La Promocíon de Sexto Grado

Sunday was a special day at Chacocente... for the school and teachers, the students, the families of the Project, and really the entire neighborhood.
Sixth grade graduation is a big deal in this country. Finishing Primería and heading off to Secandario is what the ceremony signifies... but to the people here it meant so much more.

Four students graduated sixth grade at La Escuela Cristiana Chacocente this year: David, 13; José, 12; Yomara, 14 (but her 15th birthday is this month! the day after i leave, im so mad im missing out on the Quinceñera!!!) and Kevin, 14. Kevin is not from the Project - but he lives in the neighborhood.

Isaac (my brother from Sabana Grande) and I arrived at the Project a couple hours before the ceremony to help set up. The cafeteria of the school was soon completely transformed, with streamers and banners and balloons. People from the Project and neighborhood, family members, even some from out of town, arrived early (Nicaraguans don't get places early) and found themselves seats. Even if they had no relation to those graduating, they were in attendance for the program.

The four graduates were announced and escorted in and blessed. Then the Program began with different drama and song numbers by each class. I played the piano and led the Second Graders in "El Niño y El Tambor" (the Little Drummer Boy). They did so well! After countless practices that weren't always so fruitful, they pulled it off spectacularly! There was a drama about music notes with a combination of students all the grades. The Pre-scholar class had an awesome set up with great props as they acted the song "La Chinita" and three of the teachers sang it.

One part in the Ceremony the graduating 6th graders passed the Nicaraguan and the School's flags onto the upcoming 6th graders as a symbol that they are now the ones to care for the flags and lead the school. It was interesting because we don't do that in our culture, but it's standard for Promotion ceremonies here.

One part of the promotion that I really appreciated was when the director had me stand up to thank me for being there and for all I have done. It felt really good to be recognized - even though in comparison to what everyone else there has done for these kids and this school up until their graduation - I have done hardly anything!

At the end of the ceremony there was food for all and lots of pictures taken, hugs given, congratulations all around... it was a beautiful day.

Education is not highly valued by the average Nicaraguan; yet (as with everywhere) it is essential in order to become successful. These graduates are the third group to complete 6th grade at Chacocente's school, and among the first in their families to have graduated. (Knowing where their families have been, this is such an amazing life moment!) I am so proud of the 4 graduates, as they have worked so very hard to get to where they are. In January they will begin Secandario (High School). Chacocente's school is the best elementary school in the neighborhood, and the quality of education as well as the curriculum is significantly superior to that of the High School where these kids are headed. The Project hopes to some day have a Secandario as well... this would be such an advantage to our students. So, please keep this vision on your hearts and in your prayers.