Dandelion Project — UWC Adriatic 

Dandelion addresses the emotional and social needs of migrant children in elementary schools by providing tools for adaptation and integration. The project consists of picture books and interactive workshops designed with input from professionals in developmental psychology. These resources help children explore key topics independently, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging while embracing their identities. Initially launching in Trieste, Italy—a major migration hub where thousands of children struggle with identity and belonging—the project aims to provide essential mental health support and promote social inclusion. 
Rawane, a member of the Dandelion Project, drew inspiration from a personal experience: “Migration goes far beyond the concept of a story or an experience for me; it’s part of my DNA. Growing up in Morocco, I experienced what it feels like to move from an underprivileged area to the economic pulse of the nation. When I think of migrant children, I see emotional struggles that often go unnoticed, and that’s where Dandelion comes in, offering the support needed to help them find a sense of belonging.”

TakToon Project — UWC Dilijan 
TakToon, derived from the Armenian words for “warm” and “house,” focuses on creating cost efficient insulation solutions for rural Armenian homes. By repurposing plastic and metallic waste for insulation, the project not only helps vulnerable communities retain warmth but also promotes sustainable recycling practices. Addressing the urgent need for better insulation in aging homes, TakToon reduces both environmental impact and financial burdens on families. Through community education, this initiative fosters energy efficiency and improves living conditions. 
Andrea from the TakToon Project notes: “In my first three months in Armenia, I experienced firsthand the harshness of the local temperatures. The difference between me and the local people made me reflect on how even small, often underestimated things can lead to enormous change. We don’t want to bring unaffordable thermal insulation to the market; instead, we aim to create insulation that anyone can afford and improve the conditions of their home.” 

The Chulha Project — UWC Mahindra College 
The Chulha Project tackles the harmful effects of traditional mud cookstoves, known as chulhas, which produce toxic smoke linked to serious health risks and contribute to deforestation through excessive firewood consumption. By introducing locally manufactured rocket stoves with J-shaped combustion chambers that reduce emissions by up to 86% and lower firewood usage by 50%, the project aims to protect women and children, who are most affected by indoor air pollution. Initially targeting 50 households in Maharashtra’s Mulshi Valley, this scalable initiative intends to empower communities through training programs, sustainable stove production, and peer-driven advocacy for clean cooking solutions. 
Leila, a Chulha Project team member, explains: “As the UWC Mahindra College community, we are tightly connected with villages around the college. I believe in our project, because this is a serious issue that hasn’t been tackled before, and it would be a huge achievement for me if a problem that affects the health of these families was eradicated—I would love to give back to these villages as much as I can.”