This renowned quote by Nelson Mandela — who also served as Honorary President of the United World Colleges — is a guiding principle of Mamo Educational Foundation, a non-profit organisation that promotes education as a powerful tool for social change. The Foundation supports projects in Italy and around the world, offering scholarships and educational opportunities with a particular focus on young people.
It is this shared belief in the transformative power of education that has given rise to a new partnership between Mamo Educational Foundation and UWC Adriatic.
Thanks in part to Mamo Educational Foundation’s support, Alessandra Franco was able to begin her journey at the College this academic year. Since arriving in Duino at the end of August, she has enthusiastically embraced life at UWC Adriatic, with its intense schedule of classes, afternoon activities, and community events.
Alongside the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Italian, Alessandra has chosen to study Global Politics, Biology, and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) — a subject that was completely new to her and quickly became her favourite:
Alessandra’s favourite sport in Duino is climbing, which she describes as giving her “a sense of freedom and calm.” She also sings in the College choir and, like all her peers, has a weekly social service. She has chosen to volunteer at the Campo Sacro refugee centre, where she teaches Italian — an experience that allows her to build meaningful relationships and learn every day from people whose lives are very different from her own.
