10 December 2010
The third Watoto Hope Senior School graduation was held at Suubi Children’s Village on Friday 3rd December 2010. 53 students, five of whom were privately-sponsored, graduated at a colourful ceremony where each received a certificate of merit upon completing high school.
Watoto Pastor, Doug Stride encouraged the students to raise this achievement in their lives and not forget how hard they have worked and continue to do so.
He said: “Life is made of many stages and just like the Israelites who made a monument for the Ark of the Covenant after it was brought back to Israel, you should write a poem or sing a song specifically for this milestone which you can look back at and be proud of as it reminds you of how far you have come.”
It was indeed a significant event in the history of the school since it was the graduation of the pioneer class that started in 2001 at primary school level when the Watoto Education department was officially opened. At that time, there was only one school – I.D Raymer Primary School in Bbira Children's Village - with 66 students and six teachers. Today, Watoto has six schools, over 60 teachers and more than 1,800 students.
Mude Yosam, the school head-boy, who was also graduating congratulated his fellow students upon this life-time achievement. “Do not be swayed by the occasion but remember that it isn’t the end of the road and you should continue working hard in order to succeed,” he said.
It was a fascinating ceremony that ushered the young adults into a whole new world of discovery. The students have now embarked on a six-month holiday as they wait for university and other post secondary school enrolment in 2011.
