Mobile Navigation

Alumni News: October 2024 Edition


Welcome to the October edition of Alumni News! Scroll below to check out our latest stories!

Mohamed Al-Jabry ‘24: Paying it forward

After his graduation last May, Tanzanian scholar Mohamed wasted no time in setting up an NGO in his hometown of Shinyanga to empower youths through education and public speaking. He launched Al-Jabry Education Initiative over the summer and held a debate tournament to nurture the next generation of articulate, informed, and confident leaders capable of contributing to the community's long-term development.

Never one to stay still, Mohamed was part of the Scholar Mentorship Programme when it first started and was driven to make change in his hometown at the first chance he gets. Having just started at Bates College last August, we checked in with Mohamed to learn more about his summer endeavours.

Walk us through your journey in setting up Al-Jabry Education Initiative (AEI) in your hometown. What were the key highlights from the Shinyanga Open Debate Competition?

My journey to founding the Al-Jabry Education Initiative (AEI) in Shinyanga began with a commitment to improving critical thinking and public speaking opportunities for young people. Upon returning to Tanzania, I noticed many students were still stuck in rote learning, lacking platforms to express themselves and develop leadership skills. This inspired me to create a space that would expose them to new opportunities.

The key highlight from the Shinyanga Open Debate Competition was witnessing the transformation of students who, at the beginning, were shy and hesitant but gradually grew more confident in articulating their ideas. Through various initiatives, including trainings, school tours, and competitions, we have impacted around 2,400 students, and their passion and engagement have showcased the immense potential lying unutilized in our community. This competition was not just about debating—it was about giving students a voice and a space to grow intellectually, empowering them to express themselves and connect with others in meaningful ways.

AEI directly addresses the needs of Shinyanga, fostering an environment where students can explore their potential, broaden their perspectives, and gain the confidence to lead, contributing to the community's long-term development.

You went from graduating in May to setting up an NGO over the summer before starting university in August. Tell us about your journey.

After graduating from UWCSEA, I returned to Tanzania with a clear mission: to make a meaningful impact during the three months before starting university. This was my opportunity to dive into a project that had been close to my heart. I wanted to create something that would empower others and address the challenges faced by my community. This desire sparked the founding of the Al-Jabry Education Initiative (AEI). Through AEI, I aimed to open doors for young people, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills that are often overlooked in traditional education. This journey has not only allowed me to contribute to my community but has also been a transformative experience, pushing me to learn, grow, and challenge myself in ways I never expected.

You just started at Bates. What are your fields of study and what are your plans after?

I’ve just started my journey at Bates College, where I’m exploring a double major in Economics and Engineering, along with a minor in Computer Science. Being in this new academic environment has already connected me with individuals who offer valuable perspectives that can greatly enhance AEI’s mission. I am actively managing AEI remotely with a dedicated team of five in Shinyanga, while constantly learning new strategies to drive its growth. In the coming years, my goal is to expand AEI’s reach to multiple regions across Tanzania, increase its impact, and ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, I plan to host national debate competitions and implement other educational improvements to promote critical thinking and engagement on a broader scale.

Can you recall any specific teachers, activities, classes, or other experiences at UWCSEA that helped shape where you are now?

During my time at UWCSEA, I met an incredible parent who truly saw my strengths when I couldn’t fully appreciate them. One moment that stands out to me is when I was working on my university applications. She told me, “You have everything you need to succeed; just believe in yourself Mohamed.” That simple statement gave me the confidence I needed. She was more than just a mentor; she became a friend and a guiding figure, always encouraging me to embrace who I am and strive for my goals. Her support made a real difference in my journey and her faith in me inspired me to reach for my dreams.

Anything you’d like to promote and/or include a call to action. A message to current scholars at UWCSEA.

I want to encourage all UWCSEA scholars to push beyond their comfort zones and embrace the full potential of their imaginations. Don’t let your dreams stay dreams—take action on them, even after your time at UWC. The skills, values, and experiences you've gained in UWC are just the beginning. Keep challenging yourself, and always strive to make a meaningful impact in whatever you pursue.

Follow AEI on Instagram: @aei_tanzania

Juliette Bruce (Digonnet) ‘05: Adding a bit of magic to mealtimes

Ever needed to cool down a piping hot soup for the kids at dinner time? When Juliette couldn’t find a child-friendly product in the market, she decided to create one herself. After months of research and design, the CoolaWand® was born. It’s BPA-free, reusable, and adds a fun twist to mealtime for kids and adults alike. What an innovative solution!

Juliette shares her inspiration:

As a parent, I wanted to create a product that not only solves the everyday challenge of cooling down food but also makes mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable. CoolaWand® is all about combining functionality with a bit of whimsy to bring a smile to both kids and parents.

Now she hopes to bring CoolaWand® to families everywhere! Having launched a Kickstarter page to fund her first production run, we reached out to her recently to hear the story behind CoolaWand® and her journey since UWCSEA!

After graduating from UWCSEA in 2005 with a focus on Art and Drama, I attended an Art foundation school in London to explore my path in Design. UWC nurtured my passion for visual storytelling, leading me to fall in love with Theatre design. I was admitted to Central St Martins for Scenography and graduated in 2009. Rather than pursuing an MA, I dove straight into work, applying my skills in costumes, set design, advertising, brand events, and retail design across London, Shanghai, and Dubai. I now work remotely for a leading agency from The Hague, designing for prestigious global brands. My connection to UWC remains strong, as my husband works in international schools and we often discuss its formative impact on me.

Can you recall any specific teachers, other people, classes, or other experiences at UWCSEA that helped shape where you are now?

I have such fond memories of my time at UWC, where every teacher left a lasting impact. My friendships, too, have stood the test of time—Anna Hazlett is now my third child’s godmother. The teacher who had the most impact on me was Jonathan Carter. His passion, knowledge, and dedication shaped my career, especially through Higher Drama. The magical performances he organised with his students were unparalleled, even compared to what I see today in much larger schools. He gave everything to his students, he was tough, pushing us to our full potential—a rare quality that I deeply appreciate. My English teacher, Mr. Morley, is also on my mind today. He wasn’t just an excellent educator, but a true beacon of multicultural understanding and navigating the complexities of third-culture identity.

Walk us through the process of creating the CoolaWand®.

It all started one evening while trying to cool down my children’s soup. Frustrated by their complaints, I grabbed my husband’s whiskey stones from the freezer. They worked, but weren’t practical. That’s when the idea for a magic wand that could stir ice-like stones was born. When I realised nothing like it existed on the market, I began designing it and seeking product design agencies. Initially, I envisioned it as a product for independent stores to support local shopping, but soon realised I needed to build a brand and market first. Now, the biggest challenge is securing the funds for moulds and the first production run—we’re almost ready to go!

Your 20-year reunion will be in Singapore in August 2025! What are you looking forward to the most?

For me, reunions are about reconnecting with familiar faces and sharing meaningful moments together. Whether in London, Abu Dhabi, or Amsterdam, every UWC reunion I’ve attended has had a special atmosphere, united by the unique bond we all share. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this incredible family and looking forward to feeling this again. I’m also looking forward to going back to Singapore too. I haven't been back since 2017.

Watch the whole story!

We’re excited to launch our Kickstarter campaign for Coolawand on 10 October, and I’d love the support of my fellow alumni! Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps bring Coolawand to life–it’s all about coming together to make this happen

Check out the Kickstarter page

We’re also on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. As someone who’s not great with social media, I’d really appreciate any likes, comments, and shares to help spread the word!

Mr. Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?

Former Art Teacher Mr. Teo is once again making waves in Singapore’s art scene with his latest exhibition at the National Gallery. On display until February 2025, this collection highlights the chaotic beauty of art crafted from repurposed materials.

A recipient of the prestigious Cultural Medallion in 1986, Mr. Teo's work reflects his playful yet poignant take on global issues. And if you’re curious to know how he answered his own exhibition question – he responded simply: “Am I happy? I’m happy anywhere.”

It’s no wonder that alumni were thrilled to reconnect with him at Dover Campus' milestone Reunion in August. Always a joy to see the connection between teachers and their former students at our alumni gatherings!

Naomi Schulberg ‘19: From an Extended Essay to a published academic paper

Having led the Rainforest Restoration Project during her UWCSEA days, Naomi's Extended Essay on a nursery experiment conducted at the Dover Campus has now been published as a full academic paper by the National University of Singapore. It may have taken five years, but it's inspiring to see how the seeds planted at UWCSEA flourish into remarkable achievements.Nathan Hunt, former UWCSEA Director of Sustainability, with whom she collaborated on many High School on initiatives with, gives a little more insight:

The research was based on a seedling nursery experiment Naomi did as part of UWCSEA's Rainforest Restoration Project, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore. Both organisations are committed to the conservation of Singapore's incredible biodiversity and this partnership offers great opportunities for making academic requirements directly relevant to the UWC mission.

Naomi is currently pursuing a PhD in Dendrochronology at the University of Minnesota, where she is researching how trees respond to climate change. Looks like the start of a prolific journey for her!

Sofia Robleda ‘05: Fantasy novel debut

This book of my heart was five years in the making, a diverse story that got too many rejections, but made it here in the end.

Sofia’s novel of historical fiction, Daughter of Fire, tells the story of a young mixed-race woman in 16th-century Guatemala, who struggles with her identity as she tries to preserve a crucial part of her heritage with the help of the man who would’ve been king if the Spanish had never come.

If you like books based on true events, strong Latin American characters, retellings of ancient myths, and a healthy dose of romance:

Grab your copy here!

Alanna Sethi ‘21: Hope carries on

Congrats to Alanna, who was recently named a Top 10 finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024. As the CEO and founder of HOPE (Helping Our Planet Earth), a youth-led non-profit organisation, Alanna is a passionate advocate for mental health and is dedicated to making mental health resources accessible to young people around the world.

Read on as Alanna takes us through her experience as one of the Top 10 Finalists!

Tell us about being a Top 10 Finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize.

The Chegg.org Global Student Prize offers the winner a $100,000 USD prize for being an exceptional student who has used their education to make a transformative impact on the lives of their peers, their community, and society at large. I am incredibly honoured to have been in the final shortlist as a Top 10 Finalist, and was selected from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries.

Any advice for those just feeling a bit stuck?

In a nutshell, we often get stuck in habit – whether it’s the same routine of procrastinating assignments or feeling unsatisfied with a job or volunteer role we’ve taken on. While habits can be really helpful at times, it’s easy to get trapped in them, leading us to feel restricted, unsatisfied and stuck. These patterns can also play a role in how we think for e.g, thinking about the same thing you’re stressed about on repeat. Neuroimaging shows that when we are depressed, our brain inhibits these areas that take in sensory information.

One way to build mental resilience to stressors and explore new solutions rather than getting stuck in habit is sensory foraging – the idea of tapping into your senses and taking in new information openly and mindfully. So the next time you’re feeling a bit stressed – maybe take a walk around campus gardens and notice all the beautiful vibrant colours of flowers you see, the fresh smell of morning dew, the soft sounds of the birds or footsteps of students running to class.

Can you tell us about some of your recent projects at HOPE and/or in the mental health field? 

I am excited to share that HOPE is a registered organisation in Hong Kong. As a non-profit cause, we are committed to continuing the next steps to apply for Section-88 charitable status in Hong Kong. 

We were also incredibly happy to have recently hosted our first fundraising event: Universality – a mental health art exhibit. In just 3 short months, our team pulled off a fantastic 1-day exhibit in August where we empowered communities to explore mental health with 7 diverse panels, featured over 20 pieces of mental health-inspired art, hosted 3 ARTivism Workshops for communities to start taking action and engaged 16 artists and 20 panelists from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. 

We also recently launched our first School Partnership Program Pilot with Korean International School Hong Kong which was an amazing success at empowering School Prefects to take action for the community. 

Looking to the future, we look forward to continuing to work with more schools and communities and see the impact our Wellness Ecosystem Programs can have. We are also thrilled to be working on evidence-based innovative and engaging mental health resources for the community, with more details to be shared soon!

Can you tell us more about how you would like to contribute to mental well-being in the UWCSEA Community? 

Studying at UWCSEA during my primary and middle school years has contributed so much to my passion and commitment to global sustainable goals and advocacy work. I’m very open to ideas and would be happy for anyone from the UWCSEA community to reach out anytime. Please give a shout on my website or Instagram.

We’d love to hear more exciting updates from you! Simply send us a summary between 100-150 words and an accompanying image (at least 1mb) related to your update via email!

Write to us now!