Children of Kibera Foundation: Graduation, Prize Giving, Thanks Giving Ceremony at Red Rose School.

Wednesday the 21^st of November saw Red Rose School hold a ‘three-in-one’ ceremony. 24 children graduated from kindergarten and are set to join first grade in January 2013, on the same day a thanks giving ceremony was held for the 16 pioneer eighth grade students set to sit their national exams (KCPE) early December, their ticket into high school education. Academic and extracurricular excellence was also rewarded.

With the District Education Officer and other community leaders in attendance, the program begun at 10:30 am. To set the mood right, brilliant and thrilling performances from each class were showcased, this was followed by awarding of top performers in the academic and extracurricular activities. Top three pupils in each class received books, pens and other gifts from the school management.

The awarding ceremony was followed by the graduation ceremony of the 24 kindergarten pupils from Red Rose School. Neatly lined up and looking spectacular in their silky navy blue gowns, the sense of accomplishment and pride could not be hidden in their faces. With cheers from the other students and their parents urging them on, the procession and awarding of certificates was truly inspiring. If only you could see each student step forward to receive a certificate and a symbolic solar lamp; all these with their parents beside them under a flood of cameras flashes.

“It’s amazing how my girl has grown up fast!”- A parent (overheard)

The journey through primary school for a child from Kibera is often long and full of uncertainties. Coming from a challenge filled background, dropping out of school is a usual issue for this kind of children. However, the Red Rose family had something to smile about. Being a registered examination center, the school is set to have its first ever candidates sit national exams from December 4^th-7^th. This is the exam that determines their high school entry. We wish all our 16 candidates the best.
The ceremony was concluded with speeches from: our Executive Director-Ken Okoth, Cooperative Bank, Kibera branch Manager-Mr. Evans Agina and the District Education Officer-Madam Ann Shiundu. With the importance of, and investing in education being the overlying message.

“We have to invest in our children’s education for
they are the ones who will be running our economy some years to come”-

Madam Ann Shiundu District Education Officer