Though the year had been fraught with difficulties, Grace Emmanuel School still wanted to mark the close of its 20th year with a party for the kindergartners and their parents. (In Haiti, kids begin kindergarten around age 3 and spend three years in the program. After the third year, they graduate into 1st grade.)
In lieu of a traditional graduation ceremony, which would have put an unnecessary burden on families to provide special attire for their students, the kids gathered in their school uniforms to put on a special program for their classmates and their parents.
The 3rd kindergartners wore a special button instead of a cap and gown, though they did get to take turns posing in a cap and gown for their official graduation photo.
Though only 16 kindergartners were graduating, the rest of the 52 kindergartners came to celebrate with them and share performances of their own, including dances, songs and poems.
After the program, the kids enjoyed a special meal of sandwiches, drinks and cake and received their final report cards.
Steica earns top marks
The kids in each level of kindergarten who had excelled the most academically this past year were also recognized. Of the graduating kindergartners, 5-year-old Steica earned the top marks.
“I thank God because last year we had big problems with her health,” shared her mom, Maudeline. “I thought she was going to die. The doctors said if I hadn’t taken her to the hospital when I did, she wouldn’t have made it, because she had severe pneumonia.”
Steica still struggles with some lingering effects of the pneumonia, sometimes missing weeks of school at a time. Maudeline, who works as the school’s secretary, sits with her daughter to study her lessons every night after she gets home from work and finishes household tasks.
“It’s not easy, but I feel like my sacrifices aren’t in vain, and that gives me joy,” said Maudeline. “Thanks to God first because He makes all of this possible.”
Watch clips from the program
We’ve put together a highlight video from the kindergarten program filled with songs, dancing, and recitations. The audio is in French and Creole, but you may be able to pick out a few familiar words, and you will definitely enjoy the show!
Kristi Bucher has served as Communications Manager for Jesus in Haiti Ministries since 2014. She currently lives in Minnesota with her husband, Nathan, and two kids. Kristi and Nathan lived in Haiti from 2012–2014.