Theme: Power of vulnerability

Through the depths, we rise. Through the cracks, we shine.

Like a lotus flower growing in murky waters, we thrive despite challenges, bloom in adversity, and transform struggle into strength. This year, TEDx UWCEA Youth invites you to explore what it truly means to be vulnerable - not as a weakness, but as a profound source of power.

In a world filled with uncertainty and fragmentation, vulnerability allows us to connect, heal, and rise stronger. The cracks in our surroundings don’t define us; they shape us. Just as the lotus pushes through the mud to reveal its magnificent beauty, we, too, can embrace our struggles, open our hearts, and create a future built on authenticity and resilience.

Through inspiring talks, thought-provoking discussions, and stories of courage, TEDx UWCEA Youth will challenge us to break free from the fear of imperfection and embrace the strength found in being truly seen.

It’s time to shatter barriers, embrace growth, and celebrate The Power of Vulnerability.

UWC East Africa — Arusha Campus
P.O.Box 2691 Dodoma Road, Kisongo Arusha, Tanzania
Kisongo, Arusha, 2691
Tanzania

Adam Nsereko

Student

Your TED Talk, "What Would It Hurt?", explores vulnerability, friendship, and personal growth. Using a humorous story about a fight, you emphasize the power of changing mindsets. You redefine friendship beyond social media, showing that true connections come from shared values, not likes. You highlight the importance of learning and purpose, drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl and environmental stewardship. Key takeaways include embracing vulnerability, redefining friendships, and seeking meaning. The core message? Trying costs little but offers immense personal and emotional rewards. What would it hurt to try?

Ernest Yeong

Student

"From Perfect to Human," explores the power of vulnerability in leadership, teamwork, and innovation. Using an analogy of two car brands, you highlight how embracing human imperfection leads to resilience and success. Vulnerability is not weakness—it fosters authenticity, real connections, and a culture of trust. It enhances innovation by promoting collaboration and eliminating micromanagement. Leaders who admit faults and empower others to build more effective, motivated teams. However, vulnerability must have boundaries to be productive. Your speech encourages people to embrace imperfection, own their mistakes, and foster real, human relationships.

Franics Iga

Student

The speaker argues that embracing “weirdness” is essential for creativity, originality, and human connection. They highlight historical figures like Tesla and Edison, whose eccentricities led to groundbreaking achievements. However, modern society increasingly suppresses individuality, leading to less creativity, more isolation, and a fear of standing out. Through personal experiences in Uganda and UWC East Africa, the speaker illustrates how societal norms discourage uniqueness, even in language. They note that protests are declining, social justice is becoming passive, and entertainment lacks originality—all signs that weirdness is fading. The solution? Human connection through vulnerability. The speaker urges people to embrace their quirks, take creative risks, and start meaningful conversations. History’s greatest revolutions were led by those who dared to be different, and the world needs that now more than ever.

Hadi Alasmar

Student

The TEDx Talk explores the power of vulnerability, particularly in mental health. The speaker challenges the negative perception of vulnerability and shares a personal story of struggling with PTSD and panic attacks after moving to a new environment. Coming from a place where mental health struggles are heavily stigmatized, they initially hid their experiences, even from their online therapist. They emphasize that acknowledging and accepting vulnerability is the first step toward healing. Seeking support—whether from a trusted friend, peer mentor, or professional—is crucial. The talk highlights the universal stigma around mental health and encourages open conversations to break this cycle. By embracing vulnerability, individuals can find strength, support others, and create a ripple effect of acceptance. The speaker urges the audience to take that first step, reminding them that vulnerability is not a weakness but a path to growth and resilience.

Isabela Peña

Student

The Power of a Seed" explores the transformative journey of vulnerability through the metaphor of an Acacia seed. Just as the seed must endure the harsh process of being eaten by an elephant to grow, we, too, face challenges that strip away our comfort zones and push us toward growth. Through my migration from Venezuela to Chile and later to Tanzania, I experienced the discomfort of change, the struggles of adaptation, and the power of human connection. Vulnerability, rather than being a weakness, became my greatest strength—it allowed me to embrace new perspectives, break down biases, and truly connect with others. This talk is a reflection on resilience, empathy, and the courage to grow beyond our shells, proving that even when life throws us into an elephant’s stomach, we have the power to transform the experience into something extraordinary.

Kayla Kimani

Student

The TEDx Talk emphasizes the power of vulnerability in creativity. The speaker argues that true artistic impact comes from openness and risk-taking, as seen in the works of Frida Kahlo, Sylvia Plath, and Franz Kafka. These artists used personal struggles to create deeply resonant work, proving that authenticity connects with audiences. Fear of judgment often stifles creativity, leading people to dilute or hide their true selves. However, vulnerability isn’t oversharing—it’s about putting a piece of oneself into their work. The speaker highlights Kafka, who feared exposure, yet his writing became highly influential. Ultimately, the talk encourages creators to embrace uniqueness, take risks, and trust that honesty will connect with the right audience. By embracing vulnerability, artists can create meaningful, lasting work.