The most powerful and cost-effective tool for reducing poverty and promoting gender equality is education, yet 272 million children worldwide still lack access to it. United World Schools (UWS) is a global charity that brings education to children in some of the most disadvantaged areas in the world.
UWS partners with local governments and communities to build schools, train teachers, and provide essential learning materials. Their vision is Zero Education Poverty (ZEP): a future where every child, regardless of background, can receive a high-quality education. The charity also places a strong focus on inclusivity, working to remove barriers that prevent girls and marginalised groups from attending school.
With over 30 members from Years 7 to 13, the UWS enrichment club at RSJ has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to raising awareness and supporting UWS initiatives. Earlier this term, the whole school attended a powerful and eye-opening presentation led by Ms. Mscan and club representatives, who shared real-life stories about the transformative impact of UWS. Their talk was both informative and moving, helping students understand how access to education can change lives and break cycles of poverty.
Inspired by this, Rugby pupils began exploring fundraising ideas, drawing inspiration from initiatives at BST (British School Tokyo) and hoping to collaborate on future projects to make an even greater impact. The club has also created several awareness posters (shown on the next page), encouraging the wider school community to reflect on the importance of educational equity.
Through their research, fundraising efforts, and awareness campaigns, the pupils in the UWS Club are discovering what it means to use their voices for good. Their work reminds us that the values of compassion, service, and global citizenship are not just ideals taught in classrooms, but actions lived out by our students every day. As the club looks ahead to future collaborations and initiatives, the RSJ community can take pride in knowing that our pupils are becoming thoughtful leaders who understand the true impact of education.
