Governing Board Elections 2024

Biographical Data

Lulwa is a recent alumna of Campus des Nations, currently studying Management at ESCP Business School. A Kuwaiti/British born in Paris, she moved to Geneva at three years old, where she first enrolled at Pregny and later moved to Saconnex until completing the IB Diploma Programme. Throughout her time at Campus des Nations, she actively participated in various groups, serving as Co-President of the Student Council, President of the Anti-Discrimination Committee, President of the Peer Support Group (4U), and more. Her passion: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality.

Lulwa was part of initial discussions about promoting equality at Ecolint after launching a Racism survey with a peer in 2021. Following its launch, they were invited to I-DEA meetings with the Director General, management, staff, and parents to discuss improvements to the school’s approach. This initiative inspired other students to join the conversation, leading to the creation of the official Anti-Discrimination Statement and the establishment of the student committee that continues to this day.

As a recipient of the CAS Award upon graduation, Lulwa has also built a significant career in fundraising for girls’ education in Zambia through the Mwazwe Foundation. As the Founder and President of this club, she led a team that raised over 15,000 CHF for the cause and was honoured with a Platinum Champions Award for Volunteering by the UK Embassy in Bern for her work in this area. Her dedication to fundraising and human rights continues to drive her ambitions, as she aspires to manage NGOs in the future.
 

What does Ecolint mean to you?

Ecolint is my home. I have never been afraid to take a seat at the table of difficult conversations and have encouraged as many as possible to do so too. Over my 15 years as a student, Campus des Nations became more than education; it became my family. This is the experience I want to guarantee every student. It is a community where students and their families are welcome no matter what the colour of their skin; sexual orientation; religion; etc. is.

Ecolint is a leading educational hive that strongly prepares students for university studies and puts them ahead of the game. It is powerful in terms of allowing students to reach both their academic and extracurricular potential. One of my biggest passions is the Performing Arts, which sparked in my years in the PYP attending regular P.A. classes. These examples of Ecolint going above and beyond to nurture their students with the best possible exposure to all activities and subjects is unique and a privilege.

The Foundation needs to advance further in its goals to make its campuses a safe space for all; and I intend to help replicate and enhance my experience for generations of students to come.
 

What skills/expertise can you bring to the School?

Having been a student heavily involved in meetings with administration regarding diversity and StuCo issues, I believe I am already familiar with the main priorities the Governing Board intends to reach in the academic year. When working with the Anti-Discrimination Committee, I was invited to VISIONS training workshops alongside other Ecolint staff in order to understand how to build an environment for inclusive learning. This is increasingly important as Ecolint continues to face a struggle in advancing to decolonise the curriculum.

Furthermore, my skills developed through the Mwazwe Foundation in terms of fundraising, marketing, and leadership would be an asset to the Governing Board. I consistently take on leadership positions where budget control and fundraising are at the centre of my work. As a brand-new Foundation with no budget, I raised 15,000 CHF with my team for women’s education in Zambia through the CAS programme in the IB at Campus des Nations, whilst simultaneously acting as Co-President of the Student Council and maintaining our budget through events.
 

Understanding that the Governing Board focuses on long-range and strategic issues, and not specific management, personnel, or curricular issues, how would you support the Ecolint Mission if you were elected to the Governing Board?

If I am elected as the Governing Board, my primary focuses would include the following:

1. Strategies for Long-Term Change in Diversity
   • Curriculum Decolonisation. Building on my involvement in the Anti-Discrimination Committee and discussions with the administration, I propose an acceleration of the comprehensive review of the curriculum across all campuses. This includes integrating diverse perspectives, histories, and voices into every subject. Collaborating with educators, students, and community leaders, we can create a curriculum that reflects the global diversity of our student body, as well as establish a prominent student-led anti-discrimination committee at La Châtaigneraie  and La Grande Boissière campuses.
   • Inclusive Pedagogies. Implementing inclusive teaching methods is crucial for fostering a welcoming learning environment. I suggest regular training sessions for faculty on inclusive pedagogies and culturally responsive teaching practices. This ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and valued in the classroom.
   • Diverse Representation. Encouraging diverse representation in leadership positions and teaching staff is vital.
2. Community Building for the Centenary
   • Alumni Engagement: Leveraging the centenary milestone, I envision creating a platform for alumni to connect, share experiences, and contribute to Ecolint’s future. Alumni-led mentorship programs can offer guidance to current older students, fostering a sense of continuity and community across generations.
   • Centenary Celebrations: Promotion of involvement in inclusive events and celebrations that highlight Ecolint’s rich history of diversity and inclusion. This includes the proposed cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and symposiums showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of our community members.
   • Legacy Projects: Launching sustainable legacy projects that leave a lasting impact on our campuses and beyond. This could involve raising awareness about community gardens promoting sustainability, art installations celebrating diversity, or scholarship funds supporting underprivileged students.
3. Sustainability in All Three Campuses:
   • Green Initiatives: Advocating for sustainable practices across all campuses, I propose implementing more recycling programs, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting energy efficiency. This not only reduces our environmental footprint but also educates students on the importance of sustainability.
   • Curriculum Integration: Embedding sustainability into the curriculum, from elementary to high school levels. This includes interdisciplinary projects on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable living. Collaborating with local sustainability organisations, students can engage in hands-on learning experiences.
   • Student-Led Sustainability Projects: Empowering students to take the lead in sustainability efforts through clubs, workshops, and CAS / Service Action initiatives. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, creating a culture of sustainability within the Ecolint community.

By focusing on these strategic areas — long-term diversity initiatives, community building for the centenary, and sustainability across campuses — I aim to contribute to Ecolint’s mission of providing an inclusive, forward-thinking educational environment for all students.
 

The Ecolint Governing Board is the key governance body of the International School. What is your understanding of the tasks you are called upon to perform in this context? And, what particular skills and experience would you draw on to fulfil this role?

The role of the Ecolint Governing Board encompasses a diverse range of tasks crucial for the school’s success. This includes approving annual reports, setting faculty regulations, and making decisions on foundational objectives and policies. As the Board embarks on developing the 2024-2030 strategic plan, my understanding and commitment to these tasks are rooted in my experiences. I bring a wealth of skills to the table, ranging from fundraising expertise gained through initiatives like the Mwazwe Foundation to a strong focus on sustainability and the integration of technology for data-driven decisions from my work and studies at ESCP Business School. Advocating for diversity and inclusion has been a cornerstone of my work, aligning closely with the Board’s mission of fostering an anti-racist and inclusive culture. With an understanding of international pedagogy and a dedication to building trust within the community, I am positioned to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s strategic initiatives.
 

Fair and equitable access to an education of excellence such as that of the International School of Geneva is at the heart of the objectives on which the Governing Board must focus. What might your thoughts be on this matter at this time? Do you have any particular expertise that you could draw upon in such societal matters?

Fair access to education is a fundamental pillar of Ecolint’s mission, one that resonates deeply with me and my ongoing work with NGOs. Scholarship programs serve as vital pathways to equality, enabling deserving students to access educational opportunities regardless of their background. The Education for Peace project, alongside service collaborations with educational organizations like the Mwazwe Foundation, underscores my commitment to global education access. My expertise in societal matters, honed through initiatives such as the Anti-Discrimination Committee and DEI education advocacy, equips me to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s focus on fair access. Additionally, I envision an Ecolint that does not charge Extra-Support Program students double the school’s tuition fee. I believe in a Board that is committed to raising funds and increasing efforts to allow wider and fair access to this opportunity. Financial means should not be a barrier for a child’s access to equal education and support.

By promoting celebrations of diversity (especially with the upcoming centenary), implementing DEI education initiatives, and actively supporting anti-discrimination efforts, I aim to ensure that Ecolint remains a center of inclusivity and equity.
 

Ecolint aims to ensure a framework that serves to provide a distinctive high quality international education through which all students are helped to develop their abilities to the highest level of the potential. In your opinion, what are the different elements that are critical to this framework (buildings, interior and exterior spaces; technical supports and equipment; management team, teachers, and administrative staff; or others...)?

Creating an environment conducive to high-quality international education involves various critical elements. Interior spaces, such as lounges and study centers designed for learning, inspire student engagement and foster a culture of academic excellence. Equally important is the diverse representation among teaching staff, ensuring that students benefit from a range of perspectives and experiences, yet all inclusive in thinking and approaches. By supporting ongoing professional development for educators and integrating technology into learning environments and curriculum, Ecolint can continue to provide an exceptional and modern educational experience. My experiences advocating for inclusive learning spaces, promoting diverse representation, and recognizing the pivotal role of dedicated educators align closely with these critical elements. I am committed to fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally, driven by a passion for educational excellence.
 

Ecolint embraces diversity and honours the unique voice and personal experience of all members of the community. What do you think of this statement in terms of your experience as a member of the community? In your opinion what should be the role of the Governing Board in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Foundation?

Embracing diversity and fostering community inclusion lie at the heart of Ecolint’s mission, embodying values that have guided my own experiences within the school. Initiatives such as DEI education, cultural celebrations, and the annual reading of the Anti-Discrimination Statement signify our commitment to creating an inclusive environment. By continuing to strengthen and amplify the voices of all communities at Ecolint in a collaborative light, we can ensure an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. My leadership roles in the Anti-Discrimination Committee, involvement in organizing cultural events, and advocacy for ongoing DEI training position me to contribute significantly to these efforts and I have realized the necessity of the Governing Board’s encouragement and leadership of this area. I believe that a diverse and inclusive community not only enriches the educational experience but also lays the foundation for a more equitable society. Ecolint, the world’s first international school, should be the example.
 

Are you aware of the financial information related to the Foundation? While efforts have been made, what else can be done in your opinion, to make the Foundation more sustainable in the long term continuing to ensure affordable fee structures while providing qualitative inclusive education in an effort to make global citizens and optimum capital development efforts?

Ensuring Ecolint's long-term financial sustainability is pivotal for its educational excellence, a mission I'm deeply committed to supporting if elected. As highlighted in the Treasurer's report, my expertise in fundraising, particularly through initiatives like the Mwazwe Foundation, aligns with the outlined Foundation strategies for revenue growth. The dissolution of the Fondation pour la Promotion des Études Internationales (FPEI) and the subsequent establishment of an endowment fund reflect my dedication to sustainable financial planning. As stated, despite the operational deficit of CHF 0.7 million for 2022-23, the Foundation closed with a consolidated profit before tax of CHF 8.3 million, showcasing a strategic shift towards stability I am passionate about continuing.

My understanding of financial management, in synergy with the Treasurer's strategic initiatives, would contribute to positioning Ecolint for sustainable growth. The balanced budget for 2023-24, stable school fees, and completion of major projects like the new Jura building underscore our commitment to prudent financial practices. Through potential collaborative efforts with the Governing Board and financial planning, I am confident in Ecolint's path towards financial health. This combined approach, with my experience and dedication to academic excellence, ensures an exceptional educational experience for our diverse student community and additional equal learning opportunities for all.
 

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