SEGA’s 2014 Graduation
A Graduation, A Celebration, A Success
Last week SEGA held a graduation ceremony and celebration for its 2014 Graduates – the school’s second ever graduating class. It was an incredibly joyous occasion, celebrating the accomplishments of SEGA’s newest graduates and the progress that the school has made in the past year.
For those of you unable to join us for the graduation, below is a summary of the day’s events. We hope the summary will bring the momentous occasion alive for you all.
The graduation began with the singing of the Tanzanian National Anthem by all in attendance—the quietest moment of the five hour affair. Masters of Ceremony, SEGA’s own Geoffrey Lebega and Pauline Rusisye, ushered the event along, inviting each Form to present their song and/or skit as a gift to their graduating sisters. The dances bounced between the contemporary sounds of bongo flava and the traditional beats of Tanzania.
The current Head Girl of School, Antonia Joseph, shared the school’s different projects for the guests and thanked the Form Four students for their hard work, “We congratulate you all Form Four…for your patience and cooperation throughout your time at SEGA. We wish you all the best…we hope you will be good members of your societies…that the skills you have learned here at SEGA will help you in your future lives…”
The guest of honor, Elizabeth Missokia, challenged and supported the graduating Form Four students with her remarks. A woman who has come from vulnerable beginnings, Missokia is now the Executive Director of HakiElimu, a civil society organization that champions education and democracy. A supporter since Sega’s inception, Missokia reminded the girls of the responsibility that they have to themselves, each other, SEGA, and Tanzania. Her words were met with enthusiasm and a resounding “YES,” from the graduates.
After Missokia’s speech, there was a final presentation from Kidogo Kidogo, a cellphone case company that gives a percentage of sales to help low-come women in Tanzania. The organization generously donated 32 cellphones that the graduates will receive after they finish finals. A collective, “whoa,” revealed their excitement. Then finally, it was time for the ultimate token, the diploma.
The Academic Master, Sir Sanga announced the graduates’ names as Headmistress Anastazia Lukomo, Mrs. Missokia, and Director Polly Dolan systematically handed the key that will open the doors of each graduate’s future: the diploma that reflects her education. As the graduates walked down the stairs, their hands were full: their diploma in one hand and a brand new backpack in another (given by a dedicated supporter, The Teens for SEGA Club of Newton North High School).
All in all, the event was a party, a graduation, a success. While this is only its second graduation, SEGA has proved itself a community and establishment that cultivates teamwork, maintains high spirits, surpasses obstacles and achieves remarkable results. Headmistress Anastazia echoed these sentiments in her closing remarks, “Steadfast, resolute and determined, we all kept together as the SEGA community …We faced some incredible and memorable moments that we chose to use as stepping stones…The end result of our coming together, keeping together and working together, in spite of the obstacles… that end result is the successful Graduating Class of 2014.”
Just like the Form Four girls that walked across the stage, so too has SEGA graduated on to the next level.
— Ellie Schneidman