Words of gratitude and promises to make the world a better place are heard in UWC Dilijan, as 103 students from 56 countries graduate from the college. 

It means Armenia will have 103 more ambassadors in various corners of the world. That is what the college calls the alumni who take important ideas and system of values back home, where they continue learning and working.

Bongiswa Dlamini from the Kingdom of Eswatini (Africa) will take from Armenia love and philanthropy, the things she saw while studying at the college and living with her host family.

“When I just arrived here, I could not imagine the person I would become 2 years later. I have grown spiritually and mentally. I am more broad-minded now, I started dreaming bigger, and I know I can realize my dreams.

I think our time at Dilijan is good not only for us, but for the hosts as well. I volunteered to work at charity organization “Orran” in Vanadzor, which teaches children from needy families and children left without parental care. Seeing their eyes, their love and the anticipation of our weekly visits was the most amazing, wonderful experience for me. They are more broad-minded now too. It makes me very content,” said Bongiswa.

UWC Dilijan is seeing off the fourth generation of graduates this year. Member of the Board of Trustees of the college Pierre Gurdjian reminds them: apart from rights, they also have the responsibility and commitment to make the world a better place.

“I invite you to look into your hearts, figure our who you have become over the last 2 years, and find the unique voice inside that will help you influence the world. Nobody knows when and how you will make this world better, but you will. If you make the world better, it will answer in kind,” he said.

The hall where the students say their graduation speech also hosts the college founders, teachers, the parents, guests and alumni. The latter don’t miss an opportunity to come back to the college.

Diogo from Portugal graduated last year and decided to stay in Armenia for a while. He is working at Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and UWC Dilijan. When he is done with his work there, Diogo will travel to the United States to study art design.

“Studying at the college was a great experience. If you have the opportunity come here, I recommend you use it,” he said.

Co-founder, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Veronika Zonabend has said that what makes UWC Dilijan important and extraordinary is not the beautiful campus, surroundings or structure, but the people who study and work there.

“I believe that a few years later we will invite you here as key speakers to discuss crucial topics, and we will thank you for making a room for Dilijan in your packed schedule. I believe that some of you will be running this college one day.

I wish you to be happy and find your way and the thing you want to do. I hope that the two years you spent in Dilijan will help you with that. I am glad to hear you feel responsible not only for yourselves and your own success, but also your community, the people. Being grateful is a tradition in this college,” she said and promised to announce a new tradition in October of 2019, when the college marks its 5th anniversary.

Lusine Gharibyan 

Photos: UWC Dilijan

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