2026 Grant Winners Announced
This year, the GoMakeADifference programme celebrates a major milestone: 25 years of supporting UWC student-led social impact initiatives. For a quarter of a century, GoMakeADifference has empowered young changemakers around the world by providing seed funding to turn ideas into action.
To mark this 25th anniversary, 25 outstanding projects have been awarded grants of up to $2,000 each in 2026. These projects highlight the extraordinary dedication of UWC students and alumni, demonstrating how the UWC values of peace, sustainability, and intercultural understanding extend far beyond the classroom.
A total of 118 applications were received this year from colleges across the global UWC network, showcasing exceptional innovation, creativity, and diversity of ideas. Applications were assessed against specific criteria, which measure personal development, community impact, and alignment with the UWC mission.
“We continue to be amazed by the creativity and diversity of ideas students propose”
Jill Longson comments: “This year was especially challenging because the quality of applications was so high. Selecting the final recipients was extremely difficult – perhaps the hardest year ever. Congratulations to all award winners and to every student who submitted such strong proposals. We also thank the college staff who supported students in developing their projects.”
The 2026 winning projects cover a broad spectrum of initiatives, including environmental sustainability, community health, education, technology access, and social entrepreneurship — all reflecting UWC students’ commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable world.
Strong Participation Across the UWC Network
Several colleges had multiple successful applicants, highlighting the strong culture of social entrepreneurship and community engagement across UWC. Notably, three projects will be delivered collaboratively by students from multiple UWC colleges.
A Year of Exceptional Ideas
Colin Habgood, Co-Founder, added: “The range and quality of ideas submitted this year were exceptional. It is inspiring to see UWC students continuously develop innovative solutions to community challenges, bringing the values of the movement to life.”
While not every application could receive funding, the GoMake team hopes that all students will continue to pursue their ideas and drive positive change. IBDP students who remain at a UWC college in 2027 are encouraged to apply for the next round of the programme.
As the programme celebrates its 25th anniversary, the 2026 cohort of awards reflects the enduring spirit that defines the UWC movement. Over $40,000 has been awarded to projects due to be delivered in various countries offering significant levels of support.
Congratulations to all successful students – we look forward to hearing how people have benefitted once these projects have been delivered.
Environmental Sustainability
Projects addressing climate change, sustainable resource use and environmental protection.
- EcoJiko – Kenya (Purity Kamene Kyalo, UWC LPC)
- Let’s Clean the City Initiative – Nigeria (Iyanuoluwa Jegede, UWC Atlantic)
- Groundguard – Turkey ( Çağan Okur, UWC Mostar)
- Greener Kiteezi Campaign – Uganda (Alice Judith Kefeeza Birungi, UWC ISAK)
Health and Wellbeing
Improving physical and mental health, wellbeing, and access to healthcare information and services.
- STOP THE BITE – India (Tenzin Choekyi, UWC Robert Bosch College)
- Mental Health Awareness for Youth – Mozambique (Walney Manjate, UWC Atlantic)
- Restoring Hope – Ethiopia (Haftom, UWC ISAK Japan)
- Miyana – Mexico (Carla Lopez, UWC Mahidra)
- Mental health creativity community engagement – Togo (Gracia Yawa Atchrimi, Pearson, Esso-Houna Alexandrine Amana, UWC USA, Essotolom Tchoude, UWC RCN)
Education and Youth Empowerment
Expanding educational opportunities and building leadership skills in underserved communities.
- Loktantra Lab – Nepal (David Khanal, UWC Maastricht)
- Tech-Empower Nepal – Nepal (Niranjan Kumar Sharma, UWC Mahindra College)
- Digital Inclusion & Protection for Seniors – Malaysia & Myanmar (Arjun Jaya Vejayan, Mon Myat Noe Zay, UWC Dilijan)
- Girls to Lead – Costa Rica & Vietnam (Thao Phuong (Vivienne) Nguyen, UWC Costa Rica)
- Chhote Kadam – India (Ishanvi Kochhar, UWC Mahindra)
- Young teacher support programme – Ukraine (Veronika, UWC Maastricht)
Community Development and Social Enterprise
Combining entrepreneurship with community development to create sustainable local impact.
- Stitching Futures – Tanzania (Bernard Kicheleri, Elizabeth Boniface, Thomas Roussos, UWC East Africa)
- Her Craft, Her Art – Afghanistan (Raziq Akhlaqi, UWC East Africa, Amina Taheri, UWC Atlantic)
- Second Harvest – Kenya (Kwame Mureithi, UWC Changshu China)
- Amazzi for Life – Uganda (Kayla Esther Mpanga, UWC South East Asia, Lin Jing-Hua, UWC Thailand)
- The Resilience Thread – Eswatini (Nkanyiso Gama, Paul Wali,Waterford Kamhlaba UWC)
Culture, Heritage and Local Innovation
Exploring local culture, community heritage, and creative solutions rooted in local knowledge.
- DALAW-LUNTI – Philippines (Seira Louis M. Garcera, UWC Maastricht)
- YACHAY CH’AMA – Peru (Gabriela Olinda Pizarro Arteaga, UWC Changshu China)
- Jhingiyahi Common Ground – Nepal (Manish Kumar Kushwaha, UWC Changshu China)
- Doko ko Sahara – Nepal (Abhigya Dangol, Kavin Agrawal, UWC Mahindra College)
- The Woodpecker – United States (Yunran He, UWC USA)