Saturday, January 14th was the graduation ceremony for the 2011 Vocational Training Center participants! We were happy to congratulate 96 vocational training graduates, plus 22 solar energy project graduates. |Of these students, 67 are women who now have the skills necessary to start their own business or gain employment for independence and self-sufficiency.
 
Saturday’s event was attended by many local government officials, town elders, and guests from a number of different schools in Hawassa. The Southern Nationalities head representative was in attendance and participated in the ceremony itself by presenting certificates to the graduates. Also present were head representatives from the City Administration as well as the Women’s, Children’s, and Youth Regional Bureau.
 
The 2011 Graduation ceremony was the first of such size and celebration. The program included traditional dancers, presentations from the children at the center, and was followed by a lunch. We are grateful to have the opportunity to offer such an event for the dedicated students who completed the course. The acknowledgement of their efforts is an inspiration for their future success. A 2011 Graduation Bulletin/yearbook was also completed and distributed to graduates and their families.
 
Thank you for your continued support! The Vocational Training Workshop concludes another successful year. The difference in the lives of these young women and men makes a difference in the entire community of Hawassa. Your contributions make it all possible!
 
-Please enjoy the attached photos of the event!