Graduation 2017

Last Friday, Mainsprings and the Joseph and Mary Schools graduated its third class of Form 4 students. These 27 young men and women have now completed their O-Level secondary education and are now awaiting the results of their Form 4 national exams that will help determine where they will head in life.

Mainsprings' four graduating residential girls - Maggie, Julie, Martina, and Siwema

In honor of such a big accomplishment, our Kitongo campus hosted its second major graduation in as many months. As a final send off for our Form 4 graduates- many of whom have been on our campus and in our school for years- nearly 600 attendees came out to celebrate their successes. Joseph and Mary’s 400 students, our flagship campus' 70 person staff,  Mainsprings US-based staff-including CEO Chris Gates, Mainsprings Kahunda Director, Mr. Lyimo, and dozens of government officials and community members came together in honor of the 17 girls and 10 boys who walked across the stage and received their diplomas.

The Magu District Commissioner and several other government officials escorted the graduates as they marched from our central office building to the dining hall where staff, students, families, and community members patiently waited. Cutting the ribbon at the entrance, the District Commissioner officially kicked off the graduation and watched as the graduates danced their way past the invited guests and to their seats.

Just as with our 7^th grade graduation in October, our third Form 4 graduation was filled with original entertainment from Joseph and Mary students who used the day to showcase what they have learned in school. Primary School students created skits depicting the history of Tanzania’s past and present political leaders, presented about different science subjects, and performed original songs wishing the graduates off well. Joseph and Mary Secondary School students performed a graduation-themed remix to Jay-Z’s “Forever Young” as well as a wonderful performance of Empire’s “Powerful” by residential girls Happy, Leticia, Zai, and Neema Daniel. A group of secondary students- led by our lab technician Mr. Mikela- made (and subsequently marketed) soaps and perfumes that they had learned how to make in their science class.

As with any major ceremony, our class of 2017 was showered with advice from a host of speakers.  Ms. Atamba, one of our school managers, gave a speech about the history of our organization, how far the students had come and how far they still have to go, as well as our school’s emphasis on co-curricular activities. Athumani and Maggie addressed the graduates and guests on behalf of the whole class and expressed their collective gratitude for the education they received through our many programs- both in and out of the classroom. Athumani, one of our scholarship students, talked about how much Mainsprings, and especially Mr. Samo, has done to empower him. Our Guest of Honor- District Commissioner Hadijah R. Nyembo- spoke to the importance of using their education to empower themselves and their communities as well as to her appreciation to the cooperation between Mainsprings and the Tanzanian government.

The highlight of the day, as always, was the handing out of certificates and diplomas. First, the Office of Student Development handed out superlative awards to various students for accomplishments in leadership, sports and games, cleanliness, arts and music, etc. Mr. Kidapanda then handed out awards for students who excelled in the various subjects taught at Joseph and Mary. Finally, the District Commissioner- who serves as a Mayor to Magu District- handed out the graduates’ diplomas as they each took a turn walking across the stage, shaking hands, and being recognized by all of the guests in attendance.

As a final celebration, all of the guests were treated to a community lunch of rice, pilau, friend chicken, beef stew, fruits, vegetables and soda. Congratulations to the Class of 2017! We are so proud of you!