A Happy Day

Annet giving her short speech

Two Sundays ago (Nov. 6) was graduation day for the Mpummede Basic Business Class. Almost all of the ladies were able to make it, despite a conflict with Eid al-Ahda, a muslim holiday. The celebration started out with a short speech by Teacher Julius, praising the women for their dedication and hard work throughout the 18 lessons. Next up was Lori, congratulating the women on the great work they’ve done and encouraging them in all their future endeavors. Annet even said a few words, and as she often worked as the voice of reason and peacekeeper any time things got a little heated, it seemed only fitting.

Once the speeches were over it was certificate time. Each woman waited for her name to be called to come up and receive her certificate along with a small gift of a glass and plate (a culturally common graduation gift). After the snap of a quick picture each woman made her way back to her seat amidst the clapping and cheering from her peers. They were all so proud and these are the pictures prove it!

Finally it was time for the important stuff, eating cake! Together the whole class took part in making the first cut into the cake, complete with cheers, clapping, and celebratory yells. Little by little everyone got their share of the sweet treat. It was fun watching the women admire their certificates as well as talk about what they were going to do with their gifts. Some woman thought about what they would eat and drink out of them, while others went over how they would display theirs along with their certificates.

Emily getting her slice of cake

Everyone had a great time and the women felt so proud and accomplished over completing the course and receiving a certificate to prove it. While getting a certificate for something might not seem like a huge deal in the U.S., here it speaks volumes. There isn’t a whole lot in terms of official training, and papers documenting your particular skill set or accomplishment are even harder to find. That’s why receiving a certificate, something tangible that you can take with you to show at job interviews or elsewhere, is a huge deal and source of pride.

When it was finally time to leave, it was hugs all around. I was shocked when one of the women, Emily (who’s around my age), came up to me and said she was going to miss me. What? I didn’t know she liked me! Talk about a huge heart warmer, not to mention ego boost. She then proceeded to escort me down the road as we walked arm in arm talking. I’d say that was the perfect end to the graduation ceremony and perfect end to the Mpummede Basic Business Class.

Class photo