Dutch Algarve resident Ayla, a 17 year old living in Aljezur, is raising funds herself to attend a private school with diversity as one of its core values.
The UWC Atlantic has developed a pioneering program by the name of Systems Transformation Pathway. You can find more about the school and their movement here.
Recently accepted into her dream school, UWC Atlantic College Portugal, Ayla explains, "I couldn't apply for a scholarship due to my unusual background as a Dutch girl raised in Portugal, following an alternative educational path. The only way I could follow my high motivation to a form of learning that I truly believe in, was and is by raising my own funds. I am well on the way, but not there yet."
They put a large emphasis on having a fair amount of scholarship students next to the paying students, in order to maintain its unique diversity on all levels.
I am now planning a 7-day sponsored coastal clean-up walk along the Portuguese west coast, a part of the Fisherman's Trail, from the 3rd till the 9th of August 2026.
As well as raising funds for her education at the Atlantic College, Ayla hopes to inspire other local young people, and bring more awareness to the importance of keeping our Algarve Natural Parks and environment clean, for the wellbeing of everyone and to ensure we can still enjoy the beauty of Portugal in the future.
You can find more information, as well as two short videos, one about Ayla, and one about the coastal clean-up, on this page: https://aylafuture.my.canva.site/ayla-s-journey-to-atlantic-college
If you would like to support me, to fund my education dream, you can donate HERE.
