Making the most of a challenge

UWCSEA STORIES

Making the most of a challenge

students deepen their commitment to GC partners

Never easily deterred, passionate UWCSEA Dover students and community members rose to the challenge presented to the GC programme by national lockdowns due to COVID-19. As committed as ever to make a difference, but unable to connect with their partners in person, students quickly transitioned to virtual weekly meetings and using their time to better understand partner organisations. Several GC groups invited the partners to join one of their online sessions. Students learned how Cambodian and Nepalese schools had closed for months and in Vietnam thousands of children had to go work to supplement their family’s income. They also explored how in low-income countries, girls have been disproportionately affected as they are often the first in the family to leave school if the family needs income. Additionally, students’ eyes were opened to the hidden pandemic of an increase in domestic violence and the reported rise in the numbers of girls being married off or trafficked. Through gaining a better understanding of the organisations’ serious challenges, especially for the children’s and education projects, students became increasingly aware of their privilege and good fortune; being at home on a laptop participating in live lessons no longer seemed like such a hardship. When the Community Fair, one of the largest GC fundraising events at Dover was cancelled, the community stepped in to bridge the gap in funds. The Dover Parents’ Association very kindly donated $15,000 that they had set aside to fund the Fair. In May, the first Online Giving day was held at Dover and the community responded with tremendous generosity, donating $35,000. A number of the Global Concerns students also held sponsored fundraising events, combining exercise with the opportunity to fundraise for GCs. Creating closer ties with partner organisations and finding novel ways to fulfill financial commitments to partners overseas, is a significant and meaningful outcome for students. Together with the community’s financial support, we are grateful for the continued learning experiences that help UWCSEA students become empathetic and informed citizens.

What are Global Concerns? The College’s Service programme beyond Singapore is known as Global Concerns (GC). A unique student-run and led programme, there are 57 GCs at the College, enacting a wide range of activities and projects reflecting a range of global developmental challenges and associated environmental issues. Projects address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing opportunity, empowering communities and addressing social, environmental, economic, gender, education and health disparities.