of our
Nordic UWC in Norway and the Laski School of the teachers were also and that the overall IB programme is very
for the Blind in Poland. “All three texts allowed me discuss issues of While Lisa was experiencing life as a teacher graduates, Tom Whelan and Kate Eccles, are
excited to have someone robust. spending this term at Waterford as assistants;
race, class, religion, tolerance and intolerance, in England, Marlborough Head of English (and
Teacher Exchange so different among peace, intercultural understanding, and now Head of Upper School) Richard Lamont “I also found Sue Bradshaw – at the time and we are hoping to offer ‘Marlburians’ the
Waterford Kamhlaba UWC English teacher Lisa them.” Lisa Mbuli ideas of community – all the things I think was nearly 6,000 miles away in Swaziland living Waterford’s Head of English and now in the experience of Community Service projects
Mbuli’s term at Marlborough College in the an education should be about,” says Lisa. “I the UWC experience at Waterford. same role at UWCSEA – hugely inspirational. at Waterford.” Marlborough has also bought
UK was truly a mutually beneficial experience. think the students were interested in my lessons – they said nice In fact, I think being able to spend time with wheelchairs for the children of Ward 8 with
Richard had approached Waterford about the
Marlborough College, which was preparing to introduce the IB, things when I left, anyway! – and they particularly loved Nervous her was mutually beneficial: I picked her brains money raised last year at a student-run
possibility of an exchange because he was
was able to benefit from Lisa’s (and UWC’s) experience of teaching Conditions.” about the IB system, and she was keen to learn ‘Illumination’ concert. “Waterford offers
keen to have first-hand experience of the IB
the IB Diploma, while Marlborough’s 166-year history as a leading about the challenges of leading a much larger students and teachers remarkable and life-
She was able to talk to both teachers and students about the Diploma programme before it was introduced
independent school gave Lisa an insight into a completely English department, as I do in England and she changing experiences,” says Richard. “I returned
diversity to be found at Waterford and about the potential at Marlborough College. Richard found
different type of educational establishment and reaffirmed her was about to do in Singapore.” to Marlborough with fresh expectations of my
of education to be a force to unite people. “There was only teaching the IGCSE and IB programmes at
commitment to teaching. one black student and a small number of Asian students at Waterford “hugely stimulating”. During his time at Waterford, Richard also school and my pupils.”

cont. over

Page 14 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 15
 students are involved in a local service activity,

Student and students get involved with the global

concerns programme from early years through

profile: fundraising, activities and environmental

initiatives.

Felicitas Now in grade 7, Filli is involved in the College

service HIPS (Helping In Primary School), “A

Filsinger
main aim of the service is to bring the junior
school students together, forming tight
friendships and to have fun” explains Filli.
Felicitas Filsinger (Filli) is a She is also involved in the Global Concerns
grade 7 student at UWCSEA. programme ‘Tabitha’, an NGO empowering
She is German but has Cambodian families to improve their lives
grown up in Singapore. through a variety of projects. Filli is also
She previously attended hoping to join a house building trip through
primary school at the German Global Concerns next year. “One of the main
European School Singapore things that I have learned from the great
(GESS) and moved to UWCSEA selection of services at UWCSEA is how
along with her twin sister incredibly, incredibly lucky I am to have a
RCNUWC and Laski students on the recent trip to the Laski School in Poland.
Ricarda at the start of grade 5. safe home, a caring family, enough money to
survive, food and drinking water. I constantly

Exchange of ideas continued remind myself of this, and I think that more
people should do so.”
In her first year at UWCSEA, Filli got involved managed to set up my stall with many One of Filli’s other great passions is sport.
Student Exchange
with XS project, an organsation which XS Project products and provided lots of “At UWC, I play on the basketball and netball
A very different type of ‘educational’ people think of themselves as remarkably able, “The students in Norway made us all feel very
supports rubbish pickers and their families in information about the organisation. teams. I love that sport is such a big part of
experience is offered by a student exchange as indeed they are.” welcome. I tried for the first time ever to rock-
Jakarta, Indonesia by paying up to six times UWCSEA because it is such a big part of me.”
operating at Red Cross Nordic UWC. climb, which I found very cool. I also kayaked “I would have never expected such a big
The Polish students are keen to practise their the typical rate for rubbish collected and
in the fijord – and, luckily, I didn’t fall into the demand for the products. Mainly, I wanted Filli is also keen on watersports, doing wake-
Each October, 12 English with the RCNUWC offering employment and training to recycle boarding and waterskiing out of school, so
RCNUWC students “Talking with people students, and Kip has observed water like one of my friends did three times!”
the rubbish into attractive products. Filli
to raise awareness about our planet, global
warming, our excess amount of trash, she was excited to have the opportunity to
travel to the Laski at the College and that attempts to communicate There have also been positive spin-offs to went on to develop what started as a school try sailing on the grade 6 class expedition to
the exchange programme; RCNUWC student and most importantly, the unfortunate
School for the Blind in getting to know are invariably a good ice- exhibition project into a successful fundraising
people who don’t have enough money for Pulau Tioman, in Malaysia. “I thought it was
Tangut Degfay (Ethiopia), who visited Laski
Poland as part of their
students my age was breaker and produce plenty of
shared laughter and enjoyment. last October, spent the whole of her Christmas
endeavour.
education, food and amazing to be far out
Project Based Learning “One of the main things
programme, and each my favourite thing “Interaction with our students holiday at the school as a volunteer. But
“I got involved with the XS Project in grade 5 other life necessities. I in the ocean, with only

April, 12 Laski students as I was able to make gives them a different window perhaps the most important outcome of the
at UWCSEA”, recalls Filli. “This was during our was pleasantly surprised that I have learned from your partner for help with
exhibition which explored Global Warming, who you have to properly
come to Norway. The new friends.” Michael on the world, and coming exchanges is the lasting friendships that are by how so many people service at UWCSEA is
entitled ‘1 Degree of Change’, referring to were so interested in communicate and use
initiative is subsidised by
Filochowski here to Norway presents them forged. “Talking with people at the College
Climate Change and what a huge effect it has
how incredibly lucky I team work to sail. It was
with a whole range of possible and getting to know students my age was what I had to say and the
Youth In Action, the EC am to have a safe home,
my favourite thing as I was able to make new on the earth. We worked on it for about two products I was selling” really great to be put on-
Youth Exchange Programme. experiences,” he says. “They want to do rock-
climbing. They want to go kayaking on the friends,” says Michael. months, and after conducting research to find says Filli. Sales at the a caring family, enough the-spot with no previous
“The project is called Awareness of Blindness, a sub topic that we felt strongly for or were sailing experience.”
and the name encapsulates the essence of fjord. They want to use the water slide. They exhibition raised $S1000 money to survive, food
interested in, we were put into small groups. (US$ 724) in two days. “At “The thing that I most
the experience for our students,” explains Kip want to go fishing. Everything that we do they
My group focused on ‘Eco Products’. I decided
and drinking water.”
want to do.” the time, it seemed like definitely enjoy most
Summer, who, together with fellow maths to do ‘Eco Packaging’ because our extensive an unbelievable amount to me, and I was so about being at UWCSEA is the amazing
teacher Paulina Szymczak, travels to Poland RCNUWC student Lucia Michelazzo Ceroni
use of non-biodegradable plastic bags excited that I had managed to raise so much opportunities one is given. Whether it be the
every year with the group. (Argentina) says that she soon realised how
particularly worried me.” money.” However, this was just the start of the services, the broad range of activities, the
“They soon get past the objective concept similar both groups of young people were. “In
At around that time Filli noticed people project, and Filli has gone on to raise a further lessons, the adventurous trips or the different
of blindness, and find themselves relating to Argentina there is not that much integration,
carrying colourful, recycled bags and pencil $S6000 (US$4350). “Throughout grade 5 and people, all with different nationalities and
the person who happens to be blind. Riding and therefore it is easy to have a mistaken idea
cases and some investigation led her to 6, I helped Hanis at fairs, raising more money personalities, I really enjoy everything. The
a tandem bicycle together for a few hours of what it means to be blind at a social level.
Sharing the Laski students’ normal lifestyle in the XS Project. “After reading a lot about and awareness for the cause,” she explains. opportunities at UWCSEA are endless, and
over forest paths, watching a film together
Poland allowed me to see that they are just like the organisation, I emailed Hanis Hussey, At UWCSEA, service activities are split to everyone is given the chance to take or make
and discussing it afterwards, talking about
us.” the person in charge of XS in Singapore, to three categories – college, local (within opportunities for themselves, and I think that
aspirations for the future, going shopping
enquire about the possibility of selling or Singapore) and global, of which their Global is so important.”
together – these are the experiences that help Laski student Michael Filochowski says that
raising money for the charity at the exhibition. Concerns programme is an important part. All
our students become aware that blind young he really enjoyed his trip to Norway in 2008. Laski students on campus at RCNUWC.
After many emails, calls and meetings, I

Page 16 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 17
 Graduate Profile: Snapshot: Other graduates from the ‘noughties’ passionate about volunteering.

Yahor Surski Deniz Vatansever (USA 04-06) from Turkey is

majoring in neuroscience at Trinity College,
Irma Husic (BiH 06-08) from Bosnia and Herzegovina is a second year
student of the Department of Communications at Dzemal Bjedic
University in Mostar, her hometown.
Since graduating from UWC in 2003 Yahor Surski (AD 01-03) Connecticut, USA.
“I still share my UWC experience
from Belarus has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the He recently organised with my friend and classmates. I
organisation through a number of volunteering opportunities. Yahor a health care project in still feel the need to help people
has been involved with the National Committee of Belarus since his home town of Bursa, and to improve my community.
2003, spent a year as a volunteer at UWC Adriatic and in August 2009, Turkey, partnering with Presently, I am volunteering in a
was an activity leader on the recent Short Course in Lithuania. the University of Uludag local TV station, and with children
Medical School. “UWC-USA in secondary schools. UWC was
was the first step in my certainly the most amazing and
educational journey which inspiring experience in my life.
Yahor recently returned to Belarus and is he says. Yahor believes graduates could be to the UWC educational philosophy and
gave me the opportunity At the beginning I felt insecure
studying for an MA in interpretation and more involved in the development of their expressed a wish to offer this special
to observe and embrace about becoming a part of the
conservation of cultural-historical heritage Colleges: “Many graduates have wonderfully scholarship. I am very proud that we were
different cultures in a UWC-IB initiative in Bosnia and
at the European Humanities University in creative ideas for improving each college and able to offer this opportunity. As well as
variety of settings that ranged from caring for the Herzegovina. However, I took a
Vilnius, Lithuania. Whilst at the University want to contribute. Volunteering the benefit to the student,
– Yahor has launched a new social service can be one way to contribute “Many graduates it meant that we were able elderly at the Las Vegas Medical Centre and leading risk and decided to apply. Not
wilderness trips to taking part in Peace Jams. With the
initiative (based on UWC’s model of service) but I think it would be great to have wonderfully to extend our promotion of only do I not regret this decision, I can also claim that it was the best decision
mission of promoting international peace, we were I have ever made. I spent two amazing years with people from around the
for the student community, bringing part collect all these ideas to form a creative ideas for UWC to areas with limited educated to become future leaders and activists who
of the UWC experience to a wider group of sort of ideas bank.” social infrastructure which world, sharing my experiences, problems and hopes with them. I learnt how
improving each were brave enough to take initiatives for the betterment to be a leader, how to help people, and the most important, I learnt how to
people. Yahor is currently the secretary are contaminated by
college and want radioactivity.” of humanity. Following this ideology, I proposed the appreciate people, judging them on their personal values regardless of their
In 2007/08 Yahor spent a year as a volunteer of the National Committee ‘DocDoors’ projects with the goal of creating a healthy
at Adriatic College, motivated by a desire of Belarus and has been a
to contribute.” Yahor has continued to take a
national, political, religious, racial or sexual orientation.”
environment for the children of tomorrow who will
to contribute to the life of the College. He member since graduating. “In our Committee very active role in National Committee work; become the future promoters of global peace. We held
assisted on various activities including graduates are enthusiastic to get involved in November 2009 he was a member of the educational sessions, performed health screenings for
ceramics, art, sailing and cross-country skiing and are given a lot of responsibility to organising group at the European Regional Tay Yu Shan (RCN 05-07) from
more than 500 primary school children, and created a
and was a supervisor of a social service nominate new students to UWC. Last year, Meeting and is involved in a NC pilot for the Singapore is studying law at
fully equipped health clinic and nurses office.”
working with people with disabilities. “Being three graduates were involved and it worked Need Based Scholarship research project. King’s College, London, UK
Go to www.uwc.org/deniz/ to read more.
a graduate of the College helped me to really well”, he explains. In 2007 he played [more on this project will follow in United where she is involved with a
create a plan of what I wanted to contribute a key role in a partnership between the NC, World, May 2010] university society which gives
to the community in this new role. I think Adriatic College and an Italian NGO to secure The NC of Belarus works closely with its Nathania (Tanya) Aritao (CR free legal advice to students and
one of my main achievements was a small a scholarship for a Belarusian student from neighbouring NCs in Poland and Lithuania 06-08) from the Philippines the local community.
exhibition project which was displayed at the the area of the country contaminated by and Yahor feels this is an important is studying studio art In 2008 she spent six months in
25th Anniversary events in Rome and Milan. radioactivity as a result of the Chernobyl dimension of the NCs work. “I find our at Wheaton College, Thailand working on a community
My idea was to make an appeal to graduates disaster. “Just before I started volunteering regional cooperation between Lithuanian, Massachusetts, USA and development volunteer project, part
and members of the wider UWC community at Adriatic College, I found out about the Polish and Belarusian NCs is very beneficial. has set up the NGO Buhay of Red Cross Nordic UWC’s volunteer
to send a postcard from wherever they were work of this organisation, which twins the Our countries have a common history and Makulay Children’s Project programme.
living to commemorate the Anniversary, and cities of Granarolo dell’Emilia in the Bologna our cooperation is important for us in many Inc. “Before going to UWC, the idea of
we received an overwhelming response”, region and Vetka in Belarus and arranges for ways.” The most recent cross- Committee “Although I was already volunteering abroad never occurred
Italian families to host children collaboration was the Short Course ‘Living involved in community service to me. I had assumed that I would go through the usual route in
from the contaminated area in Peace with the Past and our Neighbours’, while growing up in the Philippines, my experience at Singapore from secondary school through to university, all at home.
in holidays”, he explains. I was which took place in August 2009 in Lithuania. UWC inspired me to take my outreach to the next level by However, after arriving at UWC and being exposed to the vibrancy
fascinated by their work, and as Yahor was one of two activity leaders, along establishing my own non-profit organisation. Through the of different cultures and nationalities, the idea started to become
these programmes are only for with second year Adriatic Ieva Dudaite, from Buhay Makulay Children’s Project Inc, I am able to serve more and more attractive. One of the most compelling reasons for
younger children, I thought it Lithuania. “I think it was a great team. The children and youth at risk in the Philippines, through creative me to take up volunteering was the need to give back to society after
might be possible to extend this cultural and visiting programme of the Short programs executed in partnership with local NGOs. Our latest having received a scholarship. Looking back, it was an extremely
by offering a special scholarship Course was so intense and diverse so there project, the 12 Gifts of Christmas, is a fundraising initiative challenging period. I was exposed to a whole different world, a society
for a student to attend UWC.” was a little space for implementing more to bring hope and joy, in the form of Christmas packages, to vastly different from the one I had come from or was used to, and this
The NC made contact with the didactical tasks, but the spirit of the UWC was families affected by the recent devastating typhoons that served as a grave reminder not to take what I had for granted, and to
group in Italy, and Yahor arranged definitely recreated. I think these initiatives affected millions of Filipinos.” www.buhaymakulay.org or continually strive towards a better future.”
The August 2009 Short Course in Lithuania. for them to visit the College. “At are a great way to extend the UWC mission.” email [email protected]
Adriatic they were introduced

Page 18 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 19
Talking together Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Israel and the Philippines, took part. Seven
Moroccan and six Saharawi students due to take part were unable to
participate because they were prevented from travelling to the UK by
the Moroccan authorities. Official representatives of the Moroccan
government also withdrew from the programme, and, although two
UK based Moroccans were secured as speakers at the last minute, the
lack of Moroccan participation had a major impact on the programme’s
objectives and its ability to bring together the various perspectives.
Senia, like all the participants, was disappointed that the Moroccan and
Western Saharan students were unable to participate “The absence of Left to right: The completed playground at the Cheshire School (Sierra Leone), students in Peru with their new books, parents starting
work in Madagascar.
our fellow participants from Morocco and the occupied territory made

Action on education – a student led approach

the programme lack a special flavour that it would have had if they had
been able to come,” she says.
Fiona Foulkes from Watford, UK, another student who took part in Talk
Students from Sierra Leone, This year, she bought maps, abacuses and fundraising both on and off campus in
Together, felt that the absence of the Moroccan and Western Saharan
Madagascar and Peru studying at books, and worked with parents and local order to raise money for their projects.
delegates highlighted from the start that “this is a very real conflict”.
Red Cross Nordic UWC, inspired by people to help construct a toilet block for This ranges from running cafes and used
“We dealt with their absence by actively trying to learn more about
the example of a former student, pupils and teachers. “I now intend to set up a clothing sales to jobs such as house and
the Moroccan perspective and by keeping it in mind when we were
are helping provide educational SAFUGE chapter at Harvard to have a canteen barn cleaning, snow-shovelling, farm work,
learning about the Saharawi view,” she says.
opportunities in their home countries. and a sports facility built in the school,” says painting and wood-cutting in the local
Andrew Brown agrees that the absence of a properly represented Danamona. community.
Red Cross Nordic UWC’s student SAFUGE
Moroccan perspective made things difficult. Maria Luisa Zeta Valladolid (Peru) successfully
(Saving the Future Generations) initiative, is “In SAFUGE we work as a team, so it doesn’t
“We achieved the first two parts of the project: to bring young people an extension of the work of Joseph Kaifala put forward a proposal to help create a matter where a project is taking place
together and to give them the intellectual tools to address conflict (RCN 02-04) from Sierra Leone. The project library in a school in her or who is leading it – we
issues in a constructive way,” he says. “However, with two-thirds of the is entirely student run, offering members country. “One of the greatest “In SAFUGE we are all actively involved
participants being European, it was inappropriate to try to achieve the the opportunity to propose projects in their challenges when I was at work as a team, so in the fundraising and in
Young people from the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria third goal – to consider new possible solutions to the conflict.” home countries to be designed, managed school in Peru was the lack
it doesn’t matter the development of the
and from seven other countries took part in UWC’s conflict Negotiations are now under way with the Moroccan government and executed by the students themselves of books,” says Maria Luisa. projects,” says Simoneta
resolution programme in the UK in August to explore conflict (and all other interest groups) about having a second phase of the when they return home for the holidays. “In my secondary school we where a project is
Suarez (Spain), who works
resolution in the context of the Western Sahara conflict. programme, to include the full range of different perspectives. Joseph set up SAFUGE to raise funds so did not have a proper library, taking place or who closely with other interested

It’s good to talk… This belief underpins the work of Talk Together, a “In the second phase we would plan to build on where the participants that he could return to Sierra Leone in his and that really held back is leading.” students to support the work
our academic performance.
UWC partner programme that seeks to bring together young people got to in the first stage, but with the full involvement of Moroccan summer holidays to help children living in a Simoneta Suarez of the group. “When I look at
camp for amputees in the capital Freetown. “When I got to know that
from regions experiencing conflict to discuss their differences, learn participants and presentations from the Moroccan government or the time and energy SAFUGE
“Later, members of the group chose to ‘School 14997’ had no library
conflict resolution skills, and explore ways in which the future can NGOs. We would then be able to say to participants, ‘Given your greater members have put into raising money to
assist the Cheshire School in Freetown, at all, I felt that those children were missing
be improved. To stimulate wider public debate, a fly-on-the-wall film understanding, given all the different perspectives, given the language help people in a part of the world that they
which helps former child soldiers and something invaluable for their education. This
tracks the whole process. The first programme, Talk Together 2009, of constructive engagement you have been learning, how could the don’t even know, I was ready to do anything
children maimed by war to rebuild their is the reason why I wanted to start a library
focused on Western Sahara and was organised by Andrew Brown (PC future be different?’ That will make for a truly interesting film, and to make my project a successful one,” says
lives,” he explains. Current student Alim there.”
81-83), in partnership with Red Cross Nordic UWC. should be something politicians will listen to.” Alim.
“It remains my Kaloko organised the most recent project, An increasing number of first years are
Senia Abderahman (RCN 04-06) jumped at the Fiona, who is now at Oxford University, was pleased The group is proud that SAFUGE is
dream to meet a that even phase one of the programme led to building a new playground and a football involved in SAFUGE, including ‘friends’ of the
opportunity to be involved. “I was born and grew up as extending its work to other countries and
a Saharawi refugee in the camps near Tindouf in Algeria. young Moroccan increased public awareness of the Western Sahara pitch with help from the community and group, who help with fundraising, reflecting
is committed to continue to support three
recent graduate Prince Moses (RCN 07-09), the fact that many students want to give
While I was at RCNUWC, I had the honour to be part of and to hear their issue. Participants drew up plans for projects including projects each year. The Sierra Leone and
who had organised the project the previous something back as soon as they begin their
establishing the Nordic-Saharawi Exchange Programme perspective of the gaining more media coverage, organising visits to Peru projects will continue in 2010 and
year. UWC education. First year Irina Giri (Nepal)
there [United World, September 2009],” she says. “I the refugee camps and creating an online forum for
conflict.” Senia both Moroccan and Saharawi youths to share their SAFUGE has now extended its work to is an active member. “What we do here first year students will put forward new
decided to apply for Talk Together as an opportunity
Abderahman other countries. Members of the group put sometimes feels like an indirect way of helping, proposals for a third project. Tea Dejanović
to meet and learn from other young people, both experiences.
but coming from a developing country, I have (Bosnia and Herzegovina) plans to present a
Moroccans and non-Moroccans, and to tell them my story. Talking to “I’ve also tried to do my bit by having three articles about the Talk forward proposals for projects that they
an idea of what schools that lack even the proposal. “I believe that young generations
other people was certainly the most enlightening part of the whole Together programme published,” says Fiona. “I gave a speech at my want to carry out, and the group votes to
most basic resources are like and I want to are the force that can change the world
experience. It challenged me to think outside my comfort zone; and, school, and I’ve also talked about the issue a lot with people here at choose which ones it wants to support. In
help in whatever way possible to improve the with small actions. I want to help children
although other people’s reactions and views did make me frustrated at Oxford.” 2008 Danamona Andrianarimanana (RCN
06-08) from Madagascar had her proposal conditions of schools that are not as privileged who really need it through concrete actions
times, it was also constructive for my personal growth – especially as a However, there remains much to do, and Senia for one says it would and that is the thing that I appreciate the
to refurbish a local school accepted and as we are, she says.”
young Saharawi.” be an honour to participate in the second phase of the programme. most in SAFUGE.”
organised painting, tiling and redecorating. SAFUGE members and friends undertake
22 participants, including Saharawi students from the refugee camps “It remains my dream to meet a young Moroccan and to hear their
and their peers from neutral countries including the UK, Norway, perspective of the conflict,” she says.

Page 20 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 21
 The Maldives
The National Committee of the Maldives was set up by The NC continued to operate in this way for several years, as
Pearson graduate Karin Afeef (PC 98-00). Karin was selected more graduates chose to return to Maldives to volunteer or work
through the Norwegian NC (she is half Norwegian and was before university. However, in 2008 the Committee realised that
living in Norway then). “I got the idea of starting a National the lack of continuity was causing problems, highlighted when
Committee after attending Pearson and realising that the only some students arrived late at the colleges due to problems
Maldivians represented in UWC were the direct admittance with visas and travel documents. They decided to take a year
fee paying students at UWCSEA. I felt privileged to have off from selection to re-organise and set up a robust system for
received a scholarship to UWC, and so after I graduated, I operating as a Committee without any permanent members. The
spent a ’gap year’ trying to set up a Committee” says Karin. We Committee has now divided up responsibilities for 2010 selection
Liza Gashi (second from left) and Dardan Luta (RCN 99-01) (second from right). Kanarine Kallaba (AD 07-09) (third from right).
were officially set up in November 2000, and with financial and set up a reporting system. “This ensures that no one takes on
Participating in the recent meeting in Brussels.
assistance from Red Cross Nordic UWC and Pearson College, responsibility more than they can handle, that everyone can be
we were able to prepare our first selection of Maldivian held accountable for their work and that more members can get

Spotlight “The Kosovo NC now has 15 graduates working together and

with Peter Howe’s help we selected three students for 2009
students to UWC, having formed a small
selection committee consisting of prominent “I felt privileged
to have received
involved in making selection a success,” Theema
explains. “We are also compiling a practical

on Remote
entry. Since the majority of graduates are currently all over members of the Maldivian society.” guide to selection based on past experience and
the world, the only time that we get to meet is during summer. “The main challenge we faced was that a scholarship to using Facebook and email groups to improve
Other than that, we keep in touch with e-mail, Skype and a nobody had heard about UWC or knew UWC, and so after I communication between NC members. As the
Committees
Facebook group.” what the organisation was about. It was also Selection Coordinator for this year, I would say
graduated, I spent a that it has been working quite well so far.”
The National Committee has now been recognised by the hard doing everything alone, and I relied
relevant Ministry in Kosovo, which is a crucial requirement heavily on support from my family network ’gap year’ trying to Reflecting on the key challenges faced by
UWC National Committees operate in diverse ways, but for the NC to operate. “Although we are an independent in the Maldives, as well as from the UWC set up a Committee.” young NCs and especially those operating
one of the common elements is that they almost always organsation based on graduate involvement, it is important International Office.” Karin Afeef transnationally, Karin says she thinks a
have volunteers permanently living in the country in that we have good cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Theema Mohammed (RCN 01-03) was one key challenge is upholding standards of
question. However a few NCs operate successfully without Youth and Sports. In addition, we are looking forward to better of the first two students to be selected by the newly formed accountability and transparency: “Running a NC from a distance
having any members based permanently in the country cooperation with the government of Kosovo and other non- Committee and has been involved ever since. Karin studied often turns into a one-person enterprise without proper
and it can be a good way for a Committee to start out. The governmental education organsations,” Liza says. in Norway after her gap year, and Theema in Canada. They procedures for decision making. However, sometimes this is
new National Committee of Kosovo is the latest example On plans for the future, Liza explains that the NC is working organised selection activities over email and planned the necessary in the beginning to kick start the Committee. We are
and the NCs of the Maldives and Madagascar also work in on developing the selection process for 2010 entry. “Our selection for when they could both be back in the Maldives. now working on making our own Committee more accountable,
this way. Here, we talk to NC members from Kosovo and selection process this year was based on written application, Theema explains that one of the key challenges they faced transparent and inclusive.”
the Maldives about how they started and the challenges of pre-interview and final interview. However for next year we was around communication: “The area where we faced
operating remotely. are looking though new plans based on a written application, the most difficulty was in disseminating information and
pre-interview, summer camp and final interview. We are also application packages to the 200 island communities that
Kosovo focused on finishing our strategic plan - looking though make up the Maldives. With an unreliable post and fax system,
Until 2009, Kosovan students were selected through a selection different ways for fundraising, promoting UWC values and this required a lot of time and planning. We found that we did
contact at Adriatic College. Liza Gashi (CR 07-09), one of the most ideals in Kosovo and working on summer camps and different not receive sufficient applications from students from other
recent students to be selected decided there conferences.” islands while the UWC scholarship was becoming quite well
should be a National Committee in Kosovo “It is really challenging “Even though the majority of graduates are known and sought after in the capital.
and has worked with Adriatic College, the for the group to work currently studying abroad, they always find ”Following up and keeping in touch with selected students
International Office and other graduates to set
while we are not in the time to update each other with what is going while they prepare to begin their studies in UWC was also a
one up. on. Three Committee members joined the challenge” she adds. ”We often had to leave the country soon
same place but it is
Liza started working on the idea of setting up a European Regional meeting in November and after selecting students so the new students had to clarify any
Committee while she was studying at UWCCR,
a really good feeling one member went to visit UWC Maastricht. issues they had with their visas, tickets, or selecting courses
supported by Tian Bersey (Head of National to have a National It is hard to make all of this happen and I with us over email. Not all students could access the internet
Committee Development at UWCIO), Peter Committee in my home know the entire group learned a lot. It is and this caused some delay and difficulty in communication.”
Howe, (Head of Adriatic College) and UWCCR country.” Liza Gashi really challenging for the group to work In 2006 graduates Khadheeja Hamid (MI 04-06) and Zaheena
psychologist and Liza’s residence coordinator while we are not in the same place but it is a Rasheed (MI 04-06) spent their ‘gap year’ working in the
Leila Mata. “To create the Committee and get graduates together really good feeling to have a National Committee in my home Maldives. It was the first time that the National Committee
took two years. The main areas of work were finding the graduates country. It will help the new UWC candidates from Kosovo to had members living in the Maldives for the whole year and
from Kosovo and keeping up to date with their moves, holding an learn more about UWC even if they don’t get selected and for resulted in a threefold increase in applications and consistent
intensive meeting during the holidays when graduates were back students who gets selected, their life in the college is much support provided to students after selection. Theema recalls
in Kosovo, working on final status and policies, and now, promoting easier when you have a NC. We are looking for more graduates “We managed to send application packages to most of
the NC in Kosovo” says Liza. “All the time I was in contact with Tian from Kosovo to join us, so anyone interested in getting involved Theema Mohammed with Mech Sokha, (Chair of the NC of Cambodia)
the high schools spread over the 200 islands and provide at the Global National Committee meeting.
and Peter, and Leila at Costa Rica helped a lot as well”. please email [email protected]”. information through newspapers, TV and radio channels.”

Page 22 News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight News Fundraising Feature Education Profiles Outreach Spotlight Page 23
 United World Colleges is a unique
organisation. It is the only global educational
NGO that brings students together from all
over the world, selected from within their
own countries, on merit and regardless
of their ability to pay. These students
come together at one of thirteen United
World Colleges (UWC) that aim to foster
international understanding and peace.

UWC International Office

www.uwc.org
T: +44 20 7269 7800

UWC of the Atlantic

www.atlanticcollege.org
T: +44 1446 799 000

UWC of South East Asia

www.uwcsea.edu.sg
Dover – T: +65 6775 5344
East – T: +65 6553 1808

Lester B Pearson UWC of the Pacific

www.pearsoncollege.ca
T: +1 250 391 2411

Waterford Kamhlaba
UWC of Southern Africa
www.waterford.sz
T: +268 422 0866

Students at UWC in Mostar taking part in the 350 Day of Action to solve the climate crisis. UWC-USA
www.uwc-usa.org

ACTION • IDEAS
T: +1 505 454 4200

UWC of the Adriatic

www.uwcad.it
T: +39 040 373 9221

OPPORTUNITIES Simón Bolívar UWC of Agriculture

www.sbuwc.uwc.org
T: +58 212 793 4612

•
Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong
Young Leaders Blog www.lpcuwc.edu.hk
A new project aimed at offering a platform for young people aged 16 -30 to publish T: +852 2640 0441
articles on current affairs. To get involved either as a contributor, editor or if you work Red Cross Nordic UWC
for a publication that may be interested in the content, www.rcnuwc.no
email [email protected] or visit www.youngleadersblog.org/ (site T: +47 57 73 7000
under development).
Mahindra UWC of India
• Global Zero
Join citizens and leaders around the world who have endorsed the goal of Global Zero
www.muwci.net
T: +91 20 2294 3258

– to eliminate nuclear weapons globally. Sign the declaration at www.globalzero.org UWC Costa Rica

•
www.uwccr.com
Volunteer opportunities T: +506 2282 5609
Simón Bolívar UWC invites applications for its volunteer programme. Apply by May 15
UWC in Mostar
to start in August 2010. www.sbuwc.uwc.org/web/VolunteerProgramme
www.uwc-ibo.org

• Red Cross Nordic UWC has a website dedicated to volunteer opportunities

around the world. Open to all. http://volunteers.rcnuwc.no/
T: +387 36 320 601

UWC Maastricht
www.uwcmaastricht.com
Involved in a project or campaign that the UWC movement should know T: +31 43 3674666
about or could help you with? Email details to [email protected]