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- ISM/UWCEA Alumni Bulletin – 13 Nov 2025<!–
UWCEA/ISM Alumni Bulletin – Issue 4
Dear UWC East Africa/ISM Alumni,
Welcome to this new alumni bulletin. As Tanzania navigates the post-election period, we are grateful to share that our community remains safe. Moments like these remind us of the power of education, not only to understand the world, but to change it for a more peaceful and just future, a principle at the heart of the UWC mission.
In this issue of our bulletin, we invite you to explore the inspiring stories of our students and alumni. Celebrate Bernard’s remarkable achievements, reconnect with alumni like Krishna, and rediscover the vibrant community that continues to thrive together.
Dive in, be inspired, and see how our commitment to learning and service continues to shape lives and impact the world. We reiterate our message to you to stay connected; visit us, give us a call, and share in the life of our community. You are always a valued part of UWC East Africa, and we look forward to hearing from you, celebrating your stories, and welcoming you back anytime.
With warmest wishes, the Advancement team
24 Hour Run Recap
Our annual 24 Hour Run brought together 47 teams of students from both our Arusha and Moshi campuses, along with parents and community members for an unforgettable 24 hours of fundraising and fellowship. Runners took to the track throughout the day and night, while our incredible food team worked tirelessly to keep everyone nourished with delicious offerings from multiple food stalls—the chicken, pizza, and quesadillas were particular highlights!
Together, the entire UWC East Africa community rallied around our cause and raised an impressive $17,714 for our scholarship Endowment Fund.
The energy never faded thanks to our enthusiastic DJ and MC station, which kept spirits high and motivated participants throughout the entire event. Our community embraced every planned activity with enthusiasm, from the competitive arm wrestling tournament to the vibrant Holi party and the spectacular glow-in-the-dark lap that lit up the night.
This event was truly a whole-community effort, with contributions from our planning team, food team, gardeners and security guards, teachers and staff, PTA, and students and our alumni community. A special shout-out to our Class of 2025 alumni who supported the efforts online, extending our community’s reach beyond campus. These funds will create vital opportunities for Tanzanian students to pursue their education.
Thank you to everyone!
Alumni Spotlight: Krishna Kumar Pisharath (ISM 1973-1975)
Meet Krishna – an ISM alum who spent two memorable years in the 70s and is now Director of R&D in Singapore.
Full Name: Krishna Kumar Pisharath
University Degree: Master of Engineering
Where are you currently located? Singapore
Campus: Moshi
What year were you in ISM? From 1973 – 1975
University Degree/Major or Current Job Title/Employer: Master of Engineering
What path did you take after graduating? Can you share your journey, achievements and the passions that drive you?
I was a student in ISM from 1973 to 1975. I left ISM in 1975 because my parents moved to Nigeria. I remember being sad to leave ISM, the town of Moshi and Tanzania as a whole. After leaving Tanzania, I went to International School Ibadan (ISI) after a brief stint at a school in Enugu. I did my O Levels, A levels and IB (higher level) in ISI. After graduating from ISI, I enrolled for a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Wales in the UK. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1985. After my graduation, I worked for a while at Brunel University at Uxbridge in the UK. In 1986, I was offered a scholarship to do a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Since my graduation from NUS, I have been living and working in Singapore. I currently work as Director of Research and Development in a building automation company. I am married and have two girls who are already working. My hobbies are videography, sports and traveling. These are the things I look forward the most to doing.
What do you cherish the most about your ISM/UWCEA experience?
My years at ISM were truly memorable. I cherish what I learnt during ECAs such as woodworking, art, drama etc. I loved the camping trips we made as members of the wildlife club and simply hanging out after class with my friends at the stream past the football field.
Type of Achievement:
Scholarship
Please provide the name of the distinction you received.
Research scholarship
Which organization awarded you this honor?
National University of Singapore
When did you receive this achievement?
03/01/1986
Provide a brief overview of your career or academic journey leading to this achievement.
I was one of the top students during my years of undergraduate study at the University of Wales in the UK, graduating with magna cum laude in 1985. This impressed the scholarship awards panel at the National University of Singapore who offered me a fully paid scholarship to do a master’s degree.
How did your education at ISM/UWCEA contribute to this achievement?
My education at ISM helped to shape my character as a well-rounded, confident person ready for the challenges.
Spotlight on Outdoor Pursuits – Kili Peaks
This October, our students and teachers took on an incredible challenge; climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route.
Over six days, they hiked almost 60 kilometres, walking an average of six hours a day, sleeping in mountain huts, and finally reaching the summit of Africa at 5,895 metres above sea level. It was a true test of teamwork, courage, and determination.
The Peaks programme is about much more than climbing mountains. It helps students grow, step by step through different levels of hiking adventures across northern Tanzania. Each level builds confidence, resilience, and respect for nature.
Along the way, students learn how to prepare for tough conditions, look after themselves and their teammates, and stay safe as the weather changes from sunshine to rain, or even snow! With support from our trained guides and teachers, they gain practical skills and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
By the time they take on Kilimanjaro, they’re not just climbing a mountain, they’re discovering what they’re truly capable of.
The Peaks Journey:
DISCOVERY → EXPLORATION → ADVENTURE → CHALLENGE
Discovery Trips: Mt. Kilomeni, Mt. Longido & North Pare Mountains
Exploration Trips: Usambara Mountains
Adventure Trips: Mt. Hanang, Ngorongoro to Natron & Mt. Meru
Challenge Trip: Mt. Kilimanjaro
Exciting Updates on Endowment Fund
Remember when you were studying at ISM or UWC East Africa? The diversity, the friendships, the powerful education. We’re sure your world expanded in ways you never imagined, and those experiences continue to shape who you are today.
That transformational journey is now within reach for the next generation of Tanzanian students. Our Endowment Fund is sitting at $1,800,000. We’re in the last stretch, and this month marks our final push toward our endowment goal. Thanks to the van Otterloo family’s incredible generosity, every dollar contributed will be matched at 50%, amplifying your impact across all participating UWC schools.
Your story could be their future. One ISM alumnus shared: “ISM changed our family’s lives. Without it, we would have had very different trajectories, so I am always happy to support. After my education at ISM, I felt that I was ready to enter the real world and succeed, even without further tertiary education. The scholarship initiative changed the lives of well-deserving recipients, many of whom have gone on to do amazing things in our world. It also brought new brilliant minds and friends into our ISM classroom, which enriched the experience for everyone and for myself.”
You know this power firsthand. Now’s your chance to pay it forward and open doors for students who deserve the same life-changing opportunity you had.
If you are ready to make an impact, schedule a call with our fundraising team using this calendar link to explore how you can contribute.
We’re also launching a special Giving Tuesday campaign to further support our scholarship recipients. Keep a lookout for details about exciting events and ways to get involved!
Every gift counts. Every story matters. The Time is Now!
Support us at uwcea.org/endowment-fund/Celebrating Our Community: Bernard Kicheleri
“Courage is not just surviving. It is choosing to give hope to others.”- Bernard K
This month, we are proud to share the story of Bernard, a DP student at UWC East Africa, Moshi campus.
Bernard is an 18-year-old childhood bone cancer survivor. He spent 11 years going through treatment and, in 2023, had his left hand amputated to save his life. Even with everything he faced, Bernard stayed hopeful. He worked hard in school, supported others around him, and continued to believe in a future filled with possibility.
Earlier this year, Bernard started The Hopeful Hearted Society, a youth-led group that raises awareness about cancer among young people and offers emotional and material support to children who are currently in treatment. With his friends, he has visited schools and hospitals, spoken to students, and helped raise funds for families in need. His work has already reached more than 2,100 students and supported children in cancer care with items such as food, books, diapers and messages of encouragement.
In January of this year, Bernard was selected as one of the Youth Give Champions in the Youth Give Africa Contest; chosen from over 500 stories across 32 African countries. He was the youngest finalist, showing that it is not age that defines impact, but heart
In October this year, Bernard was also named a finalist for the Young Courage Award, an international recognition that celebrates young people who show heart and take action to support others even when they themselves are facing challenges. The award honours compassion, bravery and the belief that every act of care matters.
Read Bernard’s story here:
https://mygivingstory.africa/2024/11/19/bernard-joseph-kicheleri-18-year-old-childhood-cancer-survivor/Learn more about the Young Courage Award:
https://sharingsweden.se/toolkits/young-courage-awardLearn more about the Youth Give Africa Champions:
https://mygivingstory.africa/youthgive-champions/If you would like to support Bernard’s work or connect him with opportunities, please reply to this bulletin and we will be happy to link you.
Register in Our Alumni Database – Stay Updated & Share Your Story
Register in our Alumni Database – Receive exclusive updates and event invites.
We’d also love to feature you! Share your updates, achievements, or memories for our next alumni spotlight.
Coming up next: Marijka (Malaika) van Klinken, class of 2002 on the spotlight! Curious about what she’s been up to? Stay tuned to find out!
We’ve created new spaces for alumni to stay connected, share ideas, and keep up with school news. Whether it’s reconnecting on Facebook, getting quick updates through WhatsApp, or building your professional network on LinkedIn, there’s now an easy way to stay part of the alumni community.
Don’t forget to follow our official pages on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest updates, alumni spotlights, and more!
Upcoming Events
Here are some of our upcoming events.
If you or someone you know will be in the area, we’d love for them to be part of the experience.
Feel free to share the details with friends or family who might be interested!
Jobs & Scholarship Opportunities
Multiple Vacancies – UWC East Africa, Tanzania
Senior Development Manager – UWC International, London
Advancement Coordinator – UWC Pearson College, Canada
Learning Support and Special Educational Needs Coordinator – UWC Robert Bosch College, Germany
To see more opportunities from other schools, please click here.
Host a Virtual Coffee with Your Class
Our team can support you in organizing a virtual coffee for your class! A relaxed and easy way to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate your shared memories.
Let us know by email and we will help you get started!The Advancement and Alumni team is always happy to hear from our alumni. Whether you’d like to catch up one-on-one or simply share updates, we’d love to reconnect with you.
You can easily schedule a chat with us using the calendar below; we’re always excited to hear your stories and ideas for staying in touch.Click here to schedule a call with us!
Applications To UWC Are Open!
We’re happy to share that applications to join UWC through the Global Selection Programme (GSP) are open. The GSP is a direct, fee-paying application route into UWC.
Upcoming GSP application windows:
Window 2: 2nd October – 18th November 2025
Window 3: 19th November 2025 – 14th January 2026 (subject to availability)
Window 4: 15th January – 11th March 2026 (subject to availability)
Spaces are limited and reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
To apply and for more information visit: www.uwc.org/gsp
National Committee Route (Scholarship Opportunities)
If you or someone you know requires financial support, you should apply through the UWC National Committee in your home country.
Each country has its own deadlines, so please check your national committee’s information directly: www.uwc.org/nationalcommitteesPlease share this message widely; with fellow alumni, friends, family, and any young person who you believe could thrive at UWC!
If you know someone who should be getting this, please forward this newsletter to them!
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©2025 UWC East Africa
UWC East Africa
(Alumni Relations)
P.O. Box 733
Moshi
Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
Email: alumni@uwcea.org
Tel: +255 27 2755004, 2755005, 2751850
Mobile: +255 757 880927
Fax: +255 736 605320