Preschool Graduation Ceremony

Having met at the Mercy House for 9am we were treated to a lovely hot cup of tea and took our places, watching the little ones arrive in their caps and gowns brought tears to our eyes so we had to firmly take control before the ceremony had even started! 

We were informed that the caps and gowns were on loan to the children for that day and are cleaned afterwards, ready for the next year's session of graduates.  This ceremony takes place before the children move on to more formal education which is under the control of the local authority.

As the benches filled up, cameras were positioned by the official photographer towards the flower bedecked stage where Father Joe would preside and give out the certificates and a video camera was ready where the children would exit the stage.

Father Joe arrived and with all 175 children in place, the ceremony began.

Same age children come in a variety of sizes and whilst every effort had been made to get as near a fit as possible, some of the gowns were above knees whilst others were nearly touching the floor!  A couple of little girls actually tripped on theirs going up the stairs but no matter, the photograph taken would make them all look beautiful for future reference, Father Joe was insistent upon making sure the caps were on straight before the photographer clicked. 

The children were extremely well behaved considering it took quite sometime for everyone to have their moment of fame. They all looked so proud when holding their certificate posing for their precious photo. 

Afterwards, Father Joe gave a speech in Thai (translated for us by Khun Prawina).  He emphasised that no matter what, the children MUST GO TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY!  He said even if their father was drunk, their mother was playing cards, that it was raining, that is was not raining, that they had no shoes – whatever they MUST GO TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY which the children chanted over and over.  It was a happy, special atmosphere and we felt honoured and humbled to be there and witness the joy for teachers and pupils alike.

This ceremony was to be repeated for a further 310 children in the afternoon and in total 12 schools would have a combined graduation ceremony over 2 days – a mammoth task. 

HDF is to be highly commended for its education programme.  They do a wonderful job in the communities around Bangkok, bringing light into the lives of some who would be forever in darkness.

By Gale Bailey