Arusha Campus News – 12 Apr 2026

UWC East Africa Arusha Campus Newsletter Sunday 12th April 2026

The intrepid Plains Challengers Outdoor Pursuits team trek across the wide open Serengeti plains on their five day walk.

Upcoming events

Fri 17th Apr – Swahili Day

Sat 18th Apr – Rotary Interact U16 and U19 Volleyball Tournament

Sat 18th Apr – TedX Youth 2026 hosted by Arusha Campus

Mon 20th to Fri 25th Apr – Diploma 2 Study Week

Mon 20th to Wed 22nd Apr – XP Gold (M5) Adventure

Thur 23rd Apr – U19 Netball and Touch Rugby vs SCIS

Fri 24th to Sun 26th Apr – Peaks Exploration to Longido

Fri 24th to Sun 26th Apr – Rides Exploration to Namalok

Sat 25th Apr – Charity Football Tournament at Arusha Campus

Mon 27th Apr – Diploma Exams start

Mon 27th to Thur 30th Apr – M1-M3 MAP Testing

Fri 1st May – Workers Day Public Holiday SCHOOL CLOSED

Dear Parents

At the end of last quarter one of our longest OP trips took place in the Ngorongoro Conseravtion Area as a group of 9 Arusha students embarked on a five day walk across the Serengeti Plains. We encountered lots of wildebeest……..and lots of rain!

Welcome back to school after what I hope has been a restful holiday. A particular welcome is extended to the Diploma students who are about to sit their final examinations. Their journey at UWC East Africa is almost complete and yet the need for composure and concentration has never been greater. No-one is more aware of the colossal demands that are expected of you, than your teachers. We know we have nagged you into meeting deadlines and attending lessons but it has all been because we care and wish for the best possible outcome from your time at Arusha Campus.

So, this week’s message is for the D2s – find healthy ways to relax, get plenty of sleep and prepare your brains and bodies in the best possible way for the examination session to come. We are all behind you and are sending you the very best wishes and good luck!

Phil

PYP News

We ended the quarter with a memorable Book Day and the montage above shows the books and character dressing up that were on display!

Dear Parents,

I hope you had a restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming you and your child(ren) back on Monday.
On Tuesday we will host the CCA fair from 2.00 – 2.30pm and then the sign up will be open at 4pm. CCAs will run from 20 April – 29 May this quarter.

Important dates for this quarter:

Tuesday 14th April – CCA Fair 2pm
Friday 17th April – Swahili share time from 1pm
Friday 24th April – International Festival
Friday 1st May – Public holiday (school closed)
Wednesday 6th May – P6 PYP Exhibition
11th – 15th May – P4-6 MAP Tests
Monday 25th May – P6 -to visit M1
Wednesday 27th May – Provisional public holiday (TBC)
10-11 June – PYP Play
Friday 12th June – Reports issued and Last day of Quarter 4

In case it is helpful, here is the 2026-27 school calendar https://www.uwcea.org/wp-content/docs/calendar2627.pdf

We are looking forward to a great quarter.

Thanks

Amanda

Miss Amanda, Head of PYP

Nursery and Early Childhood Pool Party

NEC had a lovely pool party at the end of last quarter (see image above).  Lots of fun at the pool and lots of playing with bubbles it was a great morning

Miss Loveness becomes a Degree Graduate!

Not much gives us all as much joy as when one of our Education Assistants enhances their skills by engaging and accomplishing challenges in further education. Last quarter Miss Loveness (pictured above holding her certificate) attained her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. Congratulations Loveness!

DP Corner

The Diploma students (above) let their hair down after getting to the end of Quarter 3 with their celebratory Prom Night! The Performance Area was decorated as never before by Mezabine and her team and everyone hd a great night under the lights!

As we get to the start of Quarter 4, it feels like a moment to pause and reflect. This is often the time of year when our communication focuses heavily on assessments, deadlines, and academic milestones. However, as we come to the close of a busy and eventful term—including the energy and celebration of events like Prom—we are reminded that the Diploma Programme experience at UWC East Africa is about so much more than exams alone.

We are incredibly proud of our students and the resilience, balance, and commitment they have shown over these past weeks. Alongside their academic efforts, they have continued to engage meaningfully in service, creativity, activity, and community life—those “in-between” moments that truly define a UWC education.

As we move into the break, we encourage all students to take the time to rest, recharge, and reconnect, so they can return ready for the final stretch of Quarter 4. This next phase will include final exams/end of year exams for our DP students and, of course, the much-anticipated Graduation celebrations—a significant milestone for both students and families.

We kindly ask parents to review the school calendar for important upcoming dates and events, and to reach out to us with any questions or support needs as we approach this exciting and important time of year.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support.

Miss Jessica, Head of Diploma

The “Squiggly Line”: UWCEA Arusha’s Annual Career Symposium

David Roos (pictured above) , was one of several parents who took time out of their busy schedule to deliver a talk on their professional development and life experiences that shaped their current careers.

What does it take to build a successful life? For most students, the answer feels like a narrow, high-pressure sprint toward a single career. On March 19th, the UWCEA Arusha Career Symposium set out to prove otherwise, replacing the “straight-line” narrative with the reality of the “Squiggly Line.”

The morning began with an honest opening session featuring two speakers who redefined traditional success—one moving from working in finance to a career tiling bathrooms to becoming a teacher, and another leaving a secure IT role to become “time rich” through a social impact non-profit. These stories set the stage for 11 featured speakers to host intimate, small-group sessions, sharing the pivots, failures, and detours that shaped their professional lives.

The day moved students from pressure to possibility. Moya in D2 shared that the event sparked a shift from, “fear of the unknown to a sense of excitement and intrigue about stepping into the adult world.” She shared that the networking session was a safe space where “curiosity could flourish.”

By hearing the “real talk” behind the titles, students realized that mistakes are often just new opportunities. Ceila in D2 noted how reassuring it was to see how, “small steps led them to where they are now, reminding us to take things one by one and without pressure.”

The symposium proved that our students don’t need all the answers today; they just need the courage to start their own unique journey.

Adam Kendis, University and Careers Counselor

Career Symposium

DP Students teach younger ones to make dumplings

Mentor group bonding over cards

Deep Democracy

One of our former parents. Monique Janmaat, returned to the school before the holiday to present a workshop on Deep Democracy (see image above) and how this novel attitude can help us fulfil one of our UWC responsibilities of conflict resolution. From Monique’s organisation website https://perspectivity.org/work/deep-democracy/ I took this definition of deep democracy.

Deep Democracy is a practical method to start dialogue and discussion where we actively search for the wisdom of the minority. Alternative voices are being heard, explored and are part of decision-making. The effect is that decisions are widely supported and optimally make use of the potential of the group. This new view on decision-making and group dynamics enables real cocreation.

Our teachers took part in the workshop with Monique and are now looking for application opportunities in school.

https://forms.gle/VE8a7NYCX6deo4wN6

Calendar

April

May

June