Student Profiles
2012 Students
My name is Lungile Mtembu, I'm 18 years old and I'm South African. I'm
currently studying my last year of IB. Being part of the UWC community
where great emphasis is put on serving others through various
programmes,has indeed been a life changing experience. In a community
where over 50 different nationalities are represented, I've learnt to
embrace,respect and celebrate our differences. Waterford has exposed
me to great opportunities,not only in the classroom but also on the
sport field and other extra-curricular activities. I've made friends
with people from all parts of the world and for me that will be the
saddest part about leaving Waterford at the end of the year. Yet,I
will leave WK knowing I've gained so much experience and knowledge.
Most importantly, the UWC experience will be something that no one can
take away from me.
Proud WK student
Email: malibuslesswanted@hotmail.com
2011 Students
Mthobisi Sibandze - IB1 Student
I really like it here, my social life has improved dramatically and I have learnt so much about other people's cultures. My academic work and knowledge has vastly improved as I look forward to continue doing well as I got through the forms. I would recommend Waterford to anyone who wants to experience a type of education that aims to "education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future". The International Baccalaureate is also a diploma worth pursuing while here at Waterford.
Waterford Kamhlaba is simply the place to be!!!
Emebet Tessema - IB 2 Student
I remember my first day, I was very nervous, lonely and frightened. I really felt intimidated by all the new faces and people who greeted each other like brothers and sisters.
Gradually, I found my own place in this great community where every person knows everyone. What amazed me the most is the way people from different backgrounds easily share ideas and opinions. I have been here for four great years but I believe the best one is yet to come.
I believe so because I have seen Waterford Kamhlaba growing and changing for the better every year. It always seems that the students and teachers at Waterford are always optimistic about the future.
Learning here at Waterford has been a great experience and I always feel like I discover new things everyday. The past 5 years have been a real lesson for me and have shaped me to be who I am right now. Waterford Kamhlaba has taught me about the importance of helping others.
Previous Students
Therese Kienemund - (Germany, WK '09-10)
My name is Therese Kienemund and I am in IB2 at Waterford Kamhlaba. I was selected by the German National Committee and got the opportunity to come to Swaziland and be a part of Waterford's unique community.In IB there are many ex-form 5 students who already knew their way around when the year started, but there are also students from all over the world who had to make a new start. A new beginning is always hard: We all have different backgrounds, everyone comes here with different expectations and some students are very far away from home. But it also is very exciting to get to know each other, to make new friends and to be completely overwhelmed by all the new impressions.
I feel already at home at Waterford. Swaziland is a beautiful country and IB is a great academic programme. Especially the Community Service is an important part of my life here. We learn a lot about the Swazi culture.There also are events like the UWC day that help us understand each other's cultures. It is great to live in a community that unites so many young people with various backgrounds. We make new experiences every day!
Keletso Maine (WK 01- 06)
Davis United World College Scholar
Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (Swaziland)
Born: Gaborone, Botswana
Lived in: Botswana, Swaziland, and now the USA.
Intended Major: Communication
Keletso was born and raised in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana and one of Africa's fastest growing cities. Her father is a medical doctor and her mother is a business woman. "My mother owns a dry cleaning shop called 'KaraKele.' The name has no meaning in any language, but it is a blend of my older brother's name 'Karabo' and my name 'Keletso.'" The name speaks to the close-knit ties of Keletso's family.
Keletso's father, seeking a good education for his daughter, sent her to Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa in Swaziland when she entered Form II. Unlike most of the other UWC schools, Waterford Kamhlaba has a full curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. "At the end of Form V, I wanted to leave Waterford and have a change of scenery," Keletso states. "My parents were more realistic, however, and they told me I needed to stay at Waterford and get my IB diploma. They said it would give me the possibility to go overseas for my university education. I reluctantly did the IB curriculum, but it was the smartest decision I ever made."
Keletso enjoyed her two years of the IB program, particularly the diversity the school offered. "Waterford is very well known and popular in Africa. I went to school with princes and presidents' kids as well as with classmates who were extremely poor. It was very international and economically diverse."
Anja Moulton (WK 05 - 06)
Davis United World College Scholar
Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (Swaziland)
Born: Oslo, Norway
Lived in: Norway, USA and Swaziland
Major: Art and/or International Affairs
Anja is a dual citizen of the USA and Norway, having been born to an American father, a professor, and a Norwegian mother, an elementary school teacher. Anja grew up in Norway with her sister and brother, except for a one year "California experience" when she was thirteen.
When asked how she became interested in the United World Colleges, Anja says, "For as long as I can remember I have been active in civil rights organizations such as 'Changemakers,' 'Development Founders,' and 'SOS Racism.' My mentor in 'Changemakers' happened to be a former UWC graduate from Waterford UWC of Southern Africa. She got me interested with her stories. Also, I wanted to do something productive with my life and that would make a positive change."
As she looks back on her time at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa in Swaziland, Anja says realistically, "It was challenging, but I have never ever regretted going there. It was a unique experience. That region of Africa is the complete opposite of Norway. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the people. The courage and hope that I saw in the people had a great impact on me."
At Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa Anja started looking at universities around the world. She really was not sure that she wanted to study in the US. But, she started looking at some schools on the UWC scholarship list and she was intrigued by Lewis & Clark. "I liked the location, the size, and the academic reputation of the school. I also liked the idea of living in the Pacific Northwest where I would have easy access to skiing, hiking, and all types of outdoor activities." Anja's aunt and uncle, who live in Washington, visited L&C to take a look. "They told me that L&C had a beautiful campus and that they had heard only good things about the school."
