WEEP Graduation – October 1, 2011
The 2011 WEEP Graduation was held on October 1, 2011, at the HEART compound. The ceremony was the second of its kind, the inaugural ceremony having been held on August 21, 2010, when 12 WEEP ladies graduated from the program.
Jane Akinyi, alumni has since become a supplier of fish to one of the biggest supermarket chains in the country (Nakumatt). During her speech at the 2011 ceremony she spoke to the graduates saying, "I was presented the opportunity to better myself for free as have you. Please note it's not just about the wearing of the gown; it's reaching out to the next person and making her aware too. Giving others hope." I got a chance to talk to Jane after the ceremony and ask her what she really had in mind. She explained to me about her home village in Nyanza, and how she is tired of receiving death reports and felt the need to go there and reach out to the people there.
She said she has already initiated conversation with the local leaders. "You see, these people don't need my money, they need education about HIV/AIDs and hope that even though infected they can live... and that is what I can give them." Jane was representing the other WEEP alumni present.
The 2011 graduation saw 34 WEEP women graduate. These women were from the WEEP centers in Mathare, Kibera, Ngong, Embulbul and Mombasa. The preparation for the day started months in advance. Business plans were drafted and evaluated and profiles updated. The center Coordinators (Mary Maithya, Gladys Odhiambo, Mary Wanderi and Delina Mwakio) worked tirelessly to ensure the ladies were ready.
Early Saturday October 1st, with flowers and ribbons everywhere, project banners hanging and display tables arranged the HEART Lodge compound had turned into an elaborate display of elegance, with the colorful final touches added by the Bayside Women's Team!
With the arrival of Mrs. Judy Gration, wife to the US Ambassador to Kenya, Mrs. Lynn Adrian, of USAID and Mrs. Valorie Thieme, a member of American Women's Association that volunteers regularly at the WEEP centers we were ready to start the program!
At right, WEEP graduate Saumu Mazari with Evans Masese, HEART Program manager, Vickie Winkler, HEART Executive Director, Judy Gration, U. S. Ambassador's wife, and Lynn Adrian, of USAID Kenya.
The ceremony began with each of the graduates walking with a hesitation step to the Graduation square in a single file led by Vickie Winkler, HEART Founder and Executive Director, marching to the song, "Go light your world", by Chris Rice. Mary Maithya, HEART WEEP Coordinator welcomed everyone and offered a word of prayer.
Before the ladies proudly walked down the aisle in their sky blue caps and gowns to receive their diplomas, Valorie Thieme shared a Poem and Mary Wanderi spoke words of encouragement. As they received the diplomas it was evident how enthusiastic the ladies were looking forward to launching their own businesses!
Mary Lou Naylor conducted the Graduate charge, and the message was clear; GO LIGHT THE WORLD!!!
So clear that in her vote of thanks, Evelyne Shangala, 2011 graduate said "Each and every one of us has our own gift. Mama Vickie yours is to have a heart to help others and we are forever grateful. It poses a challenge to us to go out and use ours as you do yours and change the world."
The graduation ceremony would not have been the same without the support of the Bayside Women's Team who were on an eight day trip to HEART (shown at right).
They were very instrumental from early morning preparation of the grounds to setting up of the decorations to documenting the event on camera. So when they got to do presentation of the gifts to the Graduate it felt heavenly. "You have blessed us with your love and compassion," Isaac Mzee, the day's MC said while introducing the Team.
It was a high spirited day and this was complimented by moving poems from Valarie Thieme, Mama Vickie, and Selina Wangare from Mombasa WEEP. The graduates had entertaining presentations and to top it all, the joy in their faces was a sight to live for.
Evelynne Shangala (2011 graduate) while giving "Vote of Thanks" summed it up perfectly. She stated, "When we felt desperate you gave us hope to live again. It takes God's 'heart' to do what you do and you are testimony that if everyone would do their part the best way they can, the world would be a better place."
"With this chance we have now, WE SHALL WEEP NO MORE!"
Graduation guests celebrate with some of the graduates
