It's so hard to put into words how privileged I felt to be able to be at CHSA's first valedictory. This was something we had all dreamed of for these children, and now, here they were - the night was theirs. I think we were all immediately struck by how grown up they looked as they walked into the assembly hall wearing their caps and gowns.

Where were the little children we had all known so few years ago? When did they turn into such confident-looking young adults? As they walked to their seats on stage, you could feel the joy and pride that filled all of us. This evening was all about celebrating their achievements, giving thanks to all who had taken such active roles in supporting them, talking of what lies ahead, and finally the heart wrenching good byes.

I have only known the children for the last 5 years, and yet their growth--both physically, mentally, and emotionally, is so apparent. I can only imagine how the teachers who knew them from the beginning years of CH must have felt watching them now. They remembered when few of these children could speak a word of English. They remembered them when they came to school hungry, and they remembered them when they had no real knowledge but thankfully, a real thirst for it. Fast forward, and just look at them now! Here they were receiving wonderful awards—several children many times over.

Nontando Bonga (pictured) was named Valedictorian and truly she is such a star. After being named Valedictorian, silence fell over the hall as she spoke so eloquently to all. We were overwhelmed with her grace, her words of gratitude to all who had gotten her to this point, and the care and concern she displayed to her classmates. How could someone her age be delivering a speech that few adults could give?

Zola Simenukana spoke about her dad. She told us her mom had died when she was just 18months old, and her dad had raised her by himself. She is now 18 and said it was through his care and encouragement that brought her to this day. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere after hearing her beautiful story. After hearing their classmates speak, the matriculants sang a farewell song, but they became so filled with emotion, they could barely finish. It was truly sweet watching them console each other, one by one. Even the boys couldn't hold back their tears. They all had come to realize what Christel House means to them, the gift they had been given.

Where do they go from here? I asked several of them afterwards what their future plans were, and so many responded they were going on to universities in and around Cape Town. One girl had already been accepted into 3 universities! The matriculants know, perhaps better than any other, how far they have been able to come and the great possibilities that now lie before them because of an amazing school—Christel House.

Watch the blog, Facebook and our Flickr page for photos soon!

This is an update to Jan's previous post.

Labels: graduation, South Africa, testimonial, update, visitor, Volunteer