UWC Day 2024 at UWC Adriatic was an inspiring celebration of the theme “Together We Change,” reaffirming the college’s mission to foster global collaboration and positive action. The day began with a compelling Plenary Session by alum Terence Steinberg, the first person to row solo from California to Hawaii without prior rowing experience, and later, from Hawaii to Australia. Terence’s journey of self-discovery illustrated the power of UWC values, as he emphasised three core lessons: that ambitious goals drive personal growth, that true progress comes through collaboration, and that perseverance is essential to achieve great things. His insights deeply resonated with both staff and students, urging them to embrace change with perseverance and a growth mindset.
The day continued with a diverse array of workshops. In “Theater for Change” led by Omnia, Madina, and Sarah S., students explored performance as a tool for social commentary, while the Peace Council’s “Advocating for Peace” provided a reflective space for discussions on peacebuilding and diplomacy. Eva P., along with local Duino residents, organised a cleanup of the scenic Rilke Path, exemplifying environmental stewardship in action.
The workshop “UWC Movement – Past, Present and Future,” organised by Maria Eduarda, delved into the history of UWC, notable alumni, and the impact the organization has had on peacebuilding through its global efforts. Teodora and Baseerat’s “Solution-Focused Approach to Local Issues” encouraged participants to address challenges with creative, local solutions, while Cherif’s “Mini Hackathon” fostered innovation through problem-solving.
Sustainability was another key theme of the day. SUSCO’s “Sustainability Workshop” highlighted creative approaches to environmental responsibility, while the Student Foundation’s focus on “Sustainable Fashion” encouraged participants to collect and repurpose clothes, demonstrating how sustainability can be integrated into everyday life. The arts played a vibrant role throughout the day, with sessions on traditional henna, poetry and short stories, and collaborative community artwork bringing energy and creativity to the forefront.
In the afternoon a lively cultural show in Monfalcone was organised in collaboration with the 10th Monfalcone Dance Festival. The event featured traditional dances, a feminist chant, and a choir performance, affirming the power of diversity and inclusion. The day was capped by a Cultural & Folk Music Dance Party organised by the Wellbeing Council. Special thanks go to our Deputy Head of Pastoral Care, Aparna Ramchandran, as well as to all the student organisers and educators who made UWC Day 2024 an unforgettable experience for our community.
