News & pics: Vincent Mascarenhas, Moodbidri

Tanzania, Sep 15: September 9 was a red letter day in the history of St Joseph Boys’ Science Secondary School in Tanzania. The first batch of 40 students underwent the graduation ceremony at the school. Bishop Fr Dr Rogath Kimaryo, Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, Aaron Mbogho, district commissioner of Mwanga district, Chacha Magewa, the education officer of Mwanga district, Fr Ronald Pinto, the first headmaster of the school, Sr Vinola, the regional superior of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, Fr Vincent Monteiro, parish priest of Kinnigoli parish were the dignitaries who graced the occasion. About 500 parents, 250 students of the school, several priests and religious sisters were present.

The day began with the Holy Eucharist offered by Bishop Rogath Kimaryo. In his homily, he thanked the Lord for the progress made in the school campus and exhorted the students to excel in competence and character. A colourful graduation programme followed with the procession along with the school band. Four students were brought to
the stage on candle light procession with enchanting music. After the prayer dance, Fr Alwyn D’Souza, the manager of the school, welcomed all those who were present.

Fr Victor Machado, the headmaster of the school, read the report of the school in Kiswahili. Mesmerizing dances and entertaining skits followed which won the hearts of all. Fr Ronald Pinto honored all the teachers. Aaron Mbogho distributed prizes to those had won in different competitions during the year. Bishop Aloysius honoured those with academic excellence.

The district commissioner lauded the efforts of the school in offering quality education and urged the students to become productive assets to the nation. He offered to give attractive benefits to those who do remarkably well in the examination. The bishop of Mangaluru, by citing various examples gave useful guidelines to the students as how they can excel both in competence and character. Fr Ronald Pinto urged the students to take the school to new heights by doing extremely well in the coming national examination. The bishop enlisted the services rendered by the Catholic Church and said that all these services are done not for business but with genuine interest for the betterment of the community. He requested the government authorities to recognize this difference in charitable works.

Finally, the four students were conferred graduation certificates by all the guests on the dais. The parents of the students were also honoured during the ceremony. It was the most profound moment during the programme.

Leonard Laghua, the assistant headmistress of the school proposed the vote of thanks. A sumptuous meal followed thereafter. All those who attended the programme expressed their joy and gratitude for arranging the programme with a qualitative touch.