UWCEA/ISM Alumni Bulletin – Issue 3

Dear UWC East Africa/ISM Alumni,

We are back at school!

Over the last couple of months, our team has had the joy of reconnecting with many of you, both face-to-face and online. We truly enjoyed hearing your stories and making new connections along the way. Now, as a new school year begins, our campuses are alive again with fresh energy and new faces joining our community.

We’d also love to keep the conversation going. If you’d like to catch up with us, please feel free to schedule a call at a time that works best for you:

 https://calendar.app.google/icNFp7pAsvMnptmy9

There’s so much happening here that one email could never capture it all. That’s why we’ve put together this alumni bulletin to share what’s going on at school and highlight the initiatives you can be part of. Enjoy!

With warmest wishes, the advancement team

School Profile 2025 – 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Rhona Regina Sinamtwa (Class of 2019)

Can you share your journey, achievements and the passions that drive you?       

I immersed myself in opportunities that allowed me to explore solutions to real-world challenges. One of the first major stepping stones was the Hult Prize competition, where I pitched a solution focused on tackling textile waste management in Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam. This experience not only sharpened my understanding of sustainable design and entrepreneurship, but also deepened my passion for circular economy approaches in Africa.

I then joined the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre for East Africa (Cohort 56)—an empowering experience that connected me with brilliant changemakers across the region. I loved every moment of it. Through YALI, I refined my leadership approach and got to pitch my textile waste solution as part of the Public Management track, strengthening both my impact vision and my network.

Professionally, I pursued placements with a think tank and later an insurance company, where I worked on sustainable development and corporate sustainability, respectively. These experiences broadened my practical knowledge of ESG, policy, and the business side of sustainability—helping me connect strategy with action.

My focus lies in niche sustainable development guidance, strategic thinking, and research. I’m especially driven to create locally rooted solutions for communities in the Global South, where the need for thoughtful, transformative change is both urgent and full of potential.

What do you cherish the most about your ISM/UWCEA experience? 

What I cherish most about my ISM/UWCEA experience is the people—the incredible friends I made during D1 and D2. The connections, shared experiences, and deep conversations we had helped shape who I am today. It was more than just school—it was a community that inspired, challenged, and supported me in ways I’ll always carry with me.

Type of Achievement: Scholarship

Please provide the name of the distinction you received:

Onesimus Award Recipient (2023) award for exemplifying faithful, dedicated service to the wellbeing of the Augustana Faculty, University of Alberta, International Student Scholarship Recipient (2021, 2020, & 2022) for superior academic achievement entering their first undergraduate degree program, studying on a Student Visa Permit with a Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the previous academic year.

Awarding Organization:  Which organization awarded you this honor?                 All were from University of Alberta.

When did you receive this achievement? 06/05/2023

Provide a brief overview of your career or academic journey leading to this achievement: 

During my undergraduate years at the University of Alberta, I actively sought out opportunities to learn beyond the classroom—earning a certificate in sustainability and engaging in projects aligned with my passion for environmental justice and strategy. I also made it a priority to reach out to professors and peers, which helped me build meaningful academic and professional connections. These relationships became incredibly valuable—not just for learning, but also in helping me secure job opportunities and strengthen my network in the sustainability space.

Coincidentally, during my undergrad, I came across the Onyx Initiative—a program designed to support Black students in accessing professional workspaces. Through Onyx, I received coaching, resume support, and mentorship, and was able to build relationships that continue to support me to this day. That experience further reinforced the power of community, guidance, and representation in shaping successful and sustainable career paths.

Currently, I’m continuing this journey through a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Ottawa, where I’m deepening my understanding of sustainable development, policy, and strategic implementation.

How did your education at ISM/UWCEA contribute to this achievement?

The IB Programme taught me how to manage expectations, stay organized, and think critically. It also helped me become more confident in communicating my needs and being forward about my goals—skills that have been invaluable ever since. 

Summer Highlights: Alumni Gatherings & Reunions

Umoja Short Course – June 30th to July 9th

This summer, the UMOJA Short Course welcomed 29 incredible participants from across the globe. Over 10 inspiring days, they built community, celebrated cultural diversity, and explored their own identities. Through workshops, discussions, and shared experiences, they formed friendships and gained perspectives that will last a lifetime.

The group embraced adventure and challenge by hiking to the stunning Materuni Waterfalls. They explored both our Arusha and Moshi campuses, soaking up the energy and spirit of the UWC experience. Together, they unforgettable bonding moments.

UMOJA also brought learning to life through hands-on engagement. Participants worked on a community project at our local school nursery and joined thought-provoking workshops on the environment, gender and identity, digital activism, and conflict resolution. Each experience strengthened their skills, expanded their perspectives, and deepened their connection to the values we share as a global community.

Tanzania National Committee Visit – July 13th to 16th

This July, we hosted the very first Tanzania National Committee orientation for the 2025 student intake on our Moshi campus.

The Tanzania National Committee is a volunteer group of alumni that promotes UWC in Tanzania, selects students on merit, and helps make UWC education accessible through scholarships. They brought together the newly selected students to get a taste of campus life before heading to their UWC schools around the world.

It was a special moment; students connected, shared stories, and formed their very first UWC friendships right here on Moshi grounds. For us, it was equally meaningful: a chance to welcome them into the UWC family and to strengthen the ties between the National Committee and UWCEA. We hope this is just the beginning of many more collaborations in the years ahead.

London Reunion – July 24th 

In July, Anna, our School Director, met with a group of about 20 alumni living in and around London for an evening of connection and conversation. A highlight was Anna’s briefing on what’s happening at UWCEA today, bridging the past and the present. The evening was made even more special by the presence of one of our oldest alums, reminding everyone just how deep and lasting our school community runs.

Finland Reunion – July 26th

This summer, the Finland alumni group came together once again in Helsinki for their annual reunion; a tradition that beautifully bridges generations.

Anna, our School Director, was able to join for a short visit, bringing warm greetings and updates from ISM/UWCEA. She shared what’s happening at the school today and some of the important initiatives underway, helping everyone feel connected back to campus life.

From Anna’s perspective: “It was funny to hear everyone talking about ISM and to think what had and had not changed. I think the similarities to the school today far outweigh the differences. Also, to think about how we can plan for a reunion in Tanzania for the school’s 60th birthday in 2029 was exciting.”

The gathering was a lovely reminder of how much this school still means to so many. Old memories mixed with new laughter, and the idea of meeting again in Tanzania for the 60th anniversary in 2029 made those ties feel even stronger.  

Watch the First-Ever UWC-Inspired Film & Support UWCEA

We’re thrilled to share something special with our ISM and UWCEA family. BEFORE WE FORGET is a new feature film from UWC alum Juan Pablo Di Pace and Academy Award nominee Andrés Pepe Estrada.

While it’s the first-ever film inspired by life at UWC, the heart of the story; memory, love, friendship, and finding where you belong, is something we know resonates just as strongly with our ISM alumni. Many of us may not have worn the UWC name during our ISM years, but the spirit, community, and ideals we lived by are the same.

Here’s the best part: by watching, you’re helping our school. This private screening is your chance to see the film before it’s released to the public. It’s already won 14 international awards, including Best Film and Audience Choice, and is on track to become a cultural milestone.

For a suggested donation of $25, you’ll receive a private streaming code, and 100% of your gift will go toward growing our Endowment Fund.

To Watch and Support:

1. Go to https://www.patagoniabrightfutures.org/before-we-forget-duino

2. Make a donation of $25+

3. Choose UWC East Africa

4. Receive your private streaming link from Kinema and enjoy the film anytime

Let’s come together around this beautiful story and help pass the UWC journey forward to more students. 

As we are starting a new academic year we are excited to announce that this year’s 24-Hour Run will take place on September 12–13, 2025.

The 24-Hour Run is one of UWC EA’s most cherished traditions. It’s a day and night of fun, endurance, and community spirit, all in support of scholarships for students. For 24 hours, our students, staff, parents, and friends will come together to move around the track, building momentum with every lap to raise vital funds for life-changing educational opportunities.

This year, we are running with a clear purpose: to raise $30,000 for a Tanzanian scholarship. Even more exciting, Shelby Davis will match your donations by funding an additional scholarship. This means your support will have double the impact.

We warmly invite our alumni community to get involved:

Join us in person on campus.

• Sign up and collect pledges with a team of fellow alumni.
• Join in the festivities and participate in our side activities.

Support the event by contributing.

• 24Hr Run Online Fundraising Campaign
• Support one of the students in a team by pledging per lap or just a general donation.

Run in solidarity from wherever you are in the world!

Together, we can make this year’s 24-Hour Run the most impactful yet. Creating not life-changing scholarship opportunities.

The Time is Now! 

Celebrating Our Community: Alumni and Teachers Who Returned

Elisha Jaffer (pic left) grew up in Dar es Salaam and has been a PYP, MYP and DP student herself. She attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, for her undergraduate degree, and the University of Auckland for her Diploma in Elementary Education. She has since worked in schools in Tanzania and Canada. She returns to Moshi Campus after being gone for three years, just in time to take on the PYP Exhibition with the same students she taught before she left. Elisha says, “Being back at UWCEA is like being home. From the moment I left Moshi Campus, all I wanted to do was come back. I left my heart here“. Elisha hopes for this year to be the best year yet, taking on a new challenge as the P6 teacher. She’s excited and nervous to journey through the PYP Exhibition and looks forward to finding out who’s more nervous on PYPX Day – her, the parents, or the students.

Faiza Somji (class of 2016) (pic right) says: “Coming back to ISM as a teacher is like coming home to a community that shaped who I am. This is the place where my love for learning was nurtured, and where the spark for teaching first began during a CAS project tutoring students at Magereza School. That experience opened my eyes to the joy of helping others grow, and it planted the seed for the career I have today. It’s a privilege to give back to the same halls that once inspired me, and to walk alongside the next generation as they discover their own passions. My hope for our students is that they leave with the same sense of curiosity, courage, and compassion that will guide them through life, no matter where in the world they go”.

Register in Our Alumni Database – Stay Updated & Share Your Story

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

Jobs & Scholarship Opportunities