A historic moment: First grade graduate at CFF Escuela in Honduras!

21 pupils graduated this November after joining the kindergarten at the school nine years ago at the age of 5 or 6 back in 2012. After finishing their first year of preschool education, 6 years of elementary school are mandatory before they can move in to middle school which makes up 3 school years. After graduating, most of them will continue their education at other schools and institutions and complete their high school education. Some will start their technical education and a couple of them have decided to start an apprenticeship in their desired field.

When we asked them what their plans for their future were, most of them replied that they’d like to become doctors, lawyers, teachers or accountants. Some were considering playing sports professionally, such as football or basketball, while a few were more inclined to follow artistic or musical paths. Unfortunately, the economic situation in Honduras won’t make this very easy for them. They will have to apply for scholarships or move to public educational institutions. Nevertheless, everything they’ve learned over the years at Centro Educativo has prepared them to pursue any goal of their choice.

The ceremony took place on 25th November in the school refectory, where big events are usually held. At 2pm, the kindergarten children presented a small show, involving singing and dancing, for their families and the school staff. Then diplomas were handed out by the School director Claudia Matute, the kindergarten teacher Darlene Andrade, and the Child & Family Foundation representatives Barbara S. and Alejandro N. After the kindergarten ceremony, it was time for the big event.

The 9th grade pupils came into the room wearing their robes and escorted by their parents. They sang the Hondurian national anthem and then the director greeted everyone and introduced the former Child & Family Foundation chairwoman, Mrs. Nina Passegger. who attended the ceremony online from Europe. Mrs Passegger gave a lovely speech full of good sentiment and thanked everyone for their hard work for the school over the years. The new Child & Family Foundation chairwoman, Mrs. Heidemarie Kipperer gave a beautiful introductory speech via videomessage and encouraged those graduating and the school staff to continue building on their hard work in the future. More motivating and grateful speeches followed from parents and students alike. At the end, the students sang a beautiful song and, after the group pictures, threw, as is tradition, their hats into the air!

We are very proud of our pupils, their efforts and dedication to school over the years. This has been easier for some than others, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the whole educational system. Nevertheless, the children have achieved their first life goal. Now they can continue with their education to become upstanding members of their community.

Child & Family Foundation project manager Alejandro N. met with the school staff, the project director Barbara S., the school accountant and the school lawyer as well as some important school entities over the course of his stay and held meetings to solve current problems and offer answers to questions and proposals for the school. Especially important was the planning for 2022, where topics such as budget, legal documentation, school renovations and curriculum were discussed and various improvements suggested.