Deng's journey from South Sudan to Singapore
Deng ‘25 and the UWCSEA Foundation Team
12 September 2024
In our Gift of Stories series, we share more about our community’s spirit of giving, one story at a time. Join us as we discover how #UWCSEAGiving makes a difference.
Through the years, UWCSEA has funded full scholarships for students from all over the world. One of these students is Grade 12 scholar from South Sudan, Deng '25. His inspiring journey is a testament to resilience and determination and the power of education to transform lives.
From South Sudan to Uganda
My family consists of my mother and four younger siblings who are living in a refugee camp in Uganda. We fled South Sudan in December 2013 due to civil conflicts that displaced millions of people, claimed countless lives and destroyed our home. My family, relatives and members of our community trekked for one and a half months to reach the border where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had set up a rescue camp.
After two weeks, we relocated to the refugee camp. Unfortunately, my father returned to our hometown to look after our cattle, which were our main source of livelihood. Tragically, he lost his life during a cattle raid five years later, in May 2018.
Kiryandongo was a barren land with no sanitation or water. We had to clear bushes and build everything from scratch, walking long distances to fetch water and supplies. Despite hardships, we were grateful because the refugee camp offered us peace and security compared to South Sudan, where violence had marked our daily lives.
During my primary and secondary school years, I studied at a school for refugee children located in the camp. I completed the equivalent of Grade 10 but could not proceed further because my father passed away, and my mother’s earnings as a market seller were insufficient to pay for school tuition.
UWCSEA's commitment to fostering global citizenship resonates deeply with me. As someone who experienced severe hardships due to forced migration, I understand firsthand the importance of empathy, tolerance, and cooperation across borders.
– Deng '25, Grade 12, Scholar from South Sudan
Deng proudly waving South Sudan flag during UWC Day on East Campus.
A transformational phone call
My biggest motivation to apply was UWCSEA’s Mission Statement: to “make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.” I drew courage from that mission, with hopes of learning strategies to unite my fellow South Sudanese communities.
UWCSEA's commitment to fostering global citizenship resonates deeply with me. As someone who experienced severe hardships due to forced migration, I understand firsthand the importance of empathy, tolerance, and cooperation across borders. The prospect of studying alongside peers from around the world, each with their own stories and struggles, fills me with a sense of belonging. I also applied to UWC because of the generous scholarships they offer.
One-and-a-half months after submitting my application, the UWC National Committee (NC) of Uganda invited me for interviews in March 2023 in the capital, Kampala. Three days later, I received an early morning transformational phone call from Mr. Diego Angemi, the NC Coordinator, who notified me about my nomination to the amazing and mighty UWCSEA community to study under the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
“I can’t believe that I am finally going to attend school!” It was a pivotal moment in my life and that’s why I will forever call it a “transformational phone call.” It meant stability and an opportunity for a better future, and this achievement instilled hope in me. I was at the peak of my happiness when I told my mother about my successful application to UWCSEA. She had always been stressed that I could not continue my studies, but there was nothing she could do. After telling her about my scholarship to UWCSEA, she said she felt a little relieved from her problems. I sensed her happiness when I saw that rare, radiant smile on her face immediately after the call.
Adapting to life at UWCSEA
Before coming to UWCSEA, I was super scared and nervous about the new environment, the IB curriculum, and being away from family. Thankfully, the strong support system in boarding and at school from both teachers and students helped me settle in. They are amazing, super caring, and have become more than a family to me! I am now confident that I can manage this challenging journey.
Speaking English and understanding other people’s accents was difficult during my first weeks, which made communication ineffective. I made an effort to listen and immerse myself in the environment, and as a result, I am coping better now.
Deng with his classmates.
Attending the Movement and Dance activity during last term.
Another challenge I am facing is managing the workload of studies and activities. I also have to get used to reading slides and books on a laptop. Back home, we studied materials in hard copies, wrote notes and read textbooks, so I find digital learning hard. I tried organising my notes for all my subjects, but it was time-consuming, causing my homework to pile up. After reaching out to my Head of Grade, Ms Janine Lee, my houseparent, Mr. James Shillabeer and academic coaches Ms Sandra Helmig and Mr. Vikneswaran Krishnan Murthi, I learnt how to use digital tools more effectively. My teachers have guided me on the best ways to study independently so I can understand the material better.
Finding my place
In the past, I feared that people would look down on me because of my refugee background; in reality, it is the opposite. At UWCSEA, I am appreciated, I feel a sense of belonging and I receive help readily from students, teachers and boarding staff. My background as a refugee is not seen as a barrier; most people I know see it as a unique perspective that contributes to a diverse community.
Deng with his mentor, Mr. Paul Sharry.
The IB curriculum is challenging, but I am managing because all my teachers are generous with their time and extremely supportive. Whenever I feel down or need help, I go to my mentor, Mr Paul Sharry. For example, when I was unsure about what to do for the Creativity requirement for Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), he helped me understand that I could use my Grade 9 presentations and videos to fulfil this requirement.
Deng with his Biology teacher and the Head of Grade 11, Ms Janine Lee.
I love Biology because Ms Janine Lee is so good at teaching it, and she is super caring and kind. She has invited me a couple of times for check-in sessions to assess my overall wellbeing. Her advice and encouragement keep me moving forward.
Deng with his houseparent, Mr James Shillabeer.
In the Boarding House, I meet with my houseparent, Mr. James Shillabeer, every Wednesday for 20 minutes. He is an adorable person with an awesome personality and a big heart. He guides me, challenges me, and offers constant encouragement. James is more than a father to me, and I deeply appreciate his generosity and care.
With the Dragon A team at the East Campus sports field.
I enjoy playing football. Back at the camp, football was a fun game with friends—no rules, barefoot on the field, and occasional tournaments organised by clans and tribes. When I heard about the Season 1 tryouts last year, I signed up, joined the trials, and made it to the Dragon A team! Playing football at UWCSEA has been a great learning experience for me. Here, the game is structured with rules, rigorous training sessions, and proper gear like uniforms, shin pads and boots, which have elevated my game to the next level. Because of our intensive schedule, I connected and made friends with co-players who are day students. Competing at the IASAS tournament in Bangkok was a highlight for me, as I played on grass for the first time and felt like a professional travelling overseas and staying in a hotel with the team.
Living and learning in such a diverse and supportive community has led me to significant personal growth. It has further developed my resilience, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills.
Deng with his fellow boarders during UWC Day.
Deep gratitude
Being pushed out of my comfort zone at an early age by all the events that happened has shaped who I am today. Years of struggling with adversity and then receiving a UWCSEA scholarship have taught me that “there is some good in this world and it’s all worth struggling for.”
I want to express my sincere appreciation to my scholarship donors for the transformation they have brought to me, my family and my community. You have changed my life from grass to grace, you have put a huge smile on my mother’s face. You have opened doors and opportunities I never thought possible. The good work you do for others, for strangers like me, shall always be done to you by God, the creator, in one way or the other.
My hope has been restored, and my future grows brighter each day. This path is now real for me and for the kids home. I am at the front of the line, and other children in my family and community can dream of following.
Deng with his siblings and cousins back home at the refugee camp in Uganda during school holidays.
Deng’s story is an inspiring example of the impact of community giving at UWCSEA and how it can support the growth and development of future changemakers like him.
#UWCSEAGiving invests in a future with possibilities and potential, empowering more young people to be the change they want to see in the world.
Help us go above and beyond for our students.