On Friday morning, the team arrived at New Life Academy in Bomani as the final setup for the graduation ceremony was being completed. Because the chapel in Bomani is a bit smaller than in Vipingo, the proceedings would be taking place outside, with tents setup for the Fox River team, teachers, the graduates, and their families. It was very encouraging to see a very large group of parents and family members gathered to celebrate their students' hard work and achievement.
The ceremonies began with a procession of the graduates and honored guests. In true Kenyan fashion, this was a slow moving processional moving in the rhythm of a celebratory dance.
In addition to the 34 students graduating from Standard 8 (8th Grade) and moving into Form 1 (freshman year of high school), the kids moving from KG3 to Standard 1 were also dressed in their little robes and graduation caps. Bringing up the rear were four Americans being very good sports to dress in robes on a very hot, sunny day: Pastor Bobby Bechtel, the director of the Hope Foundation of Kenya; Pastor Jim Horne, representing Manna Worldwide with whom we partner to administer the school; Pastor Mark Roberts, representing Fox River; and Denise Conn (or Mama Denise as she is often called), as the one who administers and coordinates our missions in Kenya and Nicaragua.
KG3 and Standard 8 grads filing in
Pastor Mark and Mama Denise were very good sports about wearing the ceremonial garb on such a hot day.
The students prepared several special performances to celebrate this special day. A student named Silas in Standard 3 (that is, 3rd grade) recited a history of the school, with impressive detail, entirely from memory. The choir sang two songs (one of which was quite familiar to the Americans in attendance - see the video below), and the school dance troupe performed a traditional Kenyan dance. Even the teachers performed a song as part of the ceremony. It was truly a celebration!
Silas did an incredible job reciting the history of New Life Academy by from memory.
The school choir preformed two songs.
The school dance troupe performed a very energetic traditional Kenyan dance.
The graduation continued with addressed from several honored guests: Head Teacher Victor Kalama, Pastor Allan Owano (national Pastor overseeing New Life Academy), Bobby Becthel, Jim Horne, and Mark Roberts. Many thanks were given to the people of Fox River, whose generosity funds the school. One thing is very clear: the Kenyan people are exceedingly appreciative of the work we do.
Head Teacher Victor acted as the emcee for the graduation ceremony.
Pastor Mark addresses the graduates
Mama Denise was especially thanked as the one who puts so much work into keeping these missions running smoothly, it's amazing that it's not her only job. She was honored with a portrait of her spending time with the kids she loves so much.
Lisa Becthel and Pastor Allan pose with Denise holding the portrait of her and the students in Bomani.
Each of speakers had encouraging words to the graduates and thanks to God for the incredible work He is doing in the lives of these students and families. The theme throughout the proceedings was perhaps most succinctly summarized by Pastor Bobby's words to the graduates. He challenged them that as they continue to secondary school go with God and to follow Him wherever they go.
Bobby's message was clear: go with God
One by one, the students were called forward to receive their certificate of completion, invitation letter to attend Valerye McMillan Hope High School, and a book bag with a Bible and other gifts. The three boys and three girls with the highest scores on the KCPE, the national primary school completion exam, received special recognition and a special gift of their high school sports kits (shoes and uniforms) purchased for them.
The students who received top scores on the KCPE were recognized and awarded.
Cutting the cakes and giving small pieces to each of the graduates wrapped up the graduation ceremony. Since the Vipingo graduation day, there has been some debate as to the veracity of the rumor that feeding the grads is a widespread Kenyan tradition. We'll have to leave that question to the ages. (In other words, it's probably not, and we're not entirely sure where it came from.) In any event, this time the parents got in on the cake feeding action. After one more final prayer, the graduation celebration concluded.
New Life Academy Bomani Class of 2015
We got to spend the rest of the afternoon on the campus of the school, talking to teachers, graduates, and students. This trip is entirely comprised of people who have been to Kenya at least once, so many of us had students we wanted to connect with while we had the time.
The graduation day in Bomani served to again underscore the incredible transformation that has taken place in these two communities. When we first began following God's lead to work in Kenya, these students were in KG3 - just barely beginning their education. Today, wearing caps, gowns, and smiles, they are ready to begin secondary education - something we often take for granted in the US, but is in no way a given here in Kenya.
By working through people willing to show love to the least of these halfway around the world, lives are being transformed and the kingdom of God is continually advanced. If you are one of our partners working in Kenya and Nicaragua, you have made this possible by saying yes to God. On behalf of our first graduating class, and all kids who will fill their shoes, we say: Asante sana na Mungu akubariki sana -- thank you very much and may God greatly bless you.