In 2002 Bermudan-born Warren Simmons had a choice to study either in Swaziland or in Hong Kong for two years. He choose Swaziland. The Kingdom of Swaziland in Africa is ruled by King Mswati 111, and is an absolute monarchy. The small, largely mountainous country is surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique.

Why did this young man decide to study in Africa? He says he saw an opportunity to learn more about life and history by connecting with United World Colleges, a global educational movement that brings together students from all over the world at pre-university level regardless of their ability to pay. Students are selected on merit and live together in an environment designed to foster international understanding, tolerance and peace. There are eleven United World Colleges worldwide today. The first one, Atlantic College, in Wales, opened in 1962.

The history of Waterford Kamhlaba in Mbabane, Swaziland is quite amazing. It was founded by a small number of teachers, led by a young British teacher, Michael Stern, as a multi-racial school in opposition to South Africa's apartheid policies in 1963. In 1981 Waterford Kamhlaba became a United World College.