Matilde

Meet Matilde, a second-year student from Portugal who has truly transformed during their time with the UWC Atlantic.

Coming from a traditional Portuguese educational system, my experience at UWC has been eye-opening and transformative. As part of the Systems for Transformation Pathway, I have gained new insights into what education can truly be. At UWC Atlantic, learning isn’t just about facts, it’s about understanding the world on a deeper level, connecting the dots between subjects, and thinking critically about the issues that matter.

One of the standout experiences during my time at UWC has been participating in the Systems Transformation Pathway (STP). This programme has significantly impacted my critical thinking abilities and personal growth. I’ve learned how to approach situations with empathy and critical awareness, and those skills are something I’ll carry with me forever. The STP experience has allowed me to take on leadership roles, facilitating workshops and engaging in meaningful community work. Over the summer, I worked in my local village school, educating third graders on the impacts of stereotypes and misconceptions about migrants. What really struck me was how open these children were to learning and changing their perspectives. It gave me hope that if we start this work young, we can make real progress toward understanding and peace.

Being the co-chair of the school's P6 council and working closely with management has helped my leadership skills. I have organised various community events, such as a drag show and a queer fashion show which has deepened my communication skills and solidified my commitment to giving back to the UWC community. I really wanted to create a space for everyone to feel heard, and that’s exactly what we have all worked towards.

Reflecting on how different her life would have been without the financial support of the Davies-UWC Dare to Dream Programme and AC alum Lutfey and Deborah Sidiqqi, Matilde says, “This scholarship has completely changed the course of my life.” I'm heading to Whitman College in the United States to pursue Environmental Studies as I want to work in conservation and hopefully influence policy. I’m especially passionate about how we address environmental issues in a way that doesn’t leave behind vulnerable communities. My UWC Atlantic journey has fueled my desire to challenge the Portuguese educational curriculum, particularly around how colonial history is taught. We need to be honest about our past, especially in the context of colonization. If we can understand it better, we can move toward a more just and equitable society.

Grateful for the opportunity, Matilde expresses deep gratitude to the donors who made her scholarship possible. Without the support of The Davis-UWC Dare to Dream Programme and Lutfey and Deborah Siddiqi, none of this would have been possible. The funding has allowed me to be here, and it’s not just a financial gift — it’s a chance to change my life and make an impact on the world. I’m forever grateful for that.