Moshi Campus News – 14 Jun 2025

Another year has come and gone. It is hard to believe, but it is true. At this time of year we want to celebrate the achievements of the year but also must say goodbye to everyone leaving.

So, congratulations to the D2 students for their hard work, I hope you take with you fond memories of Moshi and continue all your hard work in the next part of your lives.

To the M5 students, you have passed through one phase and will be entering the Diploma. Congratulations on your continued growth and we look forward to seeing you continue to shine in DP.

To the P6, you had a great year and a wonderful Exhibition. MYP will be a new world with new challenges (and new classmates) and I am sure you will approach it with gusto.
For all those students that competed in competitions of any kind, thank you for your hard work. It is the effort, not just the results, that define who you are.

To those that planned, organized and ran any type of event on campus, we appreciate your hard work. From plays, to International Day, to Markets, to Cultural Events, to Hashes and everything in-between, these events take hard work and make the campus better.

To the parents and staff especially, you tend to work behind the scenes and not in the spotlight. That does not mean we do not appreciate and see your efforts, thank you for your commitment to the students.

Now the goodbyes. We have a dedicated and talented group of teachers leaving us this year. While I will not list individual names and accomplishments here, they were noted last Thursday for what they have brought to Moshi and why we will miss them when they leave. It is a small world and while we may not see all of you again personally, I am sure that we will keep track of what happens with you next and we hope you keep in touch.

To the students and families heading on, we wish you all the best as well, know that it seems no one ever really leaves Moshi and so part of you will always be with us. You are always welcome back for a visit whether it is next year or 30 years from now. Good luck on your next adventure.

As we wrap up the year, please everyone enjoy the break, have fun and stay safe. We will see those of you coming back in August.

Bob Cofer

For seven years, I have tried to use my ‘corner’ of this newsletter to share reflections about ongoing learning, highlight specific events or share details of special days. Above all, I wanted to celebrate our collective achievements as a community. A community that remains part of something bigger, more significant and important than the sum of its parts. A community with a shared Mission and Vision for the future, a future where peace and sustainability are paramount.

If education can be a force to unite, we must accept that there also exists a counterforce pulling people, nations and cultures apart. I believe our job as a community is to focus on the forces that pull us together, not push us apart. This is what I have always strived to do.

We see the world differently based on where we are from and, so, we seek to shape it in a certain way based on where we think it is going. However, peace and sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation. We must never use our Guiding Statements to judge our shortcomings and they should remain a constant reminder, a bridge and a filter, for us to achieve our Mission. Even if that Mission seems unrealistic, it does not make it any less important.

To paraphrase Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC, we need to remember to continue to lean into discomfort, resist the urge to be cynical and remain open to the potential for change.

To all students, teachers, staff and families, past and present, I wish you nothing but the very best in your future endeavours. If you are also moving on, may you travel well and land softly. I hope that, like myself and my family, you have formed friendships and created memories that will last a lifetime. It has been an absolute pleasure and a genuine privilege. Until next time…asanteni sana.

Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus

The campus is quiet without the D2 students but the D1 students continued with their science projects, CAS interviews, TOK commentaries and residential workshops. Next week we will be wrapping up many of these aspects of the course. We are all looking forward to a well deserved break!

The diploma students will likely need to take some time to work on their Extended Essay over the break. The first semester of D2 is incredibly busy with University Applications and IA submissions, it is helpful to have some of their EE done. Of course, most important, however, is to rest, sleep well, eat and take a break. We want them to return with renewed energy for the last year of their high school.

Thank you to the M5 parents who attended our Information Evening this week. We will be in touch about subject selection over the next few weeks.

Safe travels, see you in August!

Catherine Dowie – Diploma Coordinator

Over the past day or two, every D1 student in the school has been taking part in the Collaborative Science Project, or CSP. The CSP is an investigative research task that requires students to combine two or more of the science subjects. Everyone is assigned into groups so that there is representation from as many science subjects as possible. This year, the theme for the prompts of the CSP is “Mythbusters”. Our brilliant PYPs used their curiosity and imaginations to come up with some great prompts for the D1s to investigate. Some great examples are; “why do some people get sick in cars or boats?” or “Is the 5 second rule true?”. The whole project will take 10 hours altogether, with time to plan, to take action in experimenting and then to present your findings. The CSP is a brilliant opportunity for students to see how every field of science impacts their everyday lives. As well as this, it gives them the opportunity to be curious and to learn more about other areas of knowledge they may have never given a thought before.
Rory

Dear UWCEA Community,

As the school year comes to a close, we find ourselves pausing, just for a moment, in the middle of all the suitcases, goodbyes, and travel plans, to take stock of what this year has meant.

It’s been a year of remarkable growth. We’ve watched students arrive unsure and a little wide-eyed, and leave taller, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. They’ve learned to do laundry (well, most of them), resolve conflicts (to an extent), look out for one another (100%), and speak up when something felt off (with no relent). They’ve laughed hard, cried openly, apologized when needed, and learned how to live together with empathy and respect. In the process, they’ve built something special: friendships rooted in care, trust, and shared experience. And for that, we’re deeply proud.

Our residential team, made up of people who go far beyond job descriptions, has been the quiet backbone of this growth. Through late-night check-ins, early morning rides, emergency grocery/food runs, spontaneous dance parties, and countless cups of coffee/tea, they’ve created the conditions in which young people could flourish. We are especially grateful to those members of staff who are moving on this year. Your contributions have left an imprint on this place and on the lives of the students you’ve cared for. Thank you for your kindness, your guidance, and your commitment. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you all the very best in your next chapter.

As we wrap up the year, we’ve been spending time reflecting on what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and what we hope to carry forward. These final weeks are filled with heartfelt conversations, shared meals, and moments that remind us why this work matters. At the same time, we’re already thinking ahead. We’re planning, imagining, and preparing for how to make next year even better, more intentional, more connected, more rooted in the values we hold dear.

To every student, staff member, Uja family, and parent: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, your honesty, and your belief in community.

Have a restful, joyful break, and can’t wait to see what next year brings.

Best,
Adnan Mackovic – Head of Residential Life

Would you believe it? This is the last newsletter of the academic year, and somehow, it’s been the longest and shortest year all at once. It’s a bit bittersweet, isn’t it? Personally, I can’t wait for summer, for home, and for a little time to disconnect… but after months of running on the energy of school life, it’s strangely quiet when the hustle and bustle quiets down.

A massive thank you to everyone who made MYP happen this year, whether in a big spotlight or quietly behind the scenes. To our amazing teachers, supportive parents and guardians, tireless admin, and superhero support staff: thank you, and of course my favorite characters in our MYP stories: the students! If I listed everything that went on this year, we’d still be reading this newsletter next Tuesday, so just trust me when I say a lot happened. Every little piece came together like a puzzle, and voilà…we’ve wrapped up another year.

To all our MYP students who are moving on to new adventures, we wish you nothing but the best. You’ll be missed dearly, and we hope you carry a little piece of UWCEA with you, wherever you go. And to the teachers who are also saying goodbye, thank you for everything. Your impact lingers far beyond your classroom walls. Keep our story with you, as we’ll keep yours with us.

So, with this puzzle complete, we’re already looking forward to the next. Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with laughter, rest, and just the right amount of adventure. See you soon…same place, slightly more tanned.

A Special Thank You – Mr. Ben
As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to thank Mr. Ben for everything he has brought to the MYP. From his unwavering support to his calm, steady presence, and all the laughter and perspective he’s offered along the way… your impact has been deeply felt across the programme.

Whether through your guidance, your teamwork, or simply the reassuring sound of Mr. Ben’s voice echoing across campus (you know the one!), you’ve left your mark. You’ll be missed, but your voice and spirit will always be part of the MYP halls.

We wish you all the best on your next chapter…you’ve truly earned every good thing that comes your way.

Highlights of the Week!
Our M4 students wrapped up their End of Year assessments…no small feat! Their resilience, focus, and determination carried them through a packed few days of thinking, writing, analyzing (and probably a little snacking in between). Well done for pushing through and finishing strong!

Meanwhile, M1 played host to our fabulous P6 students during Move-Up Day! It was a full, collaborative day of fun and MYP immersion. From sharing tips to answering questions (yes, even the tricky ones!), M1 students were thoughtful, engaged, and genuine advocates for the programme. They showcased not only their growing understanding of the MYP framework, but also their ability to support others in transitioning smoothly. P6, welcome to MYP! We’re so excited to have you join the adventure.

And because the MYP spirit never slows down, M1–M4 also kicked off their Days of Giving Back. Students rolled up their sleeves at three local schools here in Moshi, sanding, scrubbing, and prepping walls to be painted bright and fresh on Monday and Tuesday. A huge shoutout to them for showing that even in the final weeks of school, there’s always something meaningful (and a little bit epic) going on!

MYP Dates to Remember

• June 16th & 17th – Days of Giving Back for M1, M2, M3 & M4
• June 19th – Classes End at 12:10 pm and Reports Sent Out

Have a wonderful Summer!
Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator

Mark your calendar: 12–13 September

It’s time to start building your team (up to 12 people) and get creative with fundraising!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Ask friends or family with businesses to sponsor you
• Set up a donation jar at a local shop or café
• Sell snacks, crafts, or secondhand books
• Run a mini bake sale or car wash
• Offer helpful services like dog walking, tutoring, or chores for donations

We’re also looking for ideas and feedback on merchandise for this year’s event! Please take a moment to fill out this quick form; your input means a lot.

Remember: “Every lap you run helps someone take their first step into a brighter future.”

Please note that after school clubs have now finished and all children should leave campus at the end of classes unless they are eating in the dining hall. No primary child should be on campus after 2pm unless accompanied by their own adult as no afternoon playground supervision is provided.

We all enjoyed the P6 move up ceremony on Thursday. The P6 class then spent the day with M1 and the remaining primary children spent some time in the class they will be part of in August.

On Friday morning the P2 – 6 children had a lovely time playing sport in the sunshine. Thank you to Jack Dowie for being the inspiration behind this event and for Coach T for making it possible. Thank you also to Coach Patrick helping to referee the football and Dr. Wade Morris for giving up his time to referee the basketball.

It is not too late to send in food donations for the Amani Centre for Street children. We welcome your donations of beans, rice, flour, tea and sugar. There is a box outside the P4/5 classroom (Room 16). The P4/5 class will be visiting the centre on Monday to hand over the donations.

The week ahead:

Wednesday 18th June

• The children should wear PE clothes.
• 7:40 am Gathering in Rafiki to say goodbye to the PYP children who are leaving UWCEA.
• 8:10am Fun sports on the pitch (balloon throwing, sack races etc.) If a child does not feel well enough to run around they do not need to participate, they can watch.
• 10:10 – Break followed by time in class.
• 11:30 – Picnic in Dr. Anna’s garden to say goodbye to leaving primary teachers. All parents are welcome. Please bring a dish of food to share. Note that the starting time is earlier than previously advertised.
• 1:10 – Children go home.

Thursday, 19th June:

• Class parties – teachers will share details.
• 12:10pm finishing time

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all parents for the support you have given the primary school this year and particular thanks to those who helped out in classrooms or ran an after school club.

To our departing students: Uma, Luana, Milo, Anne, Eliza, Nicholas and families – we have loved having you here with us at UWCEA. Good luck in the future and please keep in touch with us.

To our departing primary school staff (and honorary staff): Pearl, Natasha, Heloise, Julieth and Ben – thank you for the countless hours you have given to the primary school to ensure it is a happy and productive place in which the children can thrive. We wish you happiness in your next adventures and hope you will come back for a visit one day.

We still have 4 days of classes left but that time will fly by so I will say now that I hope that everyone enjoys the break and look forward to seeing the children return to campus on Monday, 11th August for a 7:30am start.

Deborah Mills – PYP Coordinator

 

This past week, as we reflected on our past trip, the children shared some questions, which led us to research camels. They busted one myth that a camel’s hump stores water. They drew fantastic pictures of camels, which we will share in the coming week.

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on our learning journey, say a few goodbyes, and see you soon. This coming week, we will complete reflection questions on this school year and share hopes for the coming new one. P1s are excited about their move to P2, and they will have a lot to share with me and Ms. Kacey.

Please do not forget to read the PYP portion of this newsletter, which will highlight next week’s activities.

Ms. Neema, Mr. Leonard, and I would like to extend a big thank you to all of you for collaborating with us this school year. It has been one of learning, growing and making friendships. We look forward to being with all the remaining students next year and adding more students to our class community. Already, we have exciting new plans inspired by the superhero craze in our classroom. We wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday, full of wonderful memories.

Mboka Mwasongwe

Oh my, what a week. With only 2 students on Monday and 4 on Tuesday, we wondered if we were going to grow by doubling each day or only at a pattern of +2. We didn’t even make it to the +2 pattern as Wednesday and Thursday held steady at only 6 students. The sun came out in time for the fun sports morning on Friday and we had a solid 8 students who were eager to be outside together. In class, we proceeded with our studies of African folk tales. The artwork in the photo is based on the Anansi stories from West Africa.  I’m so sorry for the yuckiness many kids were enduring this week and I’m hopeful that we’ll be back in class on Monday.

Our Monday and Tuesday will be standard days except that there will be no clubs. Be sure to return any library or classroom books on Monday please. On Wednesday, we are looking forward to the fun sports day and the farewell picnic! On Thursday, we’d like to have a small celebration of the year. On both of these days, it would be nice to send in some snacks to share. There is so much to be grateful for about this year together. Thank you for all of the support.

Kacey Buckley

Please send in a large bag to school on Monday so that the children can take books home. We have started sorting through trays and packing up equipment in the classroom (see photo)

On Monday we will visit the Amani Centre for Street Children. We will deliver our collection of food donations and will learn about how this wonderful NGO supports children by providing a home, emotional care, food, education and medical support to vulnerable children. Please send in some food donations if you have not already done so.

On Monday evening the children are welcome to enjoy a class sleepover. We hope to have a campfire and enjoy a movie. Details have been sent home.

The details of Wednesday’s fun sports morning are shared in the PYP newsletter.

On Thursday the children will enjoy a small class party to celebrate the end of the school year. Please send in a small amount of food to share.

Marilize Buchanan gave up time each week to run cooking activities with the P4/5 class. The children’s end of semester reviews make it clear how much they enjoyed this activity. Thank you Marilize. We wish you a happy return to South Africa and will miss you next year.

Deborah Mills

And just like that… we have come to the end of another school year. To all P6 parents, residential parents, and of course P6 themselves — thank you for making this year so special. It has been a privilege to teach your children, watch them grow, and celebrate their achievements alongside you. Your support, encouragement, and kindness have been truly appreciated.

On Thursday, we celebrated the P6 Moving Up Ceremony in Rafiki Hall. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on P6s PYP journey and bid them farewell as they transition to MYP. Ms. Deborah presented the Certificates of Completion in the PYP and Ms. Farah warmly welcomed them into MYP. The ceremony ended with a beautiful ‘PYP’ rendition of “Once I Was Four Years Old,” a fitting tribute to their time in the Primary School.

On Friday, we held our first PYP Interclass Sports Competition. Well done to Jack for being so proactive and suggesting we have one.
And with that, I thank you once again for a wonderful year. I hope that you have a very restful and enjoyable holiday break.

Natasha Berri

Hill Yeah! From Peaks to Pitches: Celebrating a Year of Outdoor Triumphs

The final OP trip of the year to Mount Longido was a great success. All 42 students reached the summit and safely returned to camp after spending 11 hours on the hill. It was a long but rewarding day, with stunning views stretching across Tanzania and Kenya – making all the effort worthwhile. Please read Rory’s (D1) review below.

As the OP program draws to a close, the team has crunched the numbers on a fantastic year of adventure. At the end-of-year assembly, we shared the following statistics on trips involving Moshi Campus students:

• OP trips this year: 25
• Number of students on trips: 240
• Number of individual students involved: 141
• Students who slept on a bus: 141
• Days out of school: 89
• Meals cooked: 242
• Students who climbed Kilimanjaro: 30
• Certified Open Water Divers: 14
• Certified Advanced Divers: 4
• Most popular trip: North Pare (46 participants – we had to run it twice!)
• Most trips by a single student: 7
• Bus breakdowns: 1
• Hospital admissions: 0 (YES!)
• Memories made: Countless

But it’s not just about Secondary school! It has been wonderful supporting Primary classes this quarter, with some students experiencing their first night away from home and their first camping adventure. Future adventurers are certainly in the making. Next year, the plan is to continue this by offering an OP Day trip for all PYP classes in addition to their camps.

Overall, it’s been a great year full of Kili-fying adventures, epic treks, and uns-peak-able moments. From bus naps to mountaintops, we’ve truly gone the extra mile (and vertical metre!). The OP team would like to pitch you all a heartfelt thanks and wish everyone a trail-blazing summer filled with camp-tastic memories and wild outdoor adventures!

The OP Team
 

The Longido OP trip was certainly a challenging one, incorporating a hike up Longido and a descent on the same day. However, the group of us there made the whole process highly enjoyable. On the first day, we arrived at our campsite at the foot of the mountain and got everything prepared for the next day. The climb itself was a long one, up a constantly steep slope. Throughout the day I was amazed at the beauty of the mountain and the views from it. Every now and then during the ascent, both Kilimanjaro and Meru could be seen from the mountainside. The summit itself was an adrenaline filled one, as we were faced with a section of metal rungs stuck into the rock face. After a breathtaking view from the summit of Longido, we began the descent. Our journey back was hindered somewhat by rain, but it did not diminish the enjoyment any of us got from the climb. After a long 11 hour hike in total, the whole group was relieved to get some rest back at camp. Mount Longido is certainly a beautiful OP trip, and thanks to the guides and OP team, the hike itself is really enjoyable. I would definitely encourage anyone to do this trip.

Rory