Kindergarten Graduation

These last few days have been quite the celebration for the Kindergarten graduates at the HOM schools. Because they have 3 years of kindergarten (Pre-K, K1 and K2), there is a big graduation ceremony held at the church to honor the students and their families. Let me tell you… this was no ordinary graduation ceremony!!! On Thursday morning, we went to the Repatriote graduation. Because this is only the first year of the school being opened, it was fewer people and therefor a tiny bit shorter. This one lasted only 3 hours…. for 18 students. The ceremony began at 7:00 am so we arrived around 6:30 to help the little ones get into their cap and gowns! Even though it had rained the night before, everyone showed up on time and dressed to the nines. This morning we started with Terre Noire graduation at 7:00 am… this was for 73 students. It lasted until around 11:00. Again, even though it rained the night before and essentially flooded the roads, everyone showed up on time and again dressed very nicely. This afternoon, we went to the graduation at Cite Soleil. This began at 1:00 and went until about 5:30.

All of the ceremonies were pretty similar. The graduates came in with their cap and gowns on, sat up at the front of the church and then Mrs. Jacky, the superintendent spoke. Throughout the ceremony, there were several songs, dances, prayers, and skits; which all required several costume changes. When the diplomas were finally handed out, each parent came up and got the certificate with the child. It was very special because the parents are so proud of their students! After the ceremony, all of the students took off their robes and their uniforms and all put on the fanciest little dresses I have ever seen, it slightly resembled an episode from Toddlers and Tiaras but these kids are far cuter and way classier. There were gifts handed out, pictures taken and much to celebrate! Although they were long and I didn’t understand much of what was being spoken, I loved being a part of it because the kids knew they had accomplished something big and the parents and family members couldn’t be prouder!

I wanted to share a special moment that I had this morning at Terre Noire. If you have read my blog, you know about the House of Hope. It is a children’s home for 11 girls whose families were unable to provide for them. This year, 3 of the girls (Dafka, Roberts and Lumiantha) all graduated from Kindergarten. We had already planned to have a party with cake and other yummy treats at their house after, but they had some unexpected visitors at the graduation. Roberta’s family surprised her and came to the graduation. It was such a treat for her and you could tell how excited she was to see them. There were probably 20 to 25 people there to cheer her on. The dad, who spoke English, was so grateful and thankful for taking in 2 of his daughters and hugged us all and told us how proud he was of the progress they had made. Clarafina, who is 4 and will be graduating next year, is also his daughter. He brought 2 large cakes for all of the girls to share, nice dresses and shoes for the girls and some presents. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to give up your child because you can’t provide for them, but I have so much respect for this man, for realizing his daughters deserved better, but also for staying involved and supporting them the best he can.

Overall, it’s been a really fun two days helping with the graduation and enjoying the time without any teams here! We’re hoping for somewhat of a day/night off tomorrow and some of us are going to go out to dinner at a place up the mountain! Thankful for all of the prayers and support!!! 

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