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• ISM/UWCEA Alumni Bulletin – 5 Apr 2025
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  UWCEA/ISM Alumni Bulletin – Issue 1     Dear UWC East Africa/ISM Alumni, Welcome, karibu to the very first edition of the UWC East Africa/ISM Alumni Bulletin—your new way to stay connected to campus and beyond! Whether it’s been months or decades since you last walked through our gates, one thing remains true: once a UWC East Africa (ISM) student, always part of the family. This bulletin is part of the new engagement strategy and it is here to bring you inspiring alumni stories, student-led initiatives making a difference, and opportunities to engage with the UWC community. From creative student projects to alumni making waves in their careers, there’s so much to celebrate. We also invite you to read exciting news about the ongoing efforts on the UWC East Africa Endowment Fund—an initiative securing scholarships for future generations. And of course, we want to hear from you too! Share your updates, milestones, and memories—we’re building this together. So grab a cup of tea (or whatever fuels your nostalgia), dive in, and let’s keep the spirit of UWC East Africa/ISM alive, no matter where in the world you are! With warmest wishes, Ingrid Madrigal Head of Advancement   The advancement office is growing!     We are excited to announce that the Development office is growing and we have two new members on the team. We would love to have a virtual coffee and introduce ourselves, please schedule a call with the team to learn more about the new strategy, and how you can be part of it. We would love to hear the ways you wish to reconnect with the school.  calendar.app.google/DapnH7ck9VgZrJQo9   How UWC Empowers Students to Lead and Win   At UWC, we believe that education is more than just knowledge—it is a call to action. It empowers young people to see the world’s challenges and step forward as changemakers. This year, two prestigious honors recognized the impact of our students work. The Connie Burford Student Service Leader Award, presented by the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional leadership through service. The Go Make a Difference (GoMAD) grant, an initiative founded by UWC alumni, which helps students turn their ideas into real-world solutions.   A D2 student Delphin, was honored with the Connie Burford Award for his work supporting displaced communities in Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Delphin’s leadership is driven by a deep sense of responsibility—his initiatives offer not just aid, but dignity and hope to those in need.   Zachariah, a D1 student has been awarded the GoMAD grant to launch a transformative initiative. His Building a Sustainable Camp project will introduce kitchen gardening to women in the Alere Refugee Settlement, equipping them with the skills and resources to grow nutritious food for their families.   Ali, a D1 student from the Arusha Campus has also received the GoMAD grant for his Kuokoa Watoto (Save the Children) project. This initiative will provide refugee youth in Bweyale Town Council with vocational training, empowering them with the skills and opportunities to create a brighter future.   Alumni Spotlight: Sheika (Bembatoum) Johnston (Class of 2002)   Meet Sheika Johnston, a proud member of the Class of 2002! From her days at ISM Moshi to a career spanning construction project management and the nonprofit sector, Sheika’s journey is one of adaptability and purpose. Current Role: Partnerships Manager, VCSE (Third Sector), Bristol, England. Where are you currently located? Bristol, England.     Can you share your journey, achievements, and the passions that drive you? After graduating from ISM Moshi, I did a foundation year in Engineering at Cardiff University, followed by a BSc in Built and Natural Environments at the University of the West of England in Bristol. I took a few twists and turns along the way as I figured out my professional direction. Eventually, I completed a Master’s in Construction Project Management and spent 10 years working in the field. After COVID-19, I transitioned into the non-profit sector, where I now apply my management experience to impactful community projects. My motivation comes from service—knowing that my work makes a real difference keeps me going. What do you cherish the most about your ISM/UWCEA experience? The outdoor adventures and the diversity of friends I made! These experiences shaped who I am today and how I connect with people from different backgrounds. Impact of UWC Education/Experience: The IB program at ISM provided a world-class education and instilled in me a curiosity for learning that set me apart. Boarding life from age 13 helped me develop confidence and independence, preparing me for university and beyond.   UWC East Africa Endowment Fund: Investing in our Legacy     At UWC East Africa, diversity isn’t just a goal – it’s a commitment. Each year, over 75% of our students receive full or partial scholarships, ensuring that talented young people from all backgrounds can access a transformative education. To sustain this level of support, we must think long-term, and that’s where the Endowment Fund comes in. We set out with an ambitious goal: $1,000,000 by December 2025 to create a permanent scholarship fund. Thanks to the incredible generosity of one donor, along with the unwavering support of our community, we have now surpassed that milestone, raising $1,350,000! Now, we’re aiming even higher: $2,000,000 by December 2025. And this is where our entire community comes in. We need your help to get there! Whether by spreading the word, committing to a monthly donation, or making a pledge to fulfill by year-end, every contribution brings us closer. If we break it down, we can reach this goal together: 65 people giving $10,000 ($1,250/month for 8 months) 650 people giving $1,000 ($125/month for 8 months) 1,300 people giving $500 ($63/month for 8 months) With your support, we can break financial barriers and open doors for students who dream of making a difference. Let’s build a future where access to education is defined by potential, not privilege. The Time is Now! If you have any questions or want to know more about this transformative initiative, please contact the Fundraising Coordinator, Sol Nadal-Diaz, at fundraising@uwcea.org. Donate or learn more here: www.uwcea.org/endowment-fund   Exciting Opportunity: UMOJA 2025 Short Course Applications Now Open   Do you know a young person (16–20 years old) eager to grow, connect, and make a difference? UWC East Africa is hosting the UMOJA Short Course in Moshi, Tanzania, from June 30 – July 9, 2025—a dynamic program designed to empower future change-makers! Through themes like Youth Activism, Climate Change, Identity & Gender, and Conflict Resolution, participants will engage in meaningful discussions, hands-on activities, and a global network of peers. Two application tracks: Fee-paying participants ($875 USD) Scholarship recipients (for those needing financial support) Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so encourage potential participants to apply soon! More details & application: https://umoja-shortcourse.uwc.org/ Questions? Reach out to umoja.participants@shortcourse.uwc.org Feel free to share with family and friends who might be interested!   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: Ruth Nkya in the spotlight! Curious about what she’s been up to? Stay tuned to find out!   Join our Facebook Group to connect and share updates, be part of our WhatsApp Community for quick updates and networking, and connect on LinkedIn to expand your professional network.   Upcoming Events    If you’ll be in the area or have a family member or friend nearby who might be interested, we’d love for them to be part of the experience. Feel free to share this information with them so we can connect!   Jobs & Opportunities – Explore exciting roles across UWC schools and the Global network   Visual Art Teacher, Chemistry Teacher – UWC East Africa  Multiple Vacancies  – UWC Changshu, China Multiple Vacancies  – UWC Thailand Multiple Teaching Roles – UWC USA For more job opportunities around the world, visit: uwc.org/jobs    UWC East Africa Website  School Calendar  Moshi Newsletters  Arusha Newsletters You’re receiving this because you have previously shown an interest in our school Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe ©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