1971 Society Graduating Scholar Report 2023-24

UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Graduating Scholars 2023/2024

Meet some of our scholars

“There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.”– Kurt Hahn

Thank you for supporting the UWCSEA Scholarship Programme. Your generosity has given students with great promise and potential from around the world the opportunity to dream big, and to learn how to create futures full of hope and possibility for themselves and their communities.

During their time at UWCSEA, these remarkable students have grown academically and socially, and embraced new experiences and challenges. From playing new sports to immersing themselves in service learning projects that opened their hearts and minds, many of this year’s graduates reflect on the cultural learnings and exchanges they benefited from and contributed to, both inside and outside the classroom. All have made deep and meaningful friendships and connections we hope they will carry with them for many years to come.

Scholars among the graduating class of 2024 have come from far corners of the world, many leaving their home countries for the first time. They have demonstrated their resilience

as they’ve navigated a new school in a new place, making friends, relying on teachers, and building community through their boarding houses and beyond. They have developed their skills, used their voices, and are set to fulfil their dreams as they make their mark in the wider world as UWCSEA alumni.

I hope you enjoy reading the stories of the five scholars featured in this report, whose reflections are a representative snapshot of the 44 graduating scholars who are proudly part of the Class of 2024. We can’t wait to follow these bright young leaders as they go on to live the UWC mission in action and chart their future paths as changemakers in their own right.

Thank you once again for your generous support, and for joining me in wishing all of our graduates well, wherever their next steps take them.

Sinéad Collins Director of Engagement and External Relations

Youhn Bernardin–Duparc ’24

Hamida Eliacy ’24

Oscar Galeano Corea ’24

Albertina Nkunika ’24

Olga Brzecka ’24

A budding biomedical engineer

Albertina Nkunika ’24

Scholar from Zambia

My experiences have been truly transformative and have nurtured in me a commitment to create a more peaceful, sustainable world.

For a Zambian girl aspiring to a career in STEM, UWCSEA has provided incredible opportunities. I did not have much previous exposure to technological advancements like microscopes where I can see micro-organisms which I find fascinating. Zambia is still facing challenges in terms of information and technology, and much of my teaching was textbook based. Adjusting to how education is done here in Singapore and learning all the electronics and digital literacy has been an interesting challenge. It has made me realise how much I can learn in just a short period of time.

At UWCSEA I was also introduced to a change in mindset of the global impact of small sustainability actions like implementing recycling bins. The College’s global mission really spoke to me, as it aligns with my goal to impact healthcare accessibility and innovation in Zambia and beyond. Next year, I am planning to study Biomedical Engineering at Trinity College. I hope to one day design medicines that will make a difference in the world, like a cure for Malaria in Africa. Looking at the way Singapore has developed in five decades inspires me for what is possible. I might not change the whole of Zambia but what motivates me is to inspire future generations to make the most of education and opportunities so that we can make our country a better place.

UWCSEA has also brought me together with incredible people from all over the globe, including: The Bahamas, Madagascar, Malawi, and India. Initially, I was as reserved as a tortoise, but thanks to the support and comfortability that my five closest friends brought me, I came out of my shell. Their presence has been a source of strength, especially during academic pressures and deadlines. They’ve also enriched my life with their cultural insights from their countries. This scholarship has been an opportunity of a lifetime, and meeting these wonderful people has undoubtedly been one of its highlights.

I have received an education that has truly made me grow not only intellectually and academically but emotionally, spiritually and socially. Receiving a UWCSEA scholarship has meant the world to me and there are no words that can express the gratitude. It is not just a scholarship but a recognition of my dedication and hard work, and it has reaffirmed my belief in the value of kindness, humanity, and education. I feel fortunate to have been chosen as a recipient of this scholarship, and I will make the most of this opportunity as I navigate the world as a UWC alumni. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Zikomo, Natotela, Enisha, Thokozile.

A proud Honduran makes his mark

Oscar Galeano Corea ’24 Scholar from Honduras

The UWCSEA experience and education has shaped the person I am and who I want to become in the future.

Before arriving at UWCSEA, I was motivated by the idea of completing my IB and meeting new people from different backgrounds that could enhance my understanding of the world. But during my two years I have learned countless new things that will be very useful in my university and professional career. For example, I learned to use a graphic calculator in maths, learned how to use lab equipment and statistics programmes in physics, and learned strategies for strong writing in my Spanish language and literature class. I was also able to participate in service learning such as volunteering at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Big Brother Big Sister, and a Key for Guatemala GC.

Through these experiences I learned how to interact with elders and neurodivergent children and how to efficiently organise fundraising events. Living and studying on campus I have also learned to respect the differences that exist between different individuals and to learn from them. I have grown in maturity and understanding of the world that I am part of. The first friend I made at UWCSEA is from Costa Rica is still one of my closest friends to this day, and has helped me expand my perspectives and thinking beyond what I previously had in Honduras.

Next year, I will attend Hamilton College in New York where I will pursue a double major in mathematics and economics or data science. The possibility of helping my parents and my family - who have made incredible sacrifices for my education and my future - is very important to me. I have also noticed the often poor image many people have of my country. I would like to do something relevant for my country, so the Honduran image can change in the world and people from my country can be proud of displaying their culture around the world.

Many young people in my country wish to study abroad and every single parent wishes for their children to do so. My parents and I were not an exception to this. It had always been my dream to study abroad but from a young age. I was well aware that my parents’ economic situation could not make it possible. The full scholarship I received has been an incredibly amazing opportunity and I want to thank all my scholarship supporters. I never imagined living all the experiences I have had in the last two years, and I am really grateful for that.

Muchísimas gracias a todos. Su inmensa generosidad le ha permitido a un niño cumplir sus sueños y encaminarse a seguir cumpliendo metas y objetivos en el futuro.

Finding success and building future dreams

Youhn Bernardin–Duparc ’24

Scholar from Côte d’Ivoire

I have formed deep, meaningful connections, discovered the importance of community, and been inspired to strive for excellence in my academic and personal life.

My time at UWCSEA has been an eye-opening journey of who I am and what I value in life. Despite the academic hardships and homesickness, the strength and compassion of this community supported and encouraged me. I will forever be thankful for what this experience has brought me in terms of clarity and maturity. I am determined to spread the spirit of joy, community, and open-mindedness around the world, carrying those very UWC values at my core.

I participated in many sports during my time at UWCSEA, from rugby, badminton, and volleyball. Sports at the school are very competitive, and can be challenging for newcomers or beginners. One of my key takeaways is to not let adversity and competition get to your head, and that resilience and consistency are key to success. I kept up with my training and improved my fitness and skills, and was proud to make it to the regional SEASAC badminton competition where I learned valuable leadership skills. This is one of my greatest successes and most wonderful experiences at UWCSEA - to have created a team that gave support to each other for every win and every loss.

Living in the Boarding House with others every day is very special and builds connections which are less superficial and have a deeper meaning. One of the most important friendships I made at UWCSEA was with a friend from Benin. Despite our cultural backgrounds being somewhat similar, what really brought us close were our long discussions and debates on specific topics. Despite our differing views and opinions, we learned how to accept each other’s points of view and moreover, we liked the reflections that our conversations induced and the mutual motivation we brought to each other.

Next year, I am heading to the United States for college where my goal is to work towards a MBA at Harvard. From there I hope to go back to Côte d’Ivoire to create my own tech firm. I hope in future that through my professional work I can spread the UWC values I have learned to help my home country develop so future Ivorians can rise. I believe it is my duty to help make my country a better place and hope one day I can also help fund future scholarships for Ivorian scholars.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunity this UWCSEA scholarship has provided me. Your support has allowed me to grow, learn, and develop in ways I never thought possible. I have formed deep, meaningful connections, discovered the importance of community, and been inspired to strive for excellence in both my academic and personal life. Thank you so much!

Changemaker with a global perspective Olga Brzecka ’24

Scholar from Poland

Being surrounded by such a diverse community of people from different backgrounds enabled me to immerse myself in various cultures and get to know approaches from all around the world.

UWCSEA introduced me to a diverse community where people from different backgrounds can seek mutual understanding. Singapore itself offered me an insight into Asian cultures and traditions. The opportunity to learn in such a diverse community broadened my mind and challenged me as a person. In the beginning, I encountered many obstacles resulting from intercultural differences, which, as a European, I was often unable to understand and overcome. However, with time, UWCSEA showed me how to overcome these obstacles by building a common understanding.

When I was a child I wanted to study medicine. My whole life was devoted to chemistry and biology. At UWCSEA, for the first time I had the opportunity to explore various areas of study. This is where I discovered that I am also fascinated by economics and business. These became my favourite classes thanks to a holistic approach to learning and I hope to continue to explore these subjects next year when I attend university in the US. I was also able to participate as a “Big Sister,” where one hour a week I volunteered to help take care of a neurodiverse child from primary school. This service helped me not only connect with younger members of the UWCSEA community but also familiarise myself with UWCSEA values.

I am grateful to everyone I have met at UWCSEA who has helped shape my journey here. From my friends, to my teachers who taught me every day so I could succeed, and also to my amazing houseparents and all the Boarding House staff. In the Boarding House, I made numerous connections that I wouldn’t have made otherwise. The idea of bringing young people together, making them live, laugh, and learn from each other allowed me to make friends from all around the world.

From these friendships I learned that it’s not difficult to form relationships with others from different cultural, economic, or sociopolitical backgrounds. I will forever be grateful to UWCSEA for allowing me to make friends from all around the world and for helping me grow true cultural understanding.

I would like to thank every single person that contributed to my scholarship. You offered me not only an opportunity for a better education but more importantly an opportunity to meet and learn from others from all around the world. Thank you for making this journey possible. Even though I know it is only the beginning of this amazing path, I know that Singapore and UWCSEA are going to remain inseparable parts of my future, shaping me as a learner and changemaker. “Dziękuję!”

An inspiring voice for advocacy and education

Hamida Eliacy ’24 Scholar from Afghanistan, supported by the UWCSEA Community

I wish I could express the full extent of what this opportunity has given me. Your support has been instrumental in allowing me to discover purpose and gain self-awareness.

During my two-years at UWC Thailand, I have grown in all aspects of my life. The IB was challenging but the subjects I chose were all very interesting, which made the journey enjoyable despite any academic hardships. The UWC Thailand community provided me the opportunity to represent myself and my country, paving the way to be a voice for voiceless Afghan women. I was able to complete my book “Bamyan Blossoms,” a collective story of Afghan women including my own, and lead “Because I am a Girl,’’ a club that advocates for women in Afghanistan. I have also been able to connect with incredible people doing truly inspiring things. I have built a close group of friends from all around the world from very different socioeconomic backgrounds. I learned a lot from each of them and really enjoyed our diversity and spending time together.

I learned many new subjects that were fascinating to me. Policy-making, law, and human rights, along with the unique IB Global Politics course and the efforts of my teacher, as well as the diverse class dynamic, was really enjoyable. I also explored a variety of sports for the first time. I learned how to swim and now I enjoy swimming whenever we visit the beach with friends. I also tried field hockey, table tennis, and yoga for the first time.

Next year, I will apply for the “Baret Global Gap Year,” which will take me to 7 regions around the world, allowing me to explore different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives. My plan from there is to pursue college and attend law school. I aim to take every opportunity for growth and eventually return to my country to bring about positive changes through education and governmental reforms. My vision for Afghanistan is a country where new opportunities and perspectives help overcome past trauma. I envision a society where education is accessible to all, enabling people to reach their full potential.

I wish I could express the full extent of what this opportunity has given me and how it has reshaped my life. Your support has been instrumental in providing me with a sense of security, and has allowed me to discover purpose and gain self-awareness. Following the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan I felt all hope slipping away. Today, I am not only able to attend school but I am grateful for the happiness and confidence I have. I am heading to college with many more opportunities awaiting me. I am more than grateful, and I hope one day I do the same for someone else and continue this life changing support. Thank you.

scholars receiving a UWC education thanks to support from the UWCSEA community

Scholars graduating in 2024 from UWCSEA

scholars at other UWC’s

UWC Thailand (Grade 11 and 12)

Maastricht (Grade 11)

Waterford Kamhlaba UWC: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12) UWC Mahindra: UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)

new scholars

Bahamas

Belarus

Benin

Cote D’Ivoire

Democratic Republic of Congo

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Indonesia

Kenya

Laos

Macedonia

Madagascar

Malawi

New Zealand

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Rwanda

Thailand

Timor-Leste

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkey

Myanmar

Tajikistan

Namibia

Through the power of community giving, UWCSEA’s Scholarship Programme equips young people from different nations and cultures with the skills, experiences, and education to help shape a more peaceful and sustainable world.

For more information about UWCSEA’s Scholarship Programme, or to renew your support today, please contact: UWCSEA Foundation | +65 6419 9353 | foundation@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcsea.edu.sg/supportus THANK YOU FOR