About UWC Eswatini

The United World Colleges Eswatini National Committee (UWC Eswatini) was founded in 1982, being one of the oldest educational access organizations of its kind in Eswatini. Since its inception, UWC Eswatini has been closely associated with our host college, Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA. To this day, UWC Eswatini remains a volunteer-based organisation supported by members of the Waterford Kamhlaba staff community. 

UWC Eswatini is responsible for the recruitment and selection of Swazi students, primarily from the local public education system. Traditionally, these students have also been the national merit scholars, representing the top 10, sometimes, the top 20, best students Eswatini offers as measured by their performance in the national high school exit examinations. Due to this, UWC Eswatini has enjoyed good standing in the country as a pathway for the best and brightest Eswatini has to offer.

UWC Eswatini also has strong relationships with the local refugee camp and has helped to recruit students who are refugees in the country to join the UWC movement.

Today, UWC Eswatini has over 300 graduates who have gone on to contribute massively in Eswatini and in the world. For example, our students have established NGOs that have pioneered broad access to education in the country, beyond the UWC system. Students regularly break  boundaries, such as being the first from Eswatini to be accepted into top universities globally, and are oftentimes the first in their families to access an international, or even a university, education.

Who forms the National Committee?

Our UWC National Committee is made up of individuals who share UWC’s mission and values. These include:

• UWC alums and their families – Former students who have attended UWC schools or short courses and their families, bringing firsthand experience of the UWC journey.
• Education professionals – Teachers, school administrators, and educators who are committed to nurturing young minds and promoting transformative education.
• Community leaders – Individuals from various sectors who support youth development and global citizenship.
• Other volunteers – Supporters of UWC who contribute their time and expertise to help select and guide students.

Our history and impact

• Founded in 1982, UWC Eswatini has been selecting and supporting students for 43 years.
• Over 300 students from Eswatini have attended UWC schools and colleges since the committee’s formation.
• Each year, we receive 300 applications and carefully select students through our rigorous selection process.
• Over 95% of our students have received scholarships over the years, making UWC accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Our commitment

• As part of the global UWC National Committee network, we adhere to UWC’s principles and selection standards.
• Our volunteers include many UWC alums who understand the experience firsthand and are dedicated to guiding new students.
• We maintain strong connections with UWC schools, colleges, and alumni to offer insights and support to students and their families throughout their journey.

Get involved

We welcome new volunteers and supporters who share our passion for education and peacebuilding. If you would like to contribute or learn more, contact us at [email protected].

Join us in empowering the next generation of global citizens!