Lill & DeSilva Awarded UWC Scholarships
The Bermuda National Committee for the United World Colleges [UWC] announced that Freya Lill and Cora DeSilva have been awarded placements at United World Colleges.
A spokesperson said, “Cora DeSilva will join Juliana Montarsolo, a 2025 UWC scholar at UWC Costa Rica while Freya Lill will be attending UWC Japan.
“As a leading International School in the Japan, the UWC ISAK Japan experience is about both understanding and action. As Japan’s first full-boarding international high school, UWC Japan focuses on rigorous academics while fostering intellectual curiosity, compassion and innovation.
“As the only UWC in Latin America and the Caribbean, UWC Costa Rica offers a bilingual IB programme, opportunities to learn more about the region’s social, political and cultural history, and options to explore Costa Rica.
“Freya, previously a student at Warwick Academy, demonstrated an intellectual curiosity and commitment to community engagement which directly align with UWC core values. She is a is a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award recipient who has volunteered with BAMZ, a Swedish Charity Shop and Thyroid non-profit. Freya is eager to experience diverse perspectives within a multicultural environment and is looking forward to being the first UWC Bermuda Scholar to attend UWC ISAK Japan.
“Cora, previously a student at Somersfield Academy, was described as a focused, driven, critical thinker who is a collaborative leader. She is a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award recipient who was co-Chair of the Junior JEDI Committee, a Future Leaders graduate and the top ranked Badminton player in her age range who has represented Bermuda internationally. She is a self-starter who embraces new opportunities and is determined to contribute meaningfully during her time at UWC Costa Rica.
“Students selected by the UWC Bermuda National Committee [Charity #346] are offered the opportunity to complete a two-year IB curriculum at one of 18 UWC locations including Costa Rica, Japan, India, The Netherlands, Canada and Singapore. At present, 1500 students from over 150 countries attend 18 UWCs worldwide. Students are selected on a need-blind basis, with financial support provided based on need.”
Sean Smatt, Chair of the Bermuda National Committee said, “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Freya and Cora on their achievements. Each of them embodies the values and spirit of the UWC movement. The Bermuda National Committee has every confidence that they will represent Bermuda well. A UWC education is like nothing else currently available to Bermudian students. It truly is an exceptional opportunity for Bermudian students.”
Zayna Foggo, Head of Selections and Vice Chair for the National Committee added, “Congratulations to Freya and Cora. We are excited to see students of their caliber applying for this exceptional programme and are pleased to offer her what will undoubtedly be life-changing experiences in Japan and Costa Rica.”
She continued, “We would like to thank the alumni, friends, companies and foundations who have generously supported our programme this year. We would like to offer specific thanks to the Bermuda Foundation and Butterfield & Vallis for their continued and generous support as well as to El Zorro for supporting our award presentation event.”
A spokesperson added, “The UWC movement was conceived by educational pioneer Kurt Hahn in the 1950s, based on the idea that students aged 16-18 would be grounded in their culture, but impressionable enough to learn from each other.
“UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. This is accomplished by providing an international education and exposure founded on a combination of rigorous academics, cultural exchange, tolerance and community service. All UWCs combine a rigorous International Baccalaureate academic program with significant community service and cultural exchange requirements.”
“Eligible students are encouraged to learn about the UWC movement and the application process at www.bm.uwc.org and may contact the UWC Bermuda National Committee at info@bm.uwc.org. Student scholarships and bursaries granted by the UWC Bermuda National Committee are funded entirely by local donors. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please contact us on info@bm.uwc.org.”
