They were ecstatic.
After all, having never finished primary or high school, having the opportunity to wear a graduation gown and be part of such a ceremony was a grand thing. As I looked at the faces of our village ladies receiving their certificates, I saw nothing but pure joy.
More than just an acknowledgement of their coming week after week to learn a new skill, it signaled a milestone in their lives.
From knowing nothing, the ladies now know how to make beaded bags, jewellery, and basic sewing
I confess, that I was a little puzzled why our local pastor chose to make such a grand deal of our ladies ending their school term. “School”, meant a group of women coming from the village nearby, meeting week after week in a tiny tin shack.
Not only did he organize for the local authorities to be present, he also made great efforts to engage the local community, and to make the event extra special by ordering a cake and samosas for the ladies.
I realized, that while what they achieved may not seem like much to the world, it meant the world to them.
This ceremony was not only an encouragement, but a public acknowledgment of their efforts to believe in themselves, that they could make a difference to their families and communities.
It blew their minds, to know that even the Minister of Parliament of their district came to grace the ceremony, to thank them for being a role model to other women in the surrounding villages.
As they each went on stage proudly to share how their new skill had helped pay for their rent, children’s school fees and food, one only needed to listen carefully between the lines to glean their experiences of hurt, pain and struggle.
Esther sharing how her mother encouraged her to learn beading with her, in spite of her father’s discouragement
The candescent smiles on their faces belied the tragic hardships they have been through.
Eve, one of our ladies who’s become our lead craft teacher.
Not letting her past of being orphaned and abandoned with 3 young children hinder her,
her dream is to use her skills to train other disadvantaged women to empower themselves.
Having the same age, she’s been a dear sister to me.
What’s an African celebration without African dancing?
It was a different kind of graduation.
Seats were filled not with family rallying to support them, but their neighbors, and adorable young children- fatherless.
Yet, for the first time in their lives, they were validated and affirmed for not only what they had achieved, but who they were.
Cliff giving a speech!
These ladies may not have earned Bachelors, Masters or PhD degrees from fancy universities to earn them the gown and hat.
But for what they’ve been through- from being orphaned, abused and abandoned,
to what they’ve achieved today,
I could not be prouder of them,or agree more,
that they stand worthy not only as graduates of the sewing & craft school,
but as women of God,
with the power to believe in themselves to transform lives.
For them, it was all worth it.
Mama Sarah, our oldest lady in our craft group, and her winsome smile!
What joy!