UWCSEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Graduating Scholars 2022/2023
Matagari Ouattara ‘23
Yanisa (Opor) Promkaewtor ‘23
Boris Delgadillo Romero ‘23
Patricia Segeja ‘23
Sofija Gribovski ‘23
Meet some of our scholars
In this world there are three types
of people; people that make things
happen, people that watch what
happens and people who wonder
what happened ... I expect UWC
scholars to be those people that
make things happen.”
– Shelby Davis, Philanthropist
Graduating Scholars 2022/2023 | 3
Basketball Star to Biomedical Engineer
Matagari Ouattara ‘23
Scholar from Burkina Faso
UWCSEA allowed me to discover my full potential, as a
student, a young African woman, and as a potential world
changer. As a student, UWCSEA has challenged me with
its rigorous IB curriculum, and given me the opportunity to
pursue my ambition of becoming a biomedical engineer with
confidence and perseverance. As a young African woman,
UWCSEA’s diverse community has proven to me the necessity
to value my BLACKNESS, and inspired me by connecting me
with other talented young women also finding their way.
As a potential life changer, the UWC movement has made
me realise how powerful I am, and how my actions make a
difference. I know now how any thoughtful action no matter
how little, can truly make the world a better place.
I have made a difference by being an ambassador for my
country. I have broadened my peers and members of UWCSEA
community’s perspectives on matters like terrorism, political
conflicts, financial hardship, and cultural dilution. I have also
influenced my peers to act with determination to succeed,
by demonstrating my own perseverance. For example, while I
wasn’t fluent in English at the start, my determination helped
me excel. I also applied this to basketball. I competed for the
school on the Varsity A Team, and was proud to receive the
Most Valuable Player Award this year. Playing basketball also
allowed me to have something in common with an extended
group of students outside the boarding house, which I am
happy for.
UWCSEA has armed me with the intellectual and societal
experiences to tackle whatever is awaiting me. Next year, I will
major in Biomedical Engineering and pre-med. My future goal
is to become a Burkina Faso expert in this field, and bring my
knowledge and experiences back home. I hope to revolutionise
the weak and outdated medical system in Burkina Faso, and
help provide relief to the communities.
There are no words that could translate my gratitude for the
opportunity to come to UWCSEA. The scholarship has opened
doors to a brighter future for me. My family, community, and I
are touched by your generosity. Infinitely times, Anitchié!
The diverse communities, cultures, and
economic backgrounds I’ve lived with
for the past two years have prepared
me well for the new chapter of my life.”
4 | Graduating Scholars 2022/2023
Explorer, Advocate and Global Thinker
Yanisa (Opor) Promkaewtor ’23
Scholar from Thailand
An explorer, advocate, and global thinker describes me well over the last two years. At UWCSEA I had new opportunities where I
developed passions I did not know I had. I took IB film for the first time and also had the opportunity to play tennis, where I became
the co-captain of the U19 B team in Grade 12. I am grateful for the chance to train, play matches against other schools, and make
new friends from other grades. It was an opportunity that I would never have imagined I would enjoy!
In IB film, I realised my passion for reflecting social issues through film. My short film was selected into the Across Asia Youth Film
Festival and won the audience award. It was a big step for me as a film enthusiast! This made me realise I want to pursue film studies
because of the beauty films have to impact audiences. I hope to one day contribute my film studies to give back to Thai society by
becoming a filmmaker or a film professor in a Thai university.
I also had the opportunity to advocate for local organisations in Singapore. I volunteered in a clothing swap program to support
sustainable fashion started by an UWCSEA alumni, and also a plastic recycling organisation. I got to share these experiences
with new boarding house students this past year which was really great, and also created opportunities to take them into local
communities too.
My UWCSEA education has taught me to be ready to take every opportunity and challenge that comes into my life. I don’t know
what the future will bring, but I am very excited and ready to continue this journey, and do my best to chase my goals. I would never
have had this experience if it was not for the support of a full scholarship. Education is the greatest gift that any youth can have, and
I hope that other kids who have big dreams will have an opportunity to pursue their dreams like me. “ขอบคุณคะ” - Thank you!
My UWCSEA education has taught me to be ready to take every opportunity and challenge
that comes into my life.”
Graduating Scholars 2022/2023 | 5
Inspiring Learner with a Mission to Mentor
Boris Delgadillo Romero ’23
Scholar from Bolivia
My UWCSEA experience has been an emotional and academic
rollercoaster that has left an indelible mark on me. One of
the biggest challenges was the language barrier when I first
arrived. It was very difficult for me to understand what others
were saying, and I often couldn’t express myself in English. I
decided to keep going, and my friends, peers, mentors, and
teachers all supported me. It was a beautiful moment when
I realised that I could finally listen in English and understand
what was being said to me. I cried tears of joy!
One of my favourite classes was IB English as the class helped
me overcome my language challenges in a fun and welcoming
atmosphere. I was also grateful to participate in activities that
reconnected me with my passion for art and creativity like
animation, digital art, and film clubs. My community service
at the SGM Murni Child Care Center was also a rewarding
and memorable experience. It taught me the value of giving
my time and effort to help others, and seeing the children’s
smiles made my day many times.
One of the best feelings I have had is being able to offer help
to those who have gone through the same situation as me.
I have worked hard to help create an environment where
everyone feels safe and appreciated. I also made a sincere
friendship with another student from India. He was a key
player in helping me learn English, and despite language and
cultural differences, we found a way to understand each
other and built a strong friendship. It has shown me that
nationality, race, or ethnicity do not matter when there is a
real connection between people.
My two years at UWCSEA have been invaluable, and I am
eager to share all that I have learned when I return to my
country. I want to help many other young people to be part
of this movement and unite the world in ways that transcend
cultural barriers. Next year I head to the United States for
university where I will study computing and film. I also plan
to develop mentoring and support groups for young people,
which I hope to expand throughout my home country.
Thank you for investing in my education and my future.
I will be eternally grateful and will always remember
this generosity.
Muchas Gracias!
My two years at UWCSEA have been
invaluable, and I am eager to share all
that I have learned when I return to
my country.”
6 | Graduating Scholars 2022/2023
Growing Leader, Future Changemaker
Patricia Segeja ’23
Scholar from Tanzania
UWCSEA has helped shape my character and broadened my
worldview. I have made long-lasting friendships with students
from all over the world, and these friendships have opened
my eyes to different cultures and ways of life. UWCSEA’s
rigorous academic curriculum also challenged me to think
critically and approach problems from different angles,
making me a more analytical and creative thinker. The focus
on service and leadership taught me the importance of giving
back to the community and taking on responsibility.
One of the most meaningful experiences was my involvement
in planning the 2022 TEDX event as the Chair of the Speakers
Committee. This role taught me valuable skills in event
planning, public speaking, and leadership. Volunteering and
participating in Culturama as a dance leader and plaza show
coordinator also allowed me to learn more about other
cultures in-depth. As an East African student, I have also
tried to promote awareness and appreciation for the culture
and traditions of my home country, especially through my
friendships. My friendships have taught me the importance
of building relationships with people from different
backgrounds, and how it enriches one’s life and perspectives.
I believe that the UWCSEA experience has equipped me
with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to
make a difference in my home country. I dream of becoming
a successful leader with the means, influence, and power
to bring about meaningful change in Tanzania. Through
my experiences at UWCSEA, I have learned the value of
teamwork, communication, and critical thinking - skills that
will undoubtedly help me achieve my goals.
I cannot express enough my gratitude towards those who
supported my scholarship. In my own language, I would like
to say “Asante sana”, which means thank you very much.
This experience has had a profound impact on me. Thank
you again for believing in me and for giving me the chance to
pursue my dreams.
I believe that the UWCSEA experience
has equipped me with the knowledge,
skills, and perspective necessary to
make a difference in my home country.”
Graduating Scholars 2022/2023 | 7
Resilient Peacemaker, UWC Mission Champion
Sofija Gribovski ’23
Scholar from Macedonia
UWCSEA became my second home, my second UWC. Due to COVID regulations, I was unable to stay for a full two years at
UWC Changshu China. When I finally learned I could transfer to UWCSEA, I was truly grateful.
My initial difficulties at UWCSEA are perhaps obvious: catching up with course content, meeting teachers, and making brand new
friends while juggling university applications. My motivation and gratitude for a second chance at UWC pushed me to establish
myself as a worthy member of the community. I was able to make friends with fellow scholars as well as day students, and
provide new perspectives in many classes. For example, my exposure to Eastern/Chinese philosophy at UWC Changshu helped
me share my own experiences from China. I was also a philosophy tutor for my boarding house peers, and participated in the
‘Write for Rights’ campaign where I fought some major injustices in the world today.
This summer I will go back to Macedonia and volunteer with my UWC National Committee. The UWC system, national
committee and connections I have made are irreplaceable, and I would love to provide these opportunities for others in my
home country. Macedonia is a country with a troubled past, and the Balkan region is one of high tension, but at UWCSEA I was
able to meet my Balkan neighbours and love them as a family. I hope in some way to push that family feeling onto a larger scale.
Next year, I head to the USA on a Davis Scholarship where I will study international politics, linguistics, and education. My dream
is to work in translation or diplomacy for an international organisation like the United Nations. Thank you for supporting me and
giving this stranded student a second chance at UWC, and a chance of witnessing the beauty of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
I’m immensely grateful for the support I received both from UWCSEA and UWC Changshu and I will always remain grateful.
I truly believe that our diverse backgrounds and interests means we are more than just ‘scholars’
at UWCSEA, we are part of the UWC mission.”
8 | Graduating Scholars 2022/2023
UWC Maastricht (Grade 12)
UWC Adriatic: UWCSEA Refugee
Scholarship Initiative (Grade 12)
Countries per region
21 Europe | 16 Africa | 7 Asia | 8 South America | 9 North and Central America
scholars at
other UWC’s
2 UWC Dilijan (Grade 12)
Waterford Kamhlaba UWC: UWCSEA
Staff Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)
UWC Mahindra: UWCSEA Staff
Scholarship Fund (Grade 11 and 12)
UWC Thailand (Grade 11)
Current enrolment
100
scholars
at UWCSEA
3 Grade 10
2 Grade 9
47 Grade 11
46 Grade 12
2 Grade 8
Grade breakdown
• Argentina • Austria • Bahamas • Belarus • Benin • Bolivia • Botswana • Brazil • Bulgaria • Burkina Faso • Cambodia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cote D’Ivoire
• Denmark • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • El Salvador • Estonia • Eswatini • Georgia • Germany • Greece • Guatemala • Haiti • Honduras • Hungary • Indonesia
• Ireland • Italy • Jamaica • Kenya • Lithuania • Macedonia • Madagascar • Malawi • Malaysia • Mexico • Myanmar • Namibia • Paraguay • Philippines • Poland
• Portugal • Senegal • Serbia • Sierra Leone • Slovenia • South Africa • Spain • Tanzania • Thailand • Togo • Trinidad and Tobago • Turkey • Uganda • Ukraine • Uruguay
• Vietnam • Zambia
17
Asia
27
Africa
13
North and Central
America
15
South America
28
Europe
61 countries across the world are represented by UWCSEA scholars
109
scholars receiving a UWC
education thanks to support
from the UWCSEA community
46
Scholars graduating
in 2023 from
UWCSEA
53
continuing
scholars
47
new
scholars
57
Dover
43
East
UWCSEA Scholarship Programme
2022/2023 at a glance
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.
10 | Graduating Scholars 2022/2023
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 MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2022/23
FUND-2223