SEGA's Graduating Class of 2020!
55 Form IV students celebrate SEGA’s 8th Graduation
If any further proof is needed about the resiliency of our SEGA students, then look no further than the October 31 graduation ceremony. After five years of concentrated study, from Pre-Form through Form 4, SEGA’s eighth graduating class of 55 students were jubilant at their accomplishment!
With most of the girls coming from challenging backgrounds, times are tough even in the best of circumstances. Adding this year’s COVID-19 restrictions that included no family or guests to hug and proudly watch them as they joyfully received their certificates was especially tough.* But, our girls embrace challenges with the wisdom, confidence and strength they have gained through their SEGA years.
Following weeks of preparation, the day included awards, speeches and lots of entertainment in the form of songs, dances, drama and a fashion show. In addition to a speech from Headmistress Elly Sarakikya, there were special remarks from the Guest of Honor, Professor Shani Mchepange, Institute of Kiswahili Studies, University of Dar es Salaam.
Zainabu, Head Girl: From an exceptionally impoverished home with a parent who has severe mental illness, Zainbu rose to SEGA’s highest elected student leadership position, Head Girl. This is the equivalent of a school president.
Malkia arrived at SEGA in Form I. With her first language Maasai, her second Kiswahili, she did not know one word of English. Nearly failing Form I, she persevered and is graduating as one of Form IV’s top students.
Outstanding students in the 11 different subject areas received a certificate from Head Mistress Elly Sarakikya (L), and Guest of Honor, Professor Shani Omari Mchepange (R).
Let the dancing begin!
This celebration day is being followed with final national exams from November 23 through December 2. In February, 2021, students will receive results that will indicate whether they qualify for an additional two more years of advanced high school. All students in this high-performing class passed their preliminary mock exams so it is hopeful that all will qualify. Thanks to our supporters and donors, financial assistance will be given to qualifying students who continue their education in the fall of 2021.
Although parents and family weren’t in attendance due to pandemic precautions, special gifts and creative staff planning helped the girls forget their absence - at least temporarily.
Thanks to Nurturing Minds board members (who were exceptionally sad they couldn’t travel to be there), each girl received cherished gifts of a khanga, kitenge, and 10 photographs to take home.
And, to ensure each girl felt the special love to warm their hearts, the SEGA staff acted as parents - each group of five girls had one or two staff members acting as parents. Then, each “adult” presented the group with a cake that included each of the girls’ names.
What’s next for the graduating students? SEGA’s Education For Life (EFL) staff members will do future visits to their homes to check on them and report back to us.
Jane Myombo, Assistant Counselor said, “These visits are very important as it gives the bigger picture on what the students are up to, the progress they've made and, mostly, it reinforces the connection between students and the visiting staff, as most of our students do not have parents who would go visit them, so it is such a joy and that’s why some of students become emotional.”
Below, view more photos from graduation on the left and watch a clip on SEGA’s YouTube channel on the right.
*Thanks to the strict adherence to COVID-19 safety procedures and its nearly closed campus, SEGA no longer requires the wearing of masks.
Graduates singing to thank the supporters and founders of the SEGA Girls’ School.