In Vanuatu the end of each school year is a big time to celebrate. We come together to promote students from 8th grade into secondary school. To award students at the top of their class. To thank teachers for their hard work. To welcome new members of the community into the school committee. This year was the first time in West Ambae's history to also include promotion of Kindy to the big day of events!
With my crafty skills, and some construction paper from America, we made graduation caps! Calico was sewn to make sashes as well. Here we are busily getting the Kindergarteners and 8th graders ready to enter the church.
Volovuhu Center School's Kindy Class of 2010
The 8th graders and Kindy students were the honored guests today so they were the lasts to walk inside.
Charlotte helped lead each of them to their seats. She was the usher because she was the first in her class!
The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Jason gave a wonderful welcome speech!
I helped the Headmaster make graduation certificates for each student and we covered them with contact paper so they can last through Vanuatu's extreme elements. Here are 2 of my cousins with their certificates.
Charlotte Joy
Here is Jordy recieving his 8th grade certificate!
In Vanuatu, each teacher ranks their students for each academic subject and then overall. First, second, and third overall get a small present from the school of stationary.
The 8th grade teacher also gets showered with gifts from the students parents.
After the gifts are presented, all students, staff, and community members enjoy a big feast of cow and rice. A cow is killed for the occasion and people come from all corners of the community to make sure they get to enjoy some fresh meat! Then the students play games while the parents meet 1:1 with their children's teachers to hear their grades. By the end of the day everyone goes home full and tired!
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