This Saturday morning just passed on the 12th of November, we had some very excited children here at Mercy Rescue Trust. Nine of our children who attend Greenfields School were graduating frompre-unit to class 1, yes indeed this was a very special day. They had been looking forward to it all week. The girls even went to the salon that week to have their hair done, looking more than lovely! Even the boys went to see the barber!
In Kenya, it is a very special occasion when children reach the time when they are about to start class 1, it shows they are growing up. Bill and I were really looking forward to sharing this day with them and also some of the girls (the staff) were able to come too. As we reached Greenfields School, I was so excited to see them in their gowns and hats (Bill had taken them early in the morning to prepare with their teacher). As we were walking to the assembly hall, the children peaked out of a classroom as they were also excited to see us. They looked amazing all dressed up with tinsel around their neck, they were beaming! We were shown to our seats where we waited anxiously for the parade to start. We somehow had an idea of what to expect because we attended Filda's last year. When we heard the music starting we could not wait to see them come in. Eunice was in front leading the way as they did their special march around the assembly hall. They swayed their hand s from side to side in rhythm to the music; you could see they loved every minute of it. They and their other classmates made us and all the parents so extremely proud of them. We were cheering and there were never ending snaps and flashes coming from cameras all over the place. I was so happy and pleased for them, we have seen them grow and grow since they started attending Greenfields School and I’m so great full that they have been given this opportunity.
There were lots of different things going on during the graduation ceremony. We had sketches from other classes, also musicals, poems, dancing, it was very creative! Our children and their class mates had their own seating arrangement where they were treated first class with sodas and biscuits!! They watched and giggled at some of the acts they were seeing on stage. I just wanted to keep taking pictures of them (they probably were thinking go away mama, give us some space) but I couldn't keep my eyes off them.
After the guest of honour did her part of saying some few words (wished it was just a few words but this is Kenya), she asked the children, “Are you ready to graduate”? Where they all shouted back, “YES”! Then the children did some more marching around the assembly where of course Mama had to take more pictures (I almost wanted to join in the line and dance with them but I contained myself). They were called to the stage not long after so they could take their certificates of graduation. They were very happy and looked extremely proud of themselves with what they had accomplished. Bill, I and the staff all went up there to stand with them as they were given their certificates and also some presents that we and other parents had bought them to say congratulations. It was special, not just 1 or 2 of them but we had 9 and it was quite overwhelming for all of us.
We also had a special surprise visit from Eunice’s brother, Kemboi who wanted to be there as his sister graduated. He wrote her a special card which was signed your brother, Kemboi, it was really touching. Eunice was so happy and proud to see her brother there.
As the graduation ceremony came to an end, we all looked forward to getting home and continuing with some more celebrating. We also invited Kemboi to join us, he was so happy. We had left other staff members preparing some yummy chicken dishes for us to feast on when we got back. The children by this time were very much ready for their late lunch! I had also the day before made 4 big cakes that the children couldn't wait to get their hands on! We sang most the way home and by the time we reached the house, everyone there was anxious to see them too all dressed up, they even gave them a bit of the dancing they had missed! We all sat together, ate and talked about how great the ceremony was. The children opened their presents, played games and were so happy. When it came to cake time, all of the graduates had to take turns in cutting the cake. We all ate until we were going to burst but everyone was in good spirits. It was a wonderful day. We had somebody video the graduation so if anyone would be interested in seeing it, please let me know. We want to say big congratulations to Bill, Eunice, Blinton, Mercy, Brian, Dorcus, Hope, Ras, and Faith. We are so proud of you and we love you.
By Naomi Koech
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