UWC NC Refugees from Western Sahara is part of a global network dedicated to promoting UWC’s mission of education for peace and a sustainable future. Our volunteer team works hard to identify and support young changemakers, ensuring that deserving students have access to the life-changing UWC experience.
2015 UWC selections in Rabouni, Sahrawi refugee camps
We raise awareness about UWC’s unique educational opportunities across the Sahrawi refugee camps, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can learn about and apply to UWC schools and colleges. The UWC National Committee of Refugees from Western Sahara selects students from the Saharawi refugee camps in the Tindouf region of Algeria. Since 2002, more than 50 outstanding Saharawi students have been sent on full scholarships to UWC schools around the world, in Norway, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Wales, Costa Rica, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Tanzania.
The idea of granting UWC scholarships to Saharawi students from the refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria was conceived in 2002 during a visit to Norway by the Saharawi lecturer at Lund University in Sweden, Yahia M. Mahmoud. Together with members of the UWC National Committee of Norway, Mahmoud visited UWC Red Cross Nordic and discussed the prospect of granting scholarships to Saharawi students. Soon after, the Saharawi national committee was set up as a formal entity. Since then, more than 20 rounds of selections have taken place in the refugee camps.
UWC NC selections team visiting families
Studying abroad and pursing a path in higher education is a unique opportunity for every Sahrawi refugee, however a very small number of them get this chance. UWC has given a life-changing opportunity to more than 50 students, and more is to come. This doesn’t only transform their lives, but their community and struggle. Representing Western Sahara at the international stage is a dream of every Sahrawi, and UWC has made that possible. Nevertheless, yearly, only 5% of applicants get selected to be nominated for a scholarship. The overall goal of the Committee is not only to continue nominating students, but to rise the number of scholarships and send as many students as possible.
Whether you are a student interested in applying, an alum looking to give back, or a supporter who wants to help fund scholarships, there are many ways to get involved. Contact us at [email protected]
Join us in shaping a better future through education!