In times of conflict, education is more than just an opportunity - it is a beacon of hope. For over a decade, the UWC-Haggar scholarship has provided Sudanese students with access to a life-changing education, allowing them to build a future beyond war and division.

The story of Mohammed (Mo) Talib Mahmoud Babeker, the first UWC-Haggar scholar, is a testament to the profound and lasting impact of this initiative.

 

A visionary investment in peace and progress

In 2012, amidst the aftershocks of South Sudan’s independence, Anthony Haggar, CEO of the Haggar Group, made a bold commitment to fund scholarships for Sudanese students to attend UWC. This initiative would not only provide exceptional young minds with a world-class education but also promote unity by ensuring that each Sudanese scholar had a South Sudanese co-year at their UWC school.

Since its inception, the scholarship has supported six successive students, one every two years, from across Sudan, offering them access to a transformative education at UWC schools around the world.  In turn, UWC matched every Haggar scholarship with equivalent funding for students from South Sudan. The current Haggar scholar, Eilaf from Darfur, was selected by the National Committee of Sudan after fleeing the country’s civil war,  underscoring the critical role of educational investment in times of crisis. Alongside her South Sudanese co-year, Majuch,  both call UWC Dilijan’s campus their home. 

 

Mohammed’s journey from Sudan to Stanford

Mohammed Talib was the first recipient of the UWC-Haggar scholarship in 2013. Coming from Omdurman, Sudan, he attended UWC Mahindra College in India before earning a full scholarship to Middlebury College in the United States. Today, he is pursuing an MBA at Stanford University - an extraordinary journey made possible by a single scholarship.

"The Haggar scholarship was truly a defining moment in my life," Mohammed shares. "It changed my trajectory, allowing me to support my family in ways I never could have imagined and empowering me to give back to my community. Anthony Haggar’s vision and generosity didn’t just open doors for me - it shaped how I think about creating opportunities for others. I hope to honour his legacy by finding ways to help support young talent.”

For Mohammed, UWC was more than an academic institution - it was a place that reshaped his world-view.

Resilience in the face of conflict

In the face of ongoing challenges in Sudan, Haggar Group has demonstrated remarkable resilience, standing firm in its commitment to education. Despite setbacks, including the loss of key business assets, the company has remained dedicated to supporting its people and upholding its values.

When the war broke out, there was a moment when the company feared it might not be able to continue the scholarship. However, against all odds, they found a way.

Muna has been deeply moved by the determination and resilience of Sudanese youth, who continue to pursue their ambitions despite extraordinary challenges. "I think yes, Sudanese youth, despite everything they have endured, continue to push forward. They persist, they hold onto their dreams and ambitions, and they refuse to let circumstances define their future. They say, 'I want to do this,' and frankly, it's impressive.”

A legacy of giving back

The impact of the UWC-Haggar scholarship extends beyond individual recipients. Many former scholars, including Mohammed, have become involved in Sudanese civil society and the UWC Sudan National Committee. "The National Committee is now run by former scholars like me who once benefitted from this support. While I’m not as actively involved now, this is the time when we need UWC and Haggar’s backing more than ever," Mohammed emphasises.

Looking ahead, Mohammed hopes he can play a role in Sudan’s reconstruction. "What we've struggled most with in Sudan is this financial choking for decades - where no important technology, no important medical devices, no essential drugs are coming in. The approach I'm taking right now is, when the political situation stabilises a little bit, I hope that I have built the right network and community to bring much-needed investment to Sudan. I could be the bridge, hopefully, between the world and Sudan.” 

 

The power of partnerships

The partnership between UWC and the Haggar Group is more than just a scholarship - it is a long-term investment in peace, resilience and leadership, aligning with UWC’s broader mission to foster global understanding and sustainable development. "We are enormously privileged to have continued this initiative despite the hardships," says Muna. "The example set by Anthony - to stay true to one’s principles even in crisis - must be carried forward."

For donors like the Haggar Group, the UWC scholarship programme offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Sudan by empowering its most promising young leaders.

As young people in Sudan continue to dream and strive against all odds, the UWC-Haggar scholarship remains a testament to the power of education as a force for change. Through continued investment, we can ensure that more students like Mohammed have the chance to rewrite their stories - and Sudan’s future.