Arusha Campus News – 29 Apr 2023

Anisa’s (M4) beautiful rendition of jellyfish on canvas in acrylic.

Sat 6th May – U15 and Open Netball at UWC Arusha
Sat 13th May – Cross country and BISA
Sat 20th May – U13/U15/Open Touch Rugby at UWC Moshi

This week’s newsletter carries a strong flavour of the Arts and I am very pleased that so may parents were able to visit the spectcular Festival of the Arts at the end of last quarter. The limited space available in the newsletter does not do justice to the amazing effort that artists and teachers put into this aspect of our school. Thank you!

Last weekend we held the annual Alumni Sports Festival here on campus (see pic above) and an opportunity for the alumni team to improve upon their dismal showing last year. In spite of several new recruits to their team, the alums were no match for well drilled and high performing D2 and teacher teams who romped to overall vistory in football, basketball, rugby, netball and volleyball!

The most important news of the week is of course the fact that IB Diploma exams have started. I shall be sending out a reminder periodically to all visitors on campus about the request to keep noise down around the Performance Area whilst exams are in progress. We wish our Class of 2023 all the very best of luck for the exams.

Remember that Monday 1st May is a public holiday and we shall not be open.

Have a super long weekend!

Phil

Wande explans her pieces to an engrossed audience

Before the break, on March 30th,  UWC held its annual Arts Festival, showcasing the incredible artistic talent of our students from M1 to D2. We were thrilled to see so many members of the UWC community come together to support our young artists and enjoy their creativity.

The Arts Festival included a range of performances, art exhibitions, and dramatic performances that truly highlighted the diverse skills and interests of our students. The evening was a true celebration of the arts.

One of the standout performances of the festival was the incredible Visual Arts showcase, held in the transformed performance area. Students showcased an impressive level of skill and artistic vision. It was clear that they had put in a tremendous amount of time and effort into their artwork and their hard work paid off.

The MYP learning showcases in Music, Theatre, Visual arts and Design were equally impressive, featuring a wide range of mediums and styles. Students from across M1 to M5 displayed paintings, posters, short plays, musical performances; demonstrating not only their learning, but their unique perspectives and artistic talents. It was inspiring to see the creativity and skill of our young artists on display.

The outdoor stage performances were another highlight of the festival. From solo instrumentalists to band and vocal ensemble performances, the students showed off their stage presence and passion and brought a range of emotions and musical styles to life. It was a true testament to their dedication and hard work that they were able to produce such high-quality performances.

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our students during the Arts Festival.  To the PTA, parents, students and staff we couldn’t have done this without you. Furthermore, your presence and enthusiasm made the event all the more special for our young artists. We hope that the festival has inspired many of you to explore your own creative talents and passions.

Once again, congratulations to all of our talented performers and artists. We can’t wait to see what you will create next.

With much Gratitude,
The Arts Team
(Ms Sarah, Mr Thomas, Ms Leah, Mr Aleh, Ms Maral and Ms Elizabeth)

P4/5 Trip to Plaster House, above. What an amazing morning!

Please take note of some important dates this quarter.
MAY
Monday 1st May – Workers Day – School Closed
Tuesday 9th May -10.30 PYP Exhibition Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday 10th May – 5pm PYP Exhibition
Saturday 13th May – BISA Cross Country
Tuesday 16th May – U9/U11 Touch Rugby Moshi
Saturday 20th May – D2 Graduation
Monday 22nd – Fri 26th May – P4-6 MAP Testing
Friday 26th May – Swahili Day
JUNE
Friday 2nd June – CCA’s End
Tuesday 6th June – U9 Netball at KHIS
Saturday 10th June – U11 and U13 Netball at KHIS
Wednesday 14th June – PYP Play 1.30pm
Thursday 15th June – PYP Inter-House Cross Country
Friday 16th June – Last Day of Q4 – PYP Student Council Event – Reports issued

Amanda, PYP Co-ordinator

Adi (M5), digital art

The Arts form one of the eight MYP subject groups. The Arts in the MYP seek to stimulate young imaginations, challenge perceptions and develop creative and analytical skills. Involvement in the arts encourages students to understand the arts in context and the cultural histories of artworks, thus supporting the development of an inquiring and empathetic world view. The MYP values the processes of creating, performing and presenting artwork, and gives students opportunities to function as artists and to develop as learners. Students learn to use the arts to convey feelings, experiences and ideas about the world, and in doing so they acquire and develop techniques and creative skills. They learn the value of reflection and evaluation as a means of developing their ideas, their skills and their work.

At UWC East Africa M1-3 students have 2 weekly lessons of Visual Arts, Music and Drama. In M4-5, students choose one of the Art subjects and work towards the completion of their ePortfolio in their chosen subject to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Anoek, MYP Co-ordinator

Education is the key to success, and its importance cannot be overstated. It shapes individuals, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth. However, the lack of education in East Africa has had extremely detrimental effects on small communities. As of now, illiteracy and a lack of formal education are the leading causes of poverty in East Africa. In Tanzania, it is estimated that approximately 2 million children are not in school and that 3 million children have not finished Form 4, the equivalent of high school, nearly 350,000 students in Tanzania have not completed Form 1, according to the Ministry of Education.

The lack of education in Africa is not something that can be solved overnight. It requires a long-term commitment from governments, international organizations, and the private sector. However, as individuals, we can make a humble but substantial impact in the fight against the lack of education. In the form of book donations, of any portion, we are able to provide the youth of Meserani with the books they need to foster their passion for not just reading books, but learning as a whole. Books, especially those designed for children, are an important tool for reducing illiteracy and promoting education. They expose readers to new ideas and information, which can expand their horizons and help them grow. Believe it or not, books can also provide a sense of comfort and stability, which can be especially important for those who are struggling to learn. They are a great tool to promote learning as they provide a wealth of information and give people the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics.  So let’s make a difference, and work hand in hand to ensure that the youth of Meserani have the resources needed to create a bigger and brighter future for themselves.

**All book donations will be made at the front office for UWC or handed to the service council for SCIS students. **
** They will be donated to KCEM (Kituo Cha Elimu Meserani).**
**Books donated can be in English, Kiswahili, or low-level French.
**They must be legal, and cannot promote same-sex relationships, or sex ed, as this is illegal in Tanzania.**
**The English books donated can be of any level.**

Ebenezer Laltaika, M4

Suryanshu (M5) digital art piece

The M5 students are preparing for their upcoming Work Experience Week from May 22nd to May 26th. As part of their Life Skills program, they have been learning about work and careers, including identifying potential career opportunities and effectively describing their abilities and personal qualities that employers value.

The Work Experience Week is a valuable learning opportunity and a stepping stone towards their future careers. It allows students to network, build relationships with professionals in their fields of interest, and gain insights into different career paths. It also helps them make informed decisions about their future education and career goals.

By engaging in real-world work experiences, students are able to make the connection between theory and practice, making their learning experience more relevant and meaningful. It also helps them to build confidence, professionalism, and a sense of responsibility as they navigate a professional work environment.

In addition to classroom lessons, the students have been actively researching and identifying potential work placements for their work week. They are excited to apply their knowledge, skills, and personal qualities in a real-world setting. This experience will undoubtedly be a significant milestone in their academic and professional journey, helping them shape their future career paths and prepare for challenges and opportunities.

Miss Delphine, Life Skills

This morning some of the D2 students started their official IB Diploma examinations with paper 1 for Business Management (see image above)! The May 2023 IB Diploma exams will last until Thursday the 18th May. As a new rule this year, the IB imposes a specific starting time for both morning and afternoon exams. Fortunately for our students, the morning exams never start before 10am for our school!
We wish them all the best for the next three weeks!

In the meantime, the D1s must continue to work on their Extended Essay (EE) and some of them have already submitted a promising outline of their research paper and met with their supervisor for their formal EE session. Following that formal meeting, they must write a short reflection, which will be submitted to the IB with their EE next year.
In some subjects (Sciences), they have also started their Internal Assessment (IA) which will count towards 15-30% of their final mark for the IB, depending on the subject. Although these will not be submitted to the IB until the next academic year, it is important for students to follow the teachers’ internal deadlines, to avoid feeling overwhelmed next year when they have to complete the IA in other subjects, submit their TOK essay, their final EE and complete their university applications.

Miss Nathalie, DP Co-ordinator

Sarah Alfonso and I (Doreen Ngemera) had an eventful April break and are pictured above at our creative writing workshop

As two passionate writers, Sarah being a skilled poet, and myself, a published author with a flair for creative writing, we collaborated to organize an exceptional two-day creative writing workshop for 18 teenagers aged 14-18 years in Dar es Salaam. The workshop’s theme, “My Voice, My Conviction,” was part of my TeensMeet initiative, which I love to do during my school breaks.

Our goal for the workshop was to help young aspiring authors hone their creative writing skills and write compelling poems or stories about challenges facing children in our communities. We were blown away by the participants’ enthusiasm and creativity throughout the workshop. It was truly a pleasure to see them grow as writers and feel empowered to use their voices to address important issues.

To celebrate their hard work, we plan to compile all of the participants’ stories into a booklet and submit it to several noteworthy organizations, including UNICEF, Plan International, UNA Tanzania, and the Tanzanian Minister of Women, Gender, Children, and Community Development in June during the summer break.

The two-day workshop was certainly an interactive and engaging experience, as can be seen in the photos. The young writers were brimming with energy, eager to absorb knowledge and refine their writing skills. We are confident that our workshop not only empowered the participants to discover and harness their voices but also instilled in them the ability to bring attention to important issues through their writing.

By Doreen (D1) and Sarah (D1)

The D2 students concluded their Life Skills program with a remarkable showcase of innovative and creative projects. The event featured diverse projects, including Maji Safi, the Sustainable Committee team, Dunia Mmoja, Hoops for Hope, UWCEA Community Garden, The Yearbook, and a UWCEA go-kart that have left a lasting impact on our campus and the community.

Students presented their projects to staff, fellow students, and community members, demonstrating the depth of their knowledge, skills, and passion. The showcase was not only a platform for sharing their projects but also a celebration of their achievements and the legacy they are leaving behind, which will continue to inspire others.

The event also provided our graduating class with the opportunity to pass on these memorable projects to future generations of students, ensuring that their impact will continue to be felt in the years to come. As they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their time here, we have no doubt that they will continue to make a positive impact in their future endeavours.

We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and are confident that they will carry forward the spirit of innovation and creativity as they pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.

Congratulations to the D2 students for their outstanding achievements and for leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the future generations of students at our campus. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to their continued success.

Miss Delphine, Life Skills

Let the Celebrating and Decision Making Begin

The Class of 2023 Has Much to Celebrate. Last week we enjoyed recognizing the impactful projects that our D2s have been involved in at our Legacy Fair on Monday. Then on Tuesday (see collage above), we started to learn more about where our graduates are headed after they walk the stage at their ceremony on 20 May. Their achievements continue to impress as they have earned more than $5 million USD in scholarships (so far) for their first year of study. In addition, we have students with exciting plans to pursue a wide range of experiences outside of the classroom setting. We look forward to celebrating their destinations over the next month, so stay tuned to the newsletter and school social media to join us in cheering on the Class of 2023 as they prepare for the next chapter in their journey through this thing called life. 1 May is Decision Day for the US and some other institutions, so we wish the undecided students all the best as they finalize their decision over the weekend, and encourage them to use all resources available to help them make the best decision for their situation.

In addition, I hope the Class of 2024 (and 2025, 2026…) is paying close attention because soon it will be their turn to celebrate. There is a lot to be done between now and then, and this is why every D1 should be preparing for their second meeting with me this quarter. Students have been given some assignments to complete prior to our second meeting, and are encouraged to utilize Maia Learning and the UWCEA Careers website to make the most of this critical time in their post-secondary planning process. Parents and guardians, we have scheduled the second part of the presentation we did last month, and look forward to seeing you virtually as we delve into global admissions and opportunities. Please see the information below in the Upcoming Events section, and plan to attend all relevant events.

Busy Season Has Begun

This is the time of year when institutions around the world are back in high gear for recruitment. They are either trying to seal the deal with students they have offered admission to, or they have begun to encourage students to consider them for upcoming admissions cycles. Please stay tuned to this section for an increasing number of events coming your way.

UPCOMING College and University Events

1 May: Decision Day (US and some other institutions around the globe) This is the day that applicants must confirm/deposit their final choice for enrollment in the fall.
3 May: 4:00-7:00 PM EAT Study in Europe (EU) Fair Information/Registration link: https://www.meetyoo.live/register/1/DAAD-Study-in-Europe-Virtual-Fair-Africa
6 May: 7:30-11:00 AM EAT SAT in Moshi (See uwcea.org/tests for more information)
9 May: 7:30-8:30 PM Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute virtual presentation for UWCEA – focus on international student financial aid
Registration Link (and see flyer below): https://apply.clarku.edu/register/?id=948c448b-3fb7-41ea-aaa7-60d4a3ce31b8
10 May: University of Edinburgh (Scotland) presentation for UWCEA about applying to the UK (see flyer below)
23 May: 7:30 PM IN PERSON Arusha Campus (Performance Assembly) Pomona College, Swarthmore College, and Williams College (Three Davis UWC Partner Institutions highly selective liberal arts colleges and essay writing.)
24 May: 7:30-8:30 PM EAT Part II: D1 Parent/Guardian Presentation: Preparing for the Global College Application Process
3 June: 7:30-11:00 AM EAT SAT in Moshi (See uwcea.org/tests for more information)
9 June: AM Arusha and PM Moshi Amherst College in person visit

Keep exploring and celebrating!

Cassandra Ford
College and Career Counselor

cassandraford@uwcea.org