Graduation Party

Original reporting by Solome Kalagala. Adapted by Wendy Allyss. Edited by Will Law.


Since 2018, we’ve had 62 Karis-supported youths complete their training in a variety of vocations and certificated courses. To celebrate, Karis invited them to a graduation party on 28th November at All Saints’ Cathedral.

There were over 100 attendees including graduates, carers, CCMs, church staff, as well as vicars from our link churches.

The day kicked off with breakfast (food seems to begin most things in Kampala!).

The graduates then led praise and worship before the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Rev Richard Musinguzi, shared an inspiring message.

Rev Richard Musinguzi

The carers and graduates shared too…

  • Christine testified that, since Karis intervened in her difficult circumstance, she has seen five of her family graduate their training! Three acquired Bachelor degrees from Makerere University, while the other two trained as a builder and drug dispenser respectively. She declared this as a great blessing.

  • Brian’s father shared his thankfulness for how far the Lord had brought them both. His son used his training in ‘Institutional Catering and Hotel Management’ to secure employment at a hotel in Naguru.

  • Natasha (a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate) shared how prayer, hard work, integrity and good company helped her get through her studies and into the job she now enjoys. Every year, she remembered the theme of each Karis camp and used it to guide her while at school.

  • Barbara (a Bachelor of Education graduate) also shared. Even though she lacked the luxuries the other students enjoyed, she maintained her integrity. She believed that if she worked hard enough, there would be a day she could get them for herself. She now has a job that she loves.

There were many emotional moments. Especially when the graduates started thanking their parents and carers for all the support and encouragement that helped them finish their training.

Christine, with her children

Hugs of appreciation

The Diocesan Treasurer, Mrs Merab Gaamuwa, thanked the graduates and their carers for working so hard to get here.

The Guest of Honour, the Diocesan Secretary Rev Canon John Awodi, echoed the sentiments of the day: that hard work reaps rewards.

 

The Diocesan Secretary presented each of the graduates with their personalised wall hanging.

Was it a party if they didn’t eat cake? The graduates cut their celebratory cake with the Diocesan Secretary, the clergy and their parents.

 

Group photos

St Luke’s Ntinda — linked with The Beckenham Group

St John’s Kamwokya — linked with Winchester Vineyard Church

St Peter’s Wandegeya — linked with Holy Trinity Richmond

…also St Peter’s Wandegeya 

St Nicholas Kalerwe — linked with Christ Church Winchester

St Peter’s Naguru — linked with The Woking Group

Will Law