At 10:30am the five 3rd year students marched towards the graduation square in the company of the 1st year students, 2nd year students, and their teachers dancing to the beautiful melody with smiles on their faces, in their beautiful gowns, and Bibles in their hands. The ceremony was opened with a prayer, and then there were praises and worship led by the students and some staff members. Joyce, our Head of Training & Curriculum, was the MC and took the lead by welcoming the guests as she celebrated the graduates upon completion of their three years at Neema. It was a moment of excitement and joy as she asked people to stand and celebrate the five students because they had made Neema proud. The people in attendance were the chief, our chaplain, the pastors of a local church, parents, students and staff, two alumni, a few incoming 1st year students, and 60 other people as well. Also, their examiner Madam Rose Wanjala was there, and she praised Neema for producing unique students who are so good at what they do but also disciplined and caring — something she did not find in the other students at the examination center. She thanked all of them for passing their examination because she was sure no one had failed,

Our Program Director Irine welcomed the guests to Neema, thanked the graduates for making Neema proud, and encouraged them to keep what they have learned at Neema and go by that as they go to the outside world. She later introduced the students and the staff.

The current students danced for the graduates with lots of joy as they celebrated their success, and were later followed by the staff members who showcased their best dance moves to the graduates and other guests. The children closed the presentations with dance moves that left the audience with smiles.

Then the departmental heads came and gave their speeches and shared what they did with the students during the three years that they were at Neema. Joyce emphasized the importance of gaining skills because they will be able to be independent and also able to provide for themselves and their children. Our Head of Counseling Department, Pamela, said counseling is like the backbone of each department where they make sure that each student is listened to, and there is restoration in each of the students lives and that of their family. And our Residential Manager wrapped it up by letting the congregation know they provide safety for the students and their children all through their time at Neema.

The highlight of the day was when the graduates stood to share. It was very emotional and touching to see each of them acknowledge that they were not the same as they were before they joined Neema, but they were different and grateful for where they were from and where they have reached. 

Sarah said, “When I came to Neema, I was nothing and did not love my child. But I am something today, and I have learned to love my child and myself. I have become something. I am so grateful for Neema and for the counseling I got.”

Irene said, “Before I came to Neema, I never thought I would ever speak among people. But I want to thank Neema because it has helped me grow my confidence and self-esteem, and I’m so grateful for the counseling and all the teaching that I have been able to get at Neema because I am living different from how I came.”

Patricia said, “I am happy that I have fulfilled my dream. I used to sell tea on the verandas, and whenever I saw people sewing I would ask myself if I will ever be like any of them. But I am happy today I have become what I always dreamt. I want to thank my Grace Partner. They would write to me and encourage me, and they would remind me how God cares for me. Whenever I wanted to give up, their words encouraged me to move on, and today I have finished and am living my dream. I really appreciate their sacrifice to make me what I always admired to be.”

The students were so grateful and thankful to their fellow students for being accommodating and supportive during the time they have been at Neema, and for the good care they have given their children because they all came when they were malnourished and not in good shape, but they are living so healthy and grown. It was so beautiful listening to each of them speak about their transformation.

Another highlight was when the guardian and aunt of Patricia, who is also the chief madam (lorna Misko), got up to share. She broke down and cried, and after a moment she said,

“I cannot believe that Patricia and her daughter have reached this day, and they look this beautiful. I remember how she used to sell tea on the streets with her baby on her back when I was looking for her after her father’s death. I cannot thank Neema enough. Her baby came here when she was underweight, looking so bad, but look at who she has become. She looks so beautiful. Neema and its [supporters] should be blessed because they are doing a great job in our area, and we are so blessed to have them. We are so proud and grateful that Neema secured land at Waitaluk, and it is creating an immense impact in our community. The community gets safe water from Neema, and many members of the community are very thankful.”

She ended by saying she is blessed because one of her own is graduating and encouraged them never to forget Neema because it has made them who they are, and they should go exercise what they have been taught.

Then we moved to a talk by a member of the local church from Jeremiah 20:29. She also said Waitaluk was so blessed to have such an institution because of the impact it was creating. 

Then it was time to present the students with their certificates. The staff gifted each student with flowers and a piece of fabric to congratulate them. After that, the graduates, with their parents, received sewing machines and starter kits that will help them be able to start their own businesses.

Consulting Counselor Jackie closed the ceremony by giving a vote of thanks, and thereafter, lunch was served as the students became more emotional while they were bidding farewell to their peers. The day was so colorful and full of excitement and joy.

Since graduating from Neema, our Class of 2023 plans are:

• Brenda is going to live with her grandmother and will be employed at Maili Saba at the shop of her grandmother’s boss.

• Sarah is going to live with her uncle Peter and will start sewing from home as her uncle monitors her progress and plans best on what next.  

• Irine will be living with her aunt and will be sewing from home because of the demand of the customers that she already has and will be monitored on the progress for better planning.

• Sheila will be living with her parents and will be sewing from home to start.

• Patricia will be getting a rented house in Nairobi and will be working in Nairobi at the shop of her aunt’s friend. 

Written by Neema’s Consulting Counselor, Jackie Birungi