Communications| Kisa Program | Graduation | 28th June 2024

“It was not just a day; it was a special day, the day that everyone was dreaming of. Not only for the Kisa Scholars but also for mentors.” These words perfectly capture the magic of Kisa Graduation Day—a day filled with smiles, laughter, good vibes, and dancing, as pride fills the hearts of every scholar, mentor, teacher, and guest present. It’s a celebration that marks the end of a two-year journey for Kisa Scholars and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as they step into their roles as Kisa Alumni, ready to make a positive impact on their communities as socially responsible leaders.

As a testament to their dedication and commitment, Scholars are awarded with certificates that certify they have successfully completed the Kisa program in socially responsible leadership with excellent attendance for two years and have completed the key components of effective leadership for a better community. The event not only signifies the achievements but also marks the official transition into Kisa Alumni as they are ready to create positive changes in their life and communities. In recognition of their remarkable achievements GLAMI mentors – who have guided them along the way, teachers, Head of school and other GLAMI staff extend heartfelt congratulations and well deserved appreciation to the scholars.

The journey for these Scholars started in 2022, when they joined the Kisa program. From the beginning, they went through several steps—an introduction to the program, an application process, and an interview before finally becoming Kisa Scholars. With the support of their mentors, they followed the Kisa curriculum, which has five main units focused on leadership skills. This year, 1165 Scholars from both Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions completed the program, making this graduation day truly special.

On this special day, Scholars shared their gratitude and love for their mentors, who have been there for them through challenges and successes. For many, the mentors have been their role models, inspiring them to achieve more and reach the new heights of personal and collective achievements. Doreen Lucas, a graduate from Weruweru, shared, “I feel very happy and sad too. I feel happy because I am achieving what I have planted for years, but I feel sad because I am going to miss a bunch of memories from my mentor (Madam Alice) and my fellow Kisa Scholars. I had a favorite thing in Kisa which was participating in answering questions in different sessions. I like the fact that I got a certificate showing that I am a Kisa alumna. Well, I am going to share all I have acquired with my friends out there so that they can also learn what I have learnt for all these two years.”

Throughout their time in the Kisa program, the scholars  participated in weekly activities, including Kisa sessions, career sessions, health sessions, Two-Day challenge, and an advocacy campaign. Each of these activities was designed to help them grow both personally and professionally as socially responsible leaders. For Manka, a graduate from Mwika, this day means reaching a major milestone. She said,  “…Actually I am so happy I have achieved a milestone. I am glad the day that I have been waiting for all day has finally come into reality…Through Kisa I have learnt how to be a good leader and create a positive impact in my community. My dream is to be a business woman and through the Kisa program I have learnt how to achieve it”.

On graduation day, Scholars help decorate the venue, set up chairs and tables, and prepare for the celebration. The day is complete with a cake, snacks, and music that brings Scholars and mentors together in dance. Each Scholar receives a gift to remember the day, and class captains are recognized for their leadership.  Asha, a Scholar (now an alumna) from Mkuu Secondary and the class captain, shared her feelings, saying, “… On this special day, I am happy to be awarded a gift as the class captain… I can’t wait to use the knowledge I’ve gained to be a role model to others, solve problems in my community, and share what I’ve learned with people around me. As the class captain in the Kisa Program, I learned how to be a good leader in a practical way and to be creative in leading people with different personalities. Now that I am graduating, I can say I am ready to lead any team, no matter how big it is.”

Belinda, a Kisa Program graduate from Machame Secondary, reflected on how much mentors meant to them, emphasizing that even when mentors faced challenges in their own lives, they never gave up on the Scholars as they supported them consistently. She shared an encouraging message to the mentors, saying, “Every day when you show up, even when it’s hard, when you don’t feel like you’re making a difference, even when you’d like to give up—remember, the world needs the magic inside you.” The dedication of all the mentors and GLAMI staff has been a major part of making this day a reality. They work hard to make sure that Scholars gain the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders who make a difference.

Adina William Luwanda, a program mentor, shared her feelings about the day, “Graduation is the day that makes me feel proud, happy, and sad all at once. Seeing my Scholars dancing, singing, and posing for pictures with their certificates reminds me of the first day they joined the program and the journey through the two years. It’s the day that shows and reminds me of the efforts and the joy of mentorship. One thing about graduation is seeing that my Scholars have grown, and they are ready to embrace the beginning of a new chapter.”

Diana Mngara, GLAMI’s outreach social worker, shared her happiness in seeing Scholars who faced challenges make it to graduation. “I am happy to see Scholars who were at risk of dropping out graduate from our program and complete their final examinations. I have attended the graduation of five schools, and I have seen how Scholars were happy and grateful to their mentors for what they impacted in their life.”

For Idda Joseph, another GLAMI mentor, graduation day is a moment of pride and reflection: “Today marks a beautiful journey of two years with these amazing mentees. It was not an easy journey, but an amazing one. It was a journey of learning and mapping a way to great leaders. As a mentor, I am so proud of my mentees, and today we are celebrating that transformation.”

Kisa Graduation Day is a time of joy, memories, and the beginning of a new journey for our Kisa graduates. These young women are now ready to take what they’ve learned and make positive changes in their communities. GLAMI looks forward to seeing the impact these Scholars will make and eagerly awaits celebrating with even more girls in the years to come, celebrating every step toward empowering the next generation of leaders.

See more Graduation photos below