Spring Update from Sandra

March 24, 2022

Spring Update from Sandra, Director of Advancement

Now that almost all of the Corona-restrictions in the Netherlands have been released, it’s great to find our school going back to normal again. This means that our students are able to enjoy the full UWC experience and make the most of their time together and explore and learn from this diverse community and the many activities.  In the past weeks we could therefore enjoy several offline events again. I am sure some of them remind you of your own experience.

The DP1’s engaged in a four days Youth Social Entrepreneurship (YSE) program. The former themes have been revisited, linked to the SDGs and allowed for more interconnection and collaboration with the various communities and organisations in Maastricht. One of the other articles of this alumni newsletter shares with you the experiences of four UWCM alumni, Marilena, Aoife, Hannah and Jule, who returned to facilitate the YSE programme for the current DP1 students. February was Black History Month (BHM). Students at our campus shared many posters, messages and resources with us to remind us why it is so important to celebrate the achievements and triumphs of black people throughout history. On March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a number of activities taking place with the emphasis of highlighting the importance of empowering women in various ways. Two days later the students prepared the by now traditional “Why are we still talking about this?” feminist play which started many important conversations. The Let Science Talk Conference with the theme “New frontiers’ ‘ started with an opening speech from Mosa Meat (a company that fundamentally wants to reshape the global food system) and continued with many student-led workshops, documentary screening and guests’ lectures.  And of course, we cannot forget the musical, another highlight of the past few months, the student-led musical “Little shop of horrors’ ‘. 

The past two years, dominated by the pandemic, have not been easy with regard to fundraising. Nevertheless we kick-started some interesting projects which led to an increase of fundraising revenues both from individuals as well as from organisations. A good example is the “Female Empowerment Project”. This project brings together a group of women who are committed to empower girls from the MENA region via education at UWC. In the first year, we were already able to support 5 girls out of this project. More information about our projects and the various ways you could be involved can be found here: https://www.uwcmaastricht.nl/support-the-change/projects/

Unfortunately, we also find ourselves in a sad and critical situation with the Ukrainian war. For decades Russian and Ukrainian students have been living and learning together on UWC campuses, alongside other students from across the world. The recent humanitarian crisis in Ukraine makes us want to do something for the victims in Ukraine itself and for those who are fleeing. That’s why we are raising funds to offer scholarships for those who are in immediate need now, both day and residential students. If you would like to get involved, please check here.

Let me end by saying that every donation counts and makes an impact. Alumni giving not only helps us financially but also to show prospects and donors that also our own community supports the UWC mission.