While enjoying the warm weather of an Italian spring and preparing
for the IB examinations in May, a number of events have been organized at the college. These
student-organized and led events contribute greatly to making the UWC experience so enriching. As
well as being fun for participants, they also raise awareness about international issues and often
try to help address these issues, in true UWC spirit.
At the end of March, there were two ‘Malaria’ concerts held on campus. The first was geared
towards fans of classical music and included violin, cello, piano, saxophone, and flute
performances. The following evening the second, a rock concert, was held, and included solo
acoustic performances as well as several sets from both first and second-year bands. A donation was
collected at the entrance and the funds raised went towards buying mosquito nets to protect people
from the Malaria-carrying insects. 204€ were fundraised, which translates into 56 nets being
provided for those in need.
On April 13th, a candle-night was held. Approximately 400 candles lit up the garden behind
the Ples residence. Students sat on blankets amidst the candles’ glow and listened as their peers
and several teachers performed. There was a wide variation in pieces, from classical, to jazz
vocal, soft rock, and alternative, as well as a comedic “30 second theatre” sketches by several
teachers. The night was completely unplugged which made for a very serene, relaxed environment and
tea and cupcakes were passed around. With a comfy seat, food to munch, and entertaining routines
from a group of talented peers, the Friday night was enjoyed by the eighty-plus students in
attendance.
On April 20th the UWCad joined schools in nine countries around the world to participate in
Lights Out World (www.lightsoutcanada.org). Lights Out consists of turning off the lights on campus
during the daylight hours and spending the day discussing global warming and what youth can do to
affect change. The event was started two years ago by a first-year in her home country. Many
students helped by translating the lesson plan and event guide into their native languages and
helped successfully take the project global.
These are only a few of the many exciting initiatives here at the college this term. Amnestry
International staged a Guantánamo Bay re-enactment, in Trieste, in an effort to raise awareness
about the inhumane treatment of its prisoners, the energy saving competition between residences
came to an end, and a very successful street market for the community of Duino was held. With only
a month left, students are busy studying for their final examinations, but these events provided
the perfect opportunity for students to come together, in true UWC fashion, and have a memorable
end of the year before second-years say goodbye to the college and first-years depart for the
three-month vacation.
Keleigh (Canada)
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