UWCTea-Talk: A Community Built Over Tea

As the advisor of UWCTea-Talk, a student-led platform and community initiative, I would like to give a big shout-out to our student leaders and team members for their dedication to fostering connection, inclusion, advocacy, and meaningful dialogue within our community.

I would especially like to thank Fernando and Sidra for their invaluable contributions since Tea-Talk's early days in September 2024. Through their passion and leadership, they created a safe and welcoming space where people could share stories, engage in thoughtful conversations, and connect over tea and snacks. Thanks to their efforts, Tea-Talk became part of the Co-Curricular Programme and has grown in both scale and impact, with consistent participation of around 30 to 40 attendees at each session.

I would also like to thank all the team members: those who have been with us since the start of this academic year (Hassan, Bavi, Greta, Dani, Yalda, and Saja), as well as those who joined during the last rotation (Musnah, Hafsath, Lara, Mohammed, Noemie, and Zofia). Their enthusiasm and commitment have been essential in sustaining and strengthening this initiative. Together, they have helped build a community where people feel heard, valued, and respected.

With great excitement, our newly elected student leaders Dani and Bavi are now carrying the baton forward. Through the events they have already led, they have shown strong initiative, empathy, and a deep commitment to the values of Tea-Talk. We look forward to seeing them continue building spaces that encourage storytelling, open dialogue, multicultural understanding, and positive action alongside the entire team.

Tea-Talk Sessions: 2025 to 2026

September 2025
UWC Together A Tea-Talk session focused on connection, belonging, and building community at the start of the academic year.

UWC Day Workshop: Your Story in a Cup of Tea An interactive workshop encouraging participants to share personal stories, identities, and experiences through conversation and reflection.

October to November 2025
Our Shared Stories Themes: belonging, migration, ethnicity, home, community, culture A dialogue series exploring identity, lived experiences, and multicultural understanding within the UWC community.

UWCTea-Trust: Firsties + Secondies = Tea Time A community-building session designed to strengthen connections and mentorship between first and second-year students.

December 2025
Step Into Afghanistan: Be Curious, Be Inspired A cultural Tea-Talk focused on learning about Afghan culture and people while addressing common myths and misconceptions.
Festive Fair 2025

February 2026
To All the Loves We Have Known A reflective Tea-Talk celebrating the people, relationships, and communities that make us feel at home.

March 2026
Stories at Sunset: An Iftar Tea-Talk In collaboration with Diversity, this session celebrated Ramadan and broader spiritual and religious practices within our community through storytelling, reflection, and shared experience.

April 2026
When in Doubt, Talk It Out A discussion-based Tea-Talk encouraging open dialogue and thoughtful conversation on local, global, and community issues.

May 2026
Until We Cross Paths Again A farewell Tea-Talk dedicated to Grade 12 students, celebrating memories, gratitude, and community connections.