Graeme Hodge

07/10/2026

Good to dive into the news this morning with Esther on Premier Christian Radio. Today we talked about: school protests in France & what it challenges us to think about for education & hearing the voices of children and young people; the latest test to the online safety act from Instagrams new Instants feature & what we should be doing to protect and safeguard young people; And finally… the record breaking 1.7tonne pumpkin that is winning at the local agricultural show & what this means for Harvest for all of us! Thanks for James Pratt for brilliant production as always and for having me on.

02/10/2026

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining the community of Namatoa for the inauguration of their new UWS school.

What struck me most wasn’t the building itself. It was the pride, hope and determination of the community that made it possible. Parents, local leaders, teachers and children all shared a vision that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Over the years, I’ve visited many UWS schools, and the message from children is remarkably consistent. They talk about feeling safe, supported and excited to learn. Seeing that same sense of possibility in Namatoa was incredibly encouraging.

Education changes everything, but lasting change happens when communities lead the way. Namatoa is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together around a shared belief in a better future for their children.

With grateful thanks to the Fondation AXIAN, Yas Madagascar, Guernsey Aid & all the support from those that attended the 2025 UWS Gala, for the resourcing support to enable this school to begin as well. Thank you for playing such a critical part in this global movement.

24/09/2026

A good day in Detroit with Bryan Lively - the new Chairperson of UWS USA and Peter Taylor - Executive Chairperson of UWS Global.
Time spent building relationships, listening, sharing perspectives and aligning around the opportunities ahead for UWS.
I’m always reminded that strong partnerships and shared purpose are what move a mission forward.
Excited for the days ahead and what we can achieve together.

24/09/2026

22/09/2026

A thought-provoking morning at Education House @ UNGA 81, exploring the question: ‘what will it take to equip students to shape a better future?’

One particular and prominent idea in the session got me thinking… ‘what we have in our classrooms today is what we will have in our world tomorrow.’

If we want a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive future, academic knowledge alone will not be enough. Children also need curiosity, confidence, empathy, critical thinking and the ability to work through disagreement with others.

But this can’t simply be taught from a textbook or curriculum. Children need trusted teachers who listen, safe spaces where they can express themselves, and real opportunities to turn what they learn into action.

It reminded me of conversations I’ve had with children in UWS-supported schools. Children often speak about the importance of feeling safe, being supported by their teachers and being able to participate fully in their learning. When children feel seen, included and secure, they are more willing to ask questions, try something difficult and engage with the possibilities that education can open up.

We shouldn’t only ask what children need to learn. We should also ask what opportunities we are giving them to lead, participate and shape the communities around them.

Education shouldn’t simply prepare children for the future. At its best, it gives them the confidence and agency to begin creating it today and to choose what that future looks like.

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

Delighted to join government leaders, Gates Foundation, and fellow implementers Luminos Fund , Rising Academies and EIDU at today’s Global Schools Forum Ministerial Roundtable during week.
Important discussions on literacy reform, systems strengthening and the partnerships needed to ensure every child can learn, imagine and shape their own future.

It was great to be able to share some of the work of UWS around the world and specifically speak to the work we do to support sustainable system strengthening, teacher training and quality educational provision in Cambodia.

Thank you to Global Schools Forum for convening the discussion, facilitating the discussion amongst ministers from India, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Cambodia, and a particular thank you to H.E. Dr Oung Borat, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, for sharing insights on the progress that can be achieved through long-term government partnerships.
Looking forward to sharing some reflections from the conversation in the coming days.

18/09/2026

Real and lasting change in education doesn’t happen through organisations alone.

It happens when communities, governments and partners come together around a shared vision for children.

I was honoured to meet with Madagascar’s Minister of National Education, Her Excellency Sendra Nirina Rajaonarison, to discuss how we can deepen collaboration and strengthen the long-term sustainability of education in some of the country’s most underserved communities.

This week, United World Schools celebrated the opening of four new schools, bringing us to 30 schools and almost 16,000 children reached across Madagascar.

But schools are only the beginning.

We discussed the future of teacher training, leadership development, community ownership and how we can work alongside the Ministry to ensure quality education continues for generations to come.

One message stayed with me:

Quality education is not created by buildings alone. It is created by great teachers, strong leaders, engaged children and communities, and governments willing to invest in their future.

Together, we are working towards Zero Education Poverty.

18/09/2026

More media coverage of UWS Madagascar Ambahikily School inauguration:

La Fondation Axian vient de franchir le cap symbolique de sa 250e école inaugurée dans le fokontany d’Ambahikily, au cœur du district...