Tears. .. of joy and pride

As a teacher in another life I have attended a few graduations, so I understand that tears are par for the course. It is a significant rite of passage for those young people who are about to move into a world full of unknowns. But I have never attended a graduation ceremony as emotional as the one we went to yesterday.

For the past few years that we have stayed in Ubud we have been aware of nearby Campuhan College, and regularly greeted the students as we passed. We have even eavesdropped on lessons and enjoyed some of the fun that they all seemed to be having. We had no reason to think, nor the wit to enquire, that there was anything particularly special going on.

At breakfast one morning last week we started chatting to a lovely woman and her teenage daughter and were surprised to learn that they had travelled from New Zealand specifically to attend yesterday's graduation from the College. As a sponsor of one of the students, she had been invited and she wanted her daughter to understand what education means to those who can't take it for granted. She suggested that we come along too.

The event was held in the beautiful Neka Museum, a venue we were familiar with as it is central to the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. We were warmly welcomed by co-founder Wayan Rustiasa and invited to have refreshments before taking our seats. As the ceremony progressed, we learned:

• The college has been running since 2007, under an initiative of the Karuna Bali Foundation to address the disastrous economic impact on the island following the second bombing in 2005.
• The program gives young people, who would never otherwise have the opportunity, skills and training that will ensure their employability and break the cycle of poverty.
• Selection of students is made after recommendation from their school or community about the potential of the student.
• Only 24 places are available for the one-year program and they are keenly sought. Offers are made following several interviews and home visits to ensure that a selected student will receive the support they need to succeed.
• There is no cost whatever to the student or their family as each student is fully funded by donation to the Foundation.
• The program includes training in information technology and English language, with practical design outcomes and employment placements.

The graduating students were seated to the left of the stage, and to the right sat 24 shy young people who we learned were the new intake. As the ceremony unfolded and highlights of the last 12 months shown on a student-made video, the faces of the new students, anticipating the year ahead, were a joy to behold. In the audience were the proud parents of both groups - those who were able to come from their village for the afternoon. 

Young girls we had seen arrive on motorbikes each day transformed into beautiful dancers to entertain us; young men into not-so-beautiful dancers much to the hilarity of all.

The quality of the work on display, from graphic design, photography and video production was impressive, as were the English language skills.

The pride of these village teenagers as they reflected on the transformation in their lives in just 12 months, the confidence they now displayed and the tears of joy on their parents' faces made this an unforgettable afternoon. Our own tears flowed when we were each presented with a flower by a student in appreciation for just being there and when one of the parents spoke to say how grateful he was that his child had been given this opportunity. My own stumbling efforts at communication in Bahasa Indonesia failed me completely when I was taken to meet some of the parents by their offspring - we were all too overwhelmed. The values that underpin the curriculum were very much in evidence in every young graduate, fine young people now with leadership skills as well as practical. We have seen first hand that the value of education can never be over estimated.

Presentation

Certificates

The 2013-14 intake

Of course we will now become involved in any way we can. The beautiful thing is that we will be here again next July and will attend the graduation of those shy kids on the right of the stage, who by then will be bursting with confidence and self esteem.

Some of the 2013-14 intake are still short of sponsors. I know there are now readers of this blog far and wide (and I thank you) - perhaps someone might be able to help. Please read their stories and if you are able to make a difference to one young person's life, you will do so knowing that the appreciation is profound. And perhaps you will be able to attend the 2014 graduation ceremony and shed a few tears of your own.

A proud and grateful parent