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.

Michael Stern and his college became a legend in South Africa. Nelson Mandela, while still in prison, sent his daughters there. Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu sent their children there and Seretse Khama also sent his son Ian there.

In 2002 Warren had completed his studies at Warwick Academy in Bermuda and gained 9 IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) subjects. In the summer of 2002 he worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Attorney General's chambers.

While at the Academy he was Deputy Head boy, Junior and Senior Band leader, Orchestra leader, played basketball and cricket and was a member of the Word of Life club.

Warren loves history and he embraced the opportunity offered by the United World College to live in an African country and see first-hand some of the problems and possibilities that existed in a post-colonial African country.

"It was a major experience in my life," he said. "I went to Africa when I was 16 years old and I had the opportunity to visit six or seven countries around Swaziland."

He was near to Mozambique and could see closely the problems faced by that country which had just come out of a war. The more he saw of the problems in Africa the more he felt that he needed to do something for people who lived there.

Warren was involved in several campus activities while he was at Waterford Kamhlaba. He was co-founder of the Current Affairs Club 2004, Board Member of the Student Christian Fellowship, Vice Captain of the Senior Basketball team, a member of the Drama in Education Community Service program, Leader of VRC Sports Community Service Program, Musician and co-leader of the Gospel Choir.

He gained the International Baccalaureate Diploma from Waterford Kamhlaba in 2004. This is a rigorous two-year university preparatory course that is recognized in most countries as a prestigious pre-university course.

On his return to Bermuda he remembered his desire to do something for the people in Africa. He raised about US$5,000 for charities in Africa. "I believe that money went towards building some small brick houses for people in Africa," he said.

In the summer of 2006 he worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Bermuda Department of Education.

Warren's father graduated from Howard University in Washington DC some years ago. Warren is now studying there. "I'm doing a double major in Political Science and History, and it's a lot of work!" he said. But he is enjoying the work, the ambience of the historically black University and the vibrancy of the city of Washington DC.

"In Washington DC it's as though I am living in the heart of political happenings," he observed.

He has also been delighted to see the harmony that exists between people of such a diverse range of interests and so many different ethnicities that live and work at Howard University. He is in the Impact Movement, Christian Brothers United and the Political Science Society.

Does a double major in Political Science and History point to a career in politics? No, not really, Warren says. This down-to-earth young man plans to return to Bermuda to become a teacher after he graduates in 2009.

Barbara Nelson is a Jamaican-born journalist now living in Washington DC. She has been a contributor to the Daily Gleaner for many years.