Graeme Hodge

26/08/2026

Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nepal as they face the devastating impact of the horrific floods that have swept through parts of the country. Reports speak of lives lost, families separated, homes destroyed, and many people still anxiously waiting for news of loved ones.
While thankfully none of UWS’s schools, staff, or partner communities have been directly affected, it is impossible not to feel deep sadness for those who are suffering tonight.
Behind every headline is a family grieving, a child frightened, a community trying to make sense of unimaginable loss. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone they love, those who have been injured, those who have lost their homes, and all those living with uncertainty as rescue efforts continue.
Nepal is a country I have come to know and love through the incredible communities we work alongside. Time and again I have seen the resilience, courage and generosity of its people. In moments like these, that spirit will be needed more than ever.
Holding everyone affected in my prayers today. 🇳🇵❤️

Image: BBC News

25/08/2026

Enjoyed an early start on Premier Christian Radio this morning talking about community, service, social action and what it takes to get a local initiative off the ground.
The conversation centred on a lunch club that struggled to attract people despite the passion and generosity behind it. The BBC article served as a good challenge and reminder that caring deeply about an issue and understanding what people actually need aren’t always the same thing. One of the biggest lessons from international development is that proximity isn’t the same as accessibility. A school can exist, a clinic can exist, a service can exist, but if people don’t see it as theirs, they often won’t use it.
I’ve seen across the world that the most sustainable change happens when we spend less time asking “How can we help?” and more time asking “What would be most helpful?”
Listening isn’t the first step to impact. It is the impact.
Thanks to Esther and the team for the conversation.

10/08/2026

Our 2025 Annual Impact Report is now live.

Behind every page is a child discovering the joy of learning, a teacher helping unlock potential, and a community creating opportunities for the next generation.

This report tells the story of what can happen when people come together around a simple belief: every child deserves access to a quality education.

To everyone who has supported UWS over the past year, thank you. Whether you've donated, partnered with us, volunteered, advocated for our work, or been part of our global team, this impact belongs to you too.

I've recorded a short video reflecting on some of the moments, progress and learning from the past year. I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch it and explore the full report.

📽️ Watch the video below.

📖 Read our 2025 Annual Impact Report here: https://tinyurl.com/UWS2025Impact

Together, we're moving closer to a world free from education poverty.



UWS Nepal UWS Cambodia UWS Madagascar UW S Myanmar United World Schools USA

10/08/2026

02/08/2026

Thanks Max Avard for having me on the Big Breakfast Show yesterday. Great to chat with you about the charity world & leadership. Always enjoy a chat on Premier Christian Radio - see you next time!

21/07/2026

Starting this sunny day with some chat through the new stories of the day on Premier Christian Radio with the great Esther. Today we chatted about the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham & the shape of his govt & focus as he begins, the pledge by this new government to return to 0.7% of Foreign Aid & why it’s good for everyone everywhere, & finally- we did a bit of a World Cup wrap up, including what the reviews are saying about the Final. Great production as always by Max Avard. Thanks for having me & see you next time.

22/05/2026

Starting the day reviewing news on this morning, on the breakfast show with today’s host- Michael Fanstone. This morning we considered the ethics and fairness of the Southampton football spy scandal, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and DRC and the record 274 climbers who climbed the summit of Mt Everest in Nepal yesterday.

05/05/2026

Today at Saraswati School in Nepal, one of our Education PLUS partner schools, I was reminded how change in education really happens.

UWS Education PLUS is about strengthening quality, not just access - working with existing government schools to support teachers, school leaders and communities so learning improves and endures.

Just over a year in, the progress here is already visible. Teachers and community members spoke about higher motivation, better attendance and registration, and stronger relationships with students.

Walking through classrooms, you could feel the shift. Some spaces are already vibrant and engaging, reflecting teachers putting new training into practice. Others are still finding their way - and that honesty matters. Real change takes time.

A real highlight was meeting our UWS Fellow, the brilliant Santu. Selected through a rigorous process, Fellows support schools for two years, teaching specialist subjects, strengthening the school environment, and building strong community connections.

There’s more to do, but it’s really clear this school is moving forward, together.