The Bahamas United World (UWC) National Committee commemorates their 40th Anniversary with National Patron Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
The year 2012 commemorates the fortieth year of service to The Bahamas and the fiftieth anniversary for United World Colleges International. To celebrate this historic anniversary the National Committee of United World Colleges paid a courtesy call on the Governor General with members of the National Committee and representatives of the alumni and scholar ambassadors for this internationally acclaimed International Baccalaureate Program.
On Sunday, October 28, 2012 the Second Annual UWC Triathlon will be hosted at the Clifton Heritage Park, New Providence. The events and the rules and other information are available on the web site at www.uwctriathlon.com. This event, along with two others, will complete the 40th year anniversary celebrations of UWC- The Bahamas.
Nelson Mandela, the UWC Honourary President became committed to UWC as he describes it, “ the striking thing about the United World College is that they embrace the entire world across all divides of race, history, culture, wealth, religion, economic status and political belief: they are unique and they are conscious of their responsibilities.”
The Bahamas National Committee applauds the vision of Nelson Mandela and supports the UWC mission to educate the whole person. Our mission this is, ‘to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.’
This is accomplished through the strategic location of thirteen (13) UWCs on five continents: UWC Mostar-Bosnia, Lester B. Pearson / UWC of the Pacific in Canada, UWC Costa Rica, Li Po Chung/ UWC of Hong Kong, Mahindra – UWC of India, UWC of the Adriatic – Italy, UWC Maasticht – Holland, Red Cross Nordic – Norway, UWC of South East Asia – Singapore, Waterford Kamhlaba / UWC of Swaziland, UWC USA New Mexico, Simon Bolivar – UWC Venezuela, and UWC of the Atlantic – Wales.
It is well established that the UWC represents significant opportunities for excellence in academics, tremendous exposure to diversity, and an essential commitment to ‘giving back’ to the communities and nations and the wider world.
In the words of Her Majesty Queen Noor, UWC President, “I suspect that no one would argue that UWC’s ideals of peace and international understanding are not as relevant – perhaps more relevant – in today’s conflict – scarred world than when our first College was opened more than
five decades ago in the aftermath of the Second World War and as an antidote to international conflict.”
Over the forty years of UWC Bahamas’ history, the National Committee has provided an essential transition for students to move from the standard high school environment to college or university. Students who complete the UWC Programme are eligible for exceptional scholarships to colleges and universities around the world. In particular ninety-five (95) prestigious American colleges and universities can be accessed via the Shelby Davis Foundation which offers UWC graduates full scholarships. UWC students have also attained other scholarships to top universities in Europe, Canada, and other regions.
We are extremely proud of our scholar-ambassadors who for the past forty years have made historic strides in education, governance, medicine, business, science, and other important spheres of professional endeavor while remaining true to the UWC tenets of giving back and the pursuit of excellence.
In the words of one of our UWC scholar-ambassadors, “positive, life-changing experience is the UWC way. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Over the past four years The Bahamas National Committee has increased scholarships and placements from one or two per year to the current average of eight per year. A brief look at the list of alumni and students is all the proof needed to commit to UWC as a student, parent, teacher or guidance counselor or as a donor.
For further information and to download the current application form, you can access the UWC Bahamas website at www.bahamas-uwc.org. Deadline for applications is 31 December 2012.
We welcome your interest in UWC – The Bahamas, and invite you to contact us with your inquiries, suggestions or donations.
Caption: (photo courtesy of BIS)
Back row left to right: Shawn Forbes (Selection Committee Chair), Barrise Griffin (UWC CR), Peter Henderson (UWC Adriatic, Italy), Shani Pinder (Grad. UWC Canada), Brittany Storr (UWC CR), Paul Ryan (UWC Maastricht NL), Taja Hudson (UWC Canada)
Front row: David Sheasby (Treasurer), HE Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, BJ Clancy-Deveaux (Chair)
