A Decade of Impact and
Inspiration

It never felt so good to be at school. I could not have had all these experiences and leading my own project if I was in any other school. At UWC ISAK Japan, ‘project-based’ isn’t just a catch phrase.

Education at UWC ISAK Japan opened up my world and helped me discover which part I want to play [in society.] [At UWC ISAK] everybody knows you by your name. It is a safe space. I felt heard and understood. People were very aware. And being surrounded by people who want to do things better was just so inspiring. There are so many things I would never have thought possible before [studying at UWC ISAK Japan].

I am amazed by how much I grew at UWC ISAK Japan compared to the 10-11 years I spent in afghan schools. That is when I understood the power of education. I mean, in Afghanistan, I knew that education was good and important. But I didn’t think it could significantly change one’s life and perspective on the world. Education at UWC ISAK Japan was so empowering. After graduation, I knew I wanted to do something to improve education in Afghanistan. When I spoke to students, mentors, and stakeholders in Afghanistan, I realized UWC ISAK Japan’s impact on me. I was such a different, more mature person.

I always get very emotional at graduation. When students come here, they are kids. When they go, they are adults. Being there and watching that makes me feel like I could work for free. It’s magic. I try hard to not cry. Sometimes kids connect again with me years later and remind me of very small things, brief moments and conversations, and how meaningful they were to them.

UWC ISAK Japan is the kind of school people have the privilege to work at only in their late career, yet I was fortunate enough to teach here early on in my professional and academic journey. The school offers us a lot of freedom and flexibility, which makes us want to do our best. And I feel like only top students come here. It’s such a pleasure to teach to such motivated, polite, and honest young minds.