IMPACT OF GIVING REPORT
UWC South East Asia
2023/2024
CONTENTS
Green Heart
classroom
Mushroom cultivation
with impact
Donor
Celebration Event
18
19
20
15
OUR PLANET
03
OUR PEOPLE
06 Scholar graduates
Class of 2024
09 Scholar highlights
11 Academic transition
12 UWCSEA Staff
Scholarship Fund
13 Scholarship
Programme overview
02
MESSAGE FROM
NICK ALCHIN,
HEAD OF COLLEGE
21
OUR
PROGRAMMES
24 Pedal kart
grand prix
25 No-phone zones
and wellbeing pods
27 Art for change
29 AWS DeepRacer
programme
43
GIVING THANKS
46 Financial overview
47 UWCSEA Donor Roll
59 Kurt Hahn Society
Community
fundraising initiatives
Kishore Mahbubani
Speaker Series
UWC Congress 2024
Global outreach trips
Scholar internships
34
37
39
40
41
31
OUR COMMUNITY
Message from
NICK ALCHIN
This report tells extraordinary stories that have been made possible by so
many generous gifts from so many in our community. There is no better
testimony to the impact we can have when we unite to support our
students with a purpose greater than ourselves.
These stories emerge from a growing culture of philanthropy across
our campuses and alumni network. Community giving initiatives like
Giving Day and Fund-a-Flight have become regular opportunities for
parents, alumni and staff to contribute to a UWCSEA education for more
than 100 scholars each year. Individual families have made multi-year
commitments to priorities like innovation and sustainability, which are
inspiring for students and what the world needs. Other donors have
signaled interest in deepening commitments to grow our endowment,
which will help the College deliver a world class education for decades
to come.
Having come into education to make a genuine difference in children’s
lives, it is humbling to be joined in such a powerful, intangible way,
and I am profoundly grateful to each and every donor. The stories
celebrated in this year’s Impact of Giving remind us that ‘there’s more in
us.’ Philanthropy allows us to provide more scholarships, more peace
education, and more of the experiences and memories that thousands
of alumni have carried with them over the last fifty years. Donations
from our community allow us to double down on what we do best: equip
students with the skills and qualities to be the best versions of themselves
and become the changemakers the world needs.
Thank you for your continued and generous commitment, which helps
our students to realise that there is more in them than they know.
Nick Alchin
Head of College
UWC South East Asia
MESSAGE | 2
“There is more in 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,
Founder, UWC Movement
The UWCSEA Scholarship Programme provides
exceptional students with the opportunity to access a
transformative UWC education. Through their unique
perspectives and diverse experiences, scholars enrich
our dedication to the mission to make education a
force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace
and a sustainable future. Scholars develop the skills
and attributes needed to become future leaders
and changemakers.
OUR PEOPLE
Uniting people, nations and cultures
OUR PEOPLE | 4
OUR PEOPLE | 6
A UWCSEA Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for talented young students to build a strong foundation for their
future. Over 100 scholars are supported by our UWCSEA community each year, who are chosen through a process led by
the UWC National Committee network, comprising more than 4,000 dedicated volunteers across over 150 countries. This
network aims to find students who will both gain from and enrich the UWC experience. Here we highlight the inspiring
stories of four UWCSEA scholars from the graduating Class of 2024 as they step into the next phase of their education and
personal growth.
Scholar graduates Class of 2024
“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 pursue a career in STEM, UWCSEA has provided
incredible opportunities. I did not have much previous exposure to technological
advancements like microscopes. 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. UWCSEA has
also brought me together with incredible people from all over the globe. This
scholarship has been an opportunity of a lifetime, and meeting these wonderful
people has undoubtedly been one of the highlights for me.
Albertina Nkunika ’24, Scholar from Zambia
“The UWCSEA experience and education have 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. During my two years, I learned countless new things
useful for university and my career. I learned to use a graphic calculator in maths,
lab equipment and statistics programmes in physics, and strategies for strong
writing in Spanish. I volunteered at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Big Brother
Big Sister, and a Key for Guatemala GC, learning to interact with elders and
neurodivergent children and organise fundraising events. Living on campus taught
me to respect differences and grow in understanding. Muchísimas gracias a todos.
Oscar Steven Galeano Corea ’24, Scholar from Honduras
OUR PEOPLE | 7
“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 self-
discovery and understanding my values. Despite academic hardships
and homesickness, the community’s strength and compassion
supported me. I will always be grateful for the clarity and maturity
this experience has brought me. I participated in sports like rugby,
badminton, and volleyball, learning that resilience and consistency
are key to success. I proudly competed in the SEASAC badminton
competition, gaining leadership skills and building a supportive
team. Living in the Boarding House fostered meaningful connections,
especially with a friend from Benin, where debates deepened
mutual respect and understanding. 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.
Youhn Bernardin-Duparc ’24, Scholar from Côte d’Ivoire
OUR PEOPLE | 8
“The friendships I formed at UWCSEA were transformative.
I connected with students from different cultures, learning
about their customs and worldviews, which deepened my
understanding of cultural diversity.”
My UWCSEA experience has deeply influenced my values and shaped
my approach to life. The academic, creative and service opportunities
available to me were especially stimulating, and helped me learn to
reassess my commitments and prioritise what aligned with my values
and long-term goals.
Some of my favourite classes were Global Politics, Film, and English,
and I was involved in numerous CAS activities such as the Initiative
for Peace (IfP), UN Night Philippines ’23, Drama Club, and more.
These experiences allowed me to discover new passions and
build meaningful connections. Working with peers from diverse
backgrounds in IfP taught me the importance of empathy and
collaboration when addressing global challenges.
I’m committed to using the education and skills I gained to address
global issues, such as poverty and environmental sustainability, and
to continue promoting cross-cultural understanding in my future
studies in college. Thank you for supporting my growth and helping
me pursue my dreams. Maraming Salamat!
Dwyn Loriejoy Briones Quejada ’24, Scholar from the Philippines
The UWCSEA Scholarship Programme equips scholars with the knowledge and initiative to inspire meaningful change within
their communities and beyond. Through their unique perspectives and drive, they cultivate a lasting impact, sparking growth
and transformation. Below, we explore the journeys of two scholars who have benefited from the support of the UWCSEA
community and are now positively impacting those around them.
“Coming to UWCSEA, I got
the opportunity to do a lot of
things which included growing
academically, taking part in
Service activities and student-
led projects, travelling around
Asia, seeking new challenges
and nurturing existing ones. I
see UWCSEA as a place that
makes ordinary people capable
of doing extraordinary things.”
Meet Elitumaini Swai ’19
Elitumaini Swai ’19 East, is on a mission to inspire Tanzania’s younger
generation to embrace science and drive industrial development. Her
passion for STEM, cultivated at UWCSEA, led her to found Sayansi
Ambassadors in 2021. The organisation provides hands-on STEM
education to Primary School students across Tanzania.
During her time at UWCSEA (2017–2019), Elitumaini participated in
impactful Service activities, including MINDS and IfP Cambodia, and
embraced cultural diversity through events like CultuRama. She credits
her teachers and Boarding Houseparents for invaluable guidance and
resources, which inspired her vision to make science accessible to
Tanzanian youth.
Awarded a scholarship to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI),
Elitumaini pursued Chemical Engineering and Business Management.
At WPI, she led sustainability initiatives, conducted research on climate
resilience and clean energy, and further developed her leadership skills.
Sayansi Ambassadors focuses on community-centred learning,
mentorship, and collaborative workshops, equipping students with
practical STEM skills to address local challenges. Seasonal outreach
programmes also engage university volunteers, fostering global service
opportunities. Through this initiative, Elitumaini exemplifies UWCSEA’s
values of global impact, empowering students to create a brighter future
for Tanzania while transforming its educational landscape.
SCHOLAR FROM TANZANIA, UWCSEA
OUR PEOPLE | 9
Scholar highlights (where are they now?)
OUR PEOPLE | 10
“I always try to expand my
UWC network whenever I
can. We definitely have an
established commonness,
even with a lot of diversity,
there’s something that binds
us. I’ve always felt connected,
challenged and welcomed
by the UWC community,
no matter where I am. It’s
really special.”
Meet Kimheang Chham ’16
Kim, a Cambodian scholar, attended UWCSEA East Campus from 2011–
2016. After earning a degree in International Studies, Peace Studies, and
Sustainable Communities from Luther College, Iowa, she returned to
Cambodia as a Senior Associate for Teach for Cambodia. This NGO aims
to improve education for disadvantaged children by combining innovative
teaching methods with the national curriculum.
Reflecting on her UWCSEA experience, Kim recalls arriving in Grade
8 as part of the first Cambodian scholar cohort. The cultural shift was
overwhelming, but her time at East, particularly with the Initiative
for Peace (IfP) programme, empowered her. Inspired, Kim organised
Cambodia’s first student-led peace conference during her gap year, a
project that continued until the pandemic.
College in small-town Iowa was another significant transition, but Kim’s
UWC preparation enabled her to thrive. She pursued a self-designed
Peacebuilding track and participated in programmes across the U.S. and
Europe, adapting even during the pandemic when she couch-surfed with
UWC connections in Switzerland.
Kim credits UWC with teaching adaptability, critical thinking, and
resilience—skills that now define her professional journey. UWC’s global
network continues to shape her path, from finding mentors like her
former chemistry teacher who introduced her to Teach for Cambodia, to
reconnecting serendipitously with UWC peers in her work.
SCHOLAR FROM CAMBODIA, UWCSEA
Academic transition
In 2023/2024, we began allocating donations from our UWCSEA
community to support scholars from significantly different educational
backgrounds who often face challenges when adjusting to the learning
and teaching styles of the IB programme. The programme offers weekly
support sessions with academic coaches to work one-to-one or in small
groups with students on basic academic support skills—everything from
how to use a MacBook and Google Drive to study and organisation skills
to academic writing and referencing, and support in subjects including
science and maths.
“A little additional support has made the world of difference
to the transition experience and the ability of some of our
scholars to thrive here. They are able to adjust to the different
academic demands more quickly, grow their confidence and
have a happier and healthier experience in and out of the
classroom. The Academic Transition initiative has been such an
impactful addition to our support systems for our scholars.”
Marcel Campbell, Director of Residential Life
OUR PEOPLE | 11
OUR PEOPLE | 12
UWCSEA
Staff Scholarship Fund
Since 1996, UWCSEA staff have shown their dedication by contributing
to the Staff Scholarship Fund through regular payroll donations. This
collective effort enables up to four scholars each year to access a UWC
education at UWC Mahindra College in India and Waterford Kamhlaba
UWC of Southern Africa in Eswatini.
The UWCSEA Staff Scholarship Fund is one of many ways to support
scholarships and reflects the staff’s strong connection to our global
community, the UWC movement, and our mission.
“I support the Staff Scholarship Fund because the impact
is both tangible and inspiring. Hearing the stories of past
scholars was what first inspired me to begin donating as these
young students identified how access to a UWC education
not only transformed their own lives but also created ripples
of positive change within their communities. Knowing that our
contributions directly support such meaningful change makes
it a cause I’m proud to be part of.”
Jodie Chambers, Head of High School Geography, Dover Campus
“Every donation, no matter how small or large, enables a
talented young person to access a UWC education while
strengthening the bonds across the UWC movement, since
we sponsor scholars selected to attend other UWCs as well.
Last year, I was privileged to meet two of our staff-supported
scholars at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC. It was lovely to talk
with Sandzi and Thembu, two young people who value the
transformative journey they are now on, thanks to their
UWCSEA sponsors.”
Mallika Ramdas, UWCSEA Director of Admissions
Scholarship Programme overview
50
continuing
scholars
51
new
scholars
55
Dover
46
East
UWC Maastricht (Grade 11)
scholars at
other UWC’s
Waterford Kamhlaba UWC: UWCSEA
Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)
UWC Mahindra: UWCSEA Staff
Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)
2 UWC Thailand (Grade 11 and 12)
Current enrolment
101
scholars
at UWCSEA
Grade 10
Grade 9
Grade 11
51
Grade 12
44
2 Grade 8
Grade breakdown
108
scholars receiving a UWC
education thanks to support
from the UWCSEA community
44
Scholars graduating
in 2024 from
UWCSEA
OUR PEOPLE | 13
UWCSEA scholars per region
30 Africa | 23 Asia | 18 Europe | 16 South America | 14 North and Central America
12
Asia
20
Africa
North and Central
America
South America
15
Europe
65 countries across the world are represented by UWCSEA scholars
OUR PEOPLE | 14
Argentina • Bahamas • Belarus • Benin • Bolivia • Brazil • Belgium • Bulgaria • Burkina Faso • Cambodia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cote D’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo • Denmark • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • El Salvador • Estonia • Ethiopia • France • Georgia • Guatemala • Haiti
• Honduras • Hungary • Indonesia • Kenya • Laos • Macedonia • Madagascar • Malawi • Malaysia • Marshall Islands • Mexico • Moldova • Morocco •
Myanmar • Namibia • New Zealand • Panama • Paraguay • Peru • Philippines • Poland • Rwanda • Serbia • Senegal • Sierra Leone • Slovenia • South
Africa • South Sudan • Spain • Tajikistan • Tanzania • Thailand • Timor Leste • Togo • Turkey • Uganda • Ukraine • Uruguay • Zambia • Zimbabwe
2023/2024 figures have been updated as of 7 March 2025.
OUR PLANET | 16
Sustainability is at the heart of the UWC Mission.
With community support, we create outdoor learning
environments, enhance hands-on educational
experiences, and launch initiatives that empower
students to engage with and address the world’s most
urgent environmental challenges.
OUR PLANET
Cultivating a sustainability ethos
The opening of the ‘Green Heart Outdoor Classroom’ marked a significant
milestone for Dover Campus, underscoring the College’s commitment
to environmental education and sustainability. This immersive space
provides students with the chance to engage in learning surrounded by
nature while addressing real-world environmental issues.
At the heart of the Green Heart is the Rainforest Restoration Project,
where students actively contribute to the preservation of endangered and
indigenous tree species. This hands-on initiative not only deepens their
understanding of ecosystems but also fosters a sense of responsibility for
biodiversity conservation.
A small opening event, attended by students, donors, parents, and staff,
showcased the Green Heart’s transformative potential. Vegan treats,
sourced from the school’s Incredible Edible programme, emphasised a
commitment to sustainable practices and local food production.
Students eagerly shared their knowledge about gardening, composting,
and sustainable living within this specially designed space. Their passion
highlighted the effectiveness of immersive learning spaces when it comes
to nurturing environmental stewardship and leadership skills.
As guests explored the space, conversations reflected the College’s
mission to inspire and equip the next generation of environmental
advocates. This event not only celebrated a physical space but also
reinforced the commitment to a holistic education, preparing students to
lead and create a sustainable future.
Green Heart classroom
OUR PLANET | 18
“The Green Heart outdoor
classroom has become a
community meeting place
where people can gather for a
chat, share gardening tips, have
meetings and connect with
nature. It is a calming space
that changes the dynamic of a
meeting, offers inspiration for
creative thinking, somewhere
to shelter from the heat and
rain but still have an outdoor
experience.”
Zoe Perry, K–12 Head of
Environmental Sustainability and
Head of Environmental Systems
OUR PLANET | 19
Mushroom cultivation
with impact
In February 2024, 20 teachers and staff took part in a pioneering
workshop on the art and science of mushroom cultivation. This training
will serve as the cornerstone for integrating mushroom growing into our
Middle School Urban Gardening service project, as well as into the wider
curriculum through hands-on experiential learning. Initiatives like this
spark students’ curiosity, hone critical thinking skills, and instill a sense of
environmental responsibility and community involvement.
Incorporating mushroom cultivation into the curriculum supports the
immersive learning pillar of the UWCSEA Strategy to 2030. Students will
deepen their understanding of biology and environmental sustainability
while addressing challenges such as limited access to fresh food in urban
areas like Singapore. Additionally, by reusing waste materials like sawdust
from the Design Technology department or spent coffee grounds from
Sodexo, students experience the value of reducing waste and embracing a
circular economy, transforming discarded materials into nutritious food.
“We’re exploring innovative ways to go beyond mushrooms as
just a sustainable food source. We’re working with the Design
Technology department to explore the possibility of integrating
mushroom cultivation into the curriculum, focusing on how
they can be grown on campus and used as sustainable building
and packaging materials.”
Jacyl Ware, Service & Sustainable Development Specialist
The training equips teachers to deliver interdisciplinary lessons that
blend environmental stewardship and innovative solutions to real-world
problems. This initiative will not only enrich our students’ learning
but also empower them to become agents of positive change in their
communities and beyond.
Donor Celebration Event
OUR PLANET | 20
In March 2024, over 100 donors and volunteers gathered for our annual
Donor Celebration Event. Hosted at Hort Park (a venue managed by
valued partner NParks), the event brought together the UWCSEA
Foundation team, College leadership, staff, students, and supporters to
celebrate the transformative impact of donor contributions in the areas of
Scholarships, Sustainability, and Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
This year’s event placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, which took
center stage throughout the evening. Students engaged attendees with
interactive displays, showcasing projects that donor support has made
possible. Dover Campus Grade 11 sustainability advocates, Alex and Luke,
shared the fascinating role of worms in composting and highlighted the
impressive yield of teas, fruits for jams, vegetables, and herbs cultivated
in the campus’s edible gardens. Guests also enjoyed a unique and
adventurous experience: sampling edible insects as part of sustainability-
focused learning.
To express gratitude to the donors who attended the event, the East
Campus Raw Beauty student team presented guests with beautifully
handcrafted soaps, wrapped in recycled materials. This thoughtful gesture
served as a reminder of the meaningful contributions donors make to
enhance student experiences.
We hope all our guests left inspired, and with a better understanding
of how their generosity continues to shape the lives and learning of
UWCSEA students.
“There is a difference between hearing about sustainability and
actually being able to implement the learning. By providing
students with the opportunity to get their hands dirty and
explore sustainability education both in and out of a classroom,
UWCSEA really allows us to not only absorb knowledge but also
to put that knowledge and understanding into effect.”
Trisha, Grade 11, East Campus
OUR PROGRAMMES | 22
Community support plays a vital role in integrating
innovation into our teaching and learning programmes
at UWCSEA. Whether through hands-on student-led
initiatives, creative expression in music and the arts, or
dynamic play and learning environments, our students
are encouraged to push boundaries, think critically, and
cultivate an innovator’s mindset—preparing them to
thrive in the future.
OUR
PROGRAMMES
Immersing students in innovation
and creativity
OUR PROGRAMMES | 24
On Saturday, 1 June 2024, UWCSEA hosted its first-ever dual-campus
pedal kart race, a thrilling event that celebrated teamwork, creativity,
and ingenuity. The competition brought together diverse departments
to showcase interdisciplinary skills. Four teams of 10 riders each,
representing Dover and East campuses, raced on an 800-metre track
in rainy yet exhilarating conditions. Adding to the impact of the
competition, East Campus teams raised awareness for Global Concerns
(GCs) Kuma Cambodia and Blue Dragon.
The event saw students from Grades 5 through 11 contributing in
meaningful ways. Mechanical engineering students meticulously
aligned wheels and adjusted postures for performance, while electrical
engineering students integrated tracking devices and communication
systems into the karts. Designers enhanced aesthetics, aerodynamic
engineers fine-tuned kart efficiency, and textile engineers built team
branding, fostering a strong sense of identity.
On race day, senior students mentored Junior and Middle School
participants, coaching them and involving them in essential roles. Non-
racing members took on vital tasks, including race management, live-
streaming the event, tracking laps, and designing ramps for the speed
bumps. Their contributions ensured smooth operations and emphasised
collaboration.
The pedal kart race exemplified UWCSEA’s vision of immersive learning,
offering students a platform to innovate, problem-solve, and celebrate
their collective efforts.
Dual campus pedal kart grand prix
drives unity and innovation
“Race day was an exhilarating
and worthy conclusion
to hundreds of collective
hours of creative problem-
solving, authentic and
meaningful inter-generational
collaboration, and deepening
resilience developed through
sweat and bicycle grease.”
Luke Milburn, Head of Innovation,
Dover Campus
“Although Dover and East
teams pursued different goals,
the spirit of unity prevailed.
Students learned to make
choices, develop critical skills,
and appreciate individual
strengths. This event was not
just about winning but about
building resilience, community,
and shared achievement.”
Matthew Weaver, Head of
Innovation, East Campus