International initiative prepares students for citizenship

Abstract

We live in an era of complexity, uncertainty, grave challenges and global development threats. These include extreme poverty and inequality, identity politics, intolerance, societal polarisation and populist politics that promise quick and simple solutions to complex socio economic problems. In this context it is important for institutions of higher education to take up the challenge of educating students in a way that helps them to be responsible and active citizens able to grapple with the complexity of the times. As the UWC Charter of Graduate Attributes for the 21st Century indicates: “UWC graduates should be engaged, committed and accountable agents of social good. They must aspire to contribute to social justice and care, appreciative of the complexity of historical contexts and societal conditions through their roles as professionals and members of local and global communities.”