I’VE BEEN on the United World College (UWC) Scholarship selection committee for Barbados for the last seven years or so. It’s satisfying to interview the talented young applicants each year. They have not only done well academically, but have also been involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities like music, dancing, theatre, swimming, sailing, cadets and Scouting as well as a number of voluntary activities.
Two weeks ago I attended a “meet and greet” evening with former scholarship winners as well as those about to enter the colleges in August, together with parents and other committee members. It was truly amazing to see the transformation of those who had completed the courses at the various colleges.
Youngsters who, in spite of their talents, had been shy or reserved at their interviews were now totally self-confident and outgoing. They were happy and enthusiastic, exhibiting great camaraderie as a group. Many were on their way to university and were now offering sound advice to the new students. They were also in the process of forming an alumni group.
The Barbados Chapter of The United World Colleges, currently chaired by Sir Trevor Carmichael, has been in existence for over 30 years. Over this period many Barbadians have been afforded the opportunity of attending several of the colleges. The scholarship offers from UWC comprise fully funded, partially funded and unfunded places.
The scholarship applicants are from all walks of life and what is heart-warming is the effort made by parents to raise the necessary funds to supplement the partially funded places. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the Peter Moores Foundation, as well as a number of individuals, have also recognised the value of the programme and have come on board.
The United World Colleges presently comprise 14 schools and colleges worldwide, with this guiding principle: “Make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.” No one can deny that unity, peace and sustainability are important issues at this point in time.
UWC was created over 50 years ago by Kurt Hahn, who is also linked with the founding of other renowned organisations like Outward Bound International and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Scheme. His UWC concept was to embrace experiential education through academic, physical and social interaction. Certainly the Barbadian students have demonstrated that their experiences have prepared them to take on the world.
Only 1 200 students, from over 80 countries, roughly 100 per campus, are selected each year, into the two-year UWC International Baccalaureate (IB) programme for 16- to 18-year-olds. In addition to receiving a sound education, many UWC graduates are awarded fully funded university scholarships.
In the early years, only one scholarship was offered per year to Barbados but that has gradually increased to as many as nine, bringing the total number of awardees to around 80. The colleges offering scholarships to Barbados have been located in Costa Rica, New Mexico, Wales, Italy, Netherlands, Bosnia, India, Swaziland, Venezuela, Canada and Norway.
While listening to the group speaking about their experiences and achievements, I was wondering how many of these bright young people would return to Barbados to give of their talents. Would Barbados in its present state be attractive to them? Would it offer them any suitable opportunities? Or would some other country benefit from their skills? Well known personalities Dr Deryck Murray and Alex Jordan were UWC students and did return to contribute to Barbados, but that was many years ago. Does the same apply now?
Coincidentally, the topic of the youth was in the limelight at the opening ceremony of the Heads of Government Conference just concluded in Barbados. Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie spoke of the importance of protecting the future of Caribbean youth, noting that 60 per cent of the region’s people are under age 30. He added that if we fail our youth, we do so at our peril so we must dispel their sense of hopelessness and ensure there’s social mobility, equity and fairness.
The youngsters gathered at the “meet and greet” certainly have a lot to offer Barbados, once they’re given the opportunity and the correct environment is created for them. Hopefully our leaders will heed Prime Minister Christie’s call and restore Barbados to a state where young people are encouraged to return home and give back to their country.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former independent senator. Email fchandler@caribsurf.com