Waterford Kamhlaba School, Swaziland’s first multiracial school, celebrated its 50th anniversary April 27, 2013. Parades, cultural diversity performances, and a Forum on Youth and Leadership marked the occasion.
Opened in 1963 in Mbabane, Swaziland, in opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime, Waterford School was branded as “unnatural” by the South African government. Founder Michael Stern, a British teacher, was inspired to immigrate to southern Africa to educate students in an atmosphere of equality and tolerance. He opened Waterford School to children of all races, to show that students excel when educated side-by-side and given equal opportunities. Supporters of Waterford at the time of its founding included Swazi king Sobhuza II, who named it kamhlaba, meaning “of one world.”
Waterford’s curriculum emphasizes leadership, personal responsibility, and courage. Students participate in the International Baccalaureate program, and complete community service projects throughout the semester. Panelists and audiences for this year’s Forum on Youth and Leadership discussed challenges and opportunities facing youth in Africa. The school is also a member of the United World Colleges, a movement that brings together students from around the world in peace and sustainability efforts.
“We represent equal access to good education,” notes Bruce Wells, Acting Principal. Waterford takes this mission seriously. In addition to the children of diplomats and royalty, Waterford educates students from the world’s conflict zones, and those struggling financially. About one third of the school’s population receives tuition assistance.
Waterford School has long attracted exemplary pupils from Africa and abroad. It has educated over 5000 students from 86 countries. Former students include the children of Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Walter Sisulu. The school currently has 600 students from 50 countries.
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