By Bob Aston
There were plenty of smiles, a few
tears and a lot of hugs as Ngarua Maarifa Centre computer trainees took their
first step into the world of computer graduates. The ceremony was held on 1st July 2013.The day was a
special opportunity to honour the trainees who attended training between
February-April 2013. The day was also designed to recognize the pride
Maarifa Centre feels in their computer trainees’ accomplishments. More
than 80 graduates were awarded computer certificates. The ceremony was held at
Sipili Catholic hall and was attended by government officials, as well as the
graduates to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Graduates posing for a photo |
Ngarua Maarifa Centre which is in
Sipili Division is one of the seven Maarifa Centres (Nguruman, Kyuso, Mutomo,
Marigat, Ndhiwa And Isinya) in Kenya set up by Arid Lands Information Network,
(ALIN). Other centers are situated in northern Uganda and in Tanzania.
The graduates, the Maarifa centre staff
and other invited guests were all smiles as Ngarua Maarifa centre paid tribute
to the hard work and accomplishments of the graduating trainees. Whatever
distinguished these trainees from each other throughout computer training
disappeared as the smiles on their faces told a common story. They had done it.
An assembly of former computer trainees
and a local drama group called Ndurumo Survivors provided entertainment whereby
they highlighted accomplishments of ALIN and they also appreciated the work
that ALIN has done in Laikipia County.
William Gibore who is a GSU Constable
and was also one of the graduates thanked ALIN for the training and also told
the gathering that the training enabled him to be called for a Peace Keeping
interview. One of the requirements was for one to be computer literate. He
urged the gathering to pray for him to be shortlisted.
Graduates following proceedings during the ceremony |
Bob Aston who was their computer
trainer advised the graduates to make plans for their future and to set goals
for themselves. Praising their hard work, he told the graduates that “your
accomplishments are your own, but they are also a gift to me.”
Allan Karanja who is an IT professional
told the graduates to continue pursuing computer courses. He advised the graduates
not to relax but to continue studying and also emphasized on the importance of
career development.
Dennis Kipkirui told the graduates and
the visitors more about ALIN and activities carried out by Ngarua Maarifa
centre.”Your graduation is a celebration of your achievement and marks the
beginning of an amazing journey. As you leave the Centre and begin your life,
you will be doing so as an alumnus of Ngarua Maarifa centre” said Dennis
Senior Ass Chief John Kimaiyo who is
also a computer Alumni at the Maarifa Centre told the graduates to be proud of
their achievements as they are now computer literate.Kimaiyo also told ALIN
staff that land for Maarifa container is ready and they are just waiting for
communication from them. Pastor Anthony Njehia told the graduates about four
guiding principles in life. "Discipline, direction, determination and
dependence in God are the guiding principles that one should always follow in
life,” said Pastor Njehia.He told the graduates to always put God first in
whatever they do in life for them to be successful. He concluded his speech
with a reading from proverbs chapter 4:1.
The graduates were presented with their
certificates and the festivities continued with a joint photo session. Senior
assistant chief John Kimaiyo provided closing remarks by thanking ALIN staff
who engineered the event and left the graduating class with inspiring words to
set them off on their journey.
Ngarua Maarifa Centre wishes all the
graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors.
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