Congratulations to the new graduates!

Graduations are certainly a time for ceremonies, celebrations and parties and it is no different in Tanzania…

Hongera sana (big congratulations) to our recent graduates living at Kesho Leo. The month of September saw four students graduating—Gemini and Franki who graduated Standard VII (Year 7) from Engosengui Primary School; Lilian, who graduated Form IV from Sinoni Secondary School and David, who also graduated Form IV from Edmund Rice Secondary School.

This was certainly a jubilant time for the students, their families, friends, co-workers and fws volunteers who all came together to share these special events.

In Tanzania, whilst it is a great achievement for students graduating Standard VII; Form IV graduates are held in high esteem and organised celebrations are a must with guests usually turning up in large numbers.

Lilian and David were the first to host their graduation celebrations at Kesho Leo, followed by smaller celebrations for Gemini and Franki. For each party, the Chekechea classrooms were decorated with brightly coloured drapes, balloons, streamers and an honorary graduation table, set with flowers and a custom ordered graduation cake inscribed with their names. Sodas and a traditional Tanzanian meal were served first including pilau (spicy rice and meat), salads, potatoes, fried bananas and fruit.

Speeches were made by parents, guests and friends with messages expressing how proud they were of their academic achievement. Others encouraged them to continue with their education and reminded them that this is only the beginning of their learning and that they will have many opportunities ahead of them.

Graduation gifts and contributions were then taken up, or rather danced up, to the graduate, where small squares of cake were fed to the guest on a toothpick and vice versa! Once the formalities concluded, the chairs and tables were cleared, the DJ got playing and the guests broke out onto the dance floor to some popular Tanzanian music.

It was beautiful to see people of all ages coming together to sing, laugh, dance and share in the importance of such an accomplishment.

Lilian’s goal now is to learn how to use computers and continue to strengthen her education, particularly in environmental issues. For David, he is determined to work hard during his last two years of school in hopes of going to University and becoming an Auditor one day.

Now that school is over for the year, Gemini and Franki are preparing for their first year of high school by attending Pre-Form 1. They are very excited for the next chapter of their school life!

We wish them all the very best for their future and for their continual learning in and out of school.