HOCET Secondary School’s 2010 Form IV graduates have inspired me, and are a great reminder to me of the impact HSS has on its students…..

I was involved in Kujali’s graduate transition program- The Maendeleo (Development) Program- for HSS graduates last year. I specifically spent time teaching our graduates basic computer skills, including typing skills, word-processing, and media-based presentation skills. I also have spent individual time with each of our graduates, helping them make plans for continuing their education. This included helping them identify schools and programs, helping them fill out applications and prepare for their courses.

At the moment, we currently have three graduates studying certificate programs in law, accounting, and information technology. We also have two students studying Form V at advanced level secondary schools: one is concentrating on History, Swahili and English and the other is concentrating on Physics, Geography and Mathematics.  Another student is studying intensive French.

It has been incredibly satisfying working with our graduates.  One very memorable time was sitting with one of our graduates as he was preparing his things the night before starting Form V.  I met this student in 2008 and remember him telling me how starting Form I at HSS was a dream come true.  He had been working for three years in a garage as a mechanic because his mother could not afford to send him to secondary school, and his uncle refused to send him to school.  He said during his days at the garage he dreamed about going back to school, but never thought it would be possible.  His father intended to send him to secondary school, but unfortunately passed away shortly before he finished primary school.

I sat with this student the night before he started Form 5 and told him how proud I was of him, but also that I know his father would have been very proud of him as well.  His dream was to go to ordinary level secondary school and now he has not only completed ordinary level secondary school, but is studying advanced level secondary education.  He is doing well in his new school and really enjoys his classes.
While our graduates are no longer at HSS, our involvement in their lives has not stopped.  Kujali’s graduate transition program now includes monthly meetings.  During these meetings, I teach computer lessons and give lessons on budgeting and financial management, while also facilitating group discussions and time for the students to share with each other.

During our March meeting, one of our students shared that many of the other students in his current program have much more money than he does and he feels bad when he cannot participate in the same social activities as the other students.  Getting to gather with his peers from HSS gave him a chance to share difficulties and to remember that he is not the only with these difficulties.  At our most recent meeting we had a really long discussion where all the students shared good and difficult things that happened in the past month, and those in school shared about the classes they are taking.  Some of the highlights the students shared included things that were directly related to the graduate transition program: opening bank accounts, completing school applications, and studying.

Having the opportunity to listen to and watch our graduates through this important stage in their lives shows me so clearly how we are impacting lives– and gives me hope that our graduates will go on to
impact communities across Tanzania.  I am also really thankful that HSS provides not only education, but also a community for our students as they develop long-lasting friendships with their peers at HSS. Our graduates can easily gather and share both their successes and struggles and they know they are not alone.  I feel honored to know our graduates and have really enjoyed working closely with them and look forward to our future monthly graduate gatherings.

-Iris & The Kujali Team