School’s out for summer….

One of two dance skits for the ceremony

No event is complete without a coffee ceremony

Well almost. We celebrated the last day of the semester yesterday with a ceremony that involved a couple of drama skits, a dance contest, and several farewell speeches for the graduating class. It was the last time that the whole school would be together before exams start. Today, the level IV students will take their exams while the level II students take their exams next Friday.  For the level IV students, it will be a culmination of two years of studies at Mary Help College (“MHC”). After passing the exam, they will receive a Certificate of Competence (“COC”) which will allow them to apply for university as well as get decent paid jobs.  The level IV students won’t re-unite until graduation day which is three weeks away. For those students who don’t pass the exam, they will get one more try in two weeks so that they can make it for graduation. Meanwhile, the level II students will need to pass the exam in order to continue to their second year (or level III) of studies at MHC. 

Classmates dance off the last day of school.

Level IV IT students dressed to impress on exam day

Many of these students come from villages and other remote areas to attend MHC. Their dedication and commitment to improve their standing and prospects for a better future for themselves and their family is very remarkable and inspiring.   It has been a difficult semester for many these students; several lost close family members while a couple of students gave birth. But somehow their adversity shines through and they continue to finish their schooling so that they can obtain the CoC.  Some students are forced to stop their studies mid-way in order to find a job to support their families who depend on them.  Nevertheless, these students represent a bright future, not just for themselves and their families but also for the continuous development of their country.

Final instructions prior to starting the exam