Cultural Representative graduation at AKV-Jambo

[Simba's Mom]

Besides all the posted activities, I thought I'd describe another activity I was fortunate enough to encounter on my visit a few weeks ago. As you know, there are cultural representatives from various African countries who come for a set period of time, I thik it's a year. What I didn't know is that at the end of that time, they have a graduation ceremony. I apologize for the quality of the pictures-lots of sun facing me. It takes place in the lobby of AKV-Jambo, the one I went to was in early May, Tuesday at 11:30. Around 11:25 a group of 4 drummers began (think of the music starting for a graduation ceremony). The "graduates" were led in from a back room by a CM also with drums-

The woman in yellow is the GM of AKL, I think, who gave opening remarks. The flags represented all the countries of the graduates.

Then the manager of each specific area the cultural reps had been involved with (front desk, Jiko, etc.)handed out diplomas just like a school graduation here-

At the end of the ceremony, the representatives from each country would sing the national anthem in front of the flag from that country-

There was only one representative from one of the countries, and although he sang solo, all the other representatives came forward and stood behind him. The GM said something about the African tradition of no one standing alone. Afterwards, as she said, there wasn't a dry eye in the place (I well up remembering it). Lots of CMs came in on their day off, not too many guests-probably because this activity, unlike some others, isn't advertised beforehand to guests. But it's a great one if you're lucky enough to encounter it. This was my 6th trip to AKL, and the first time I saw this. I don't know if there's one at Kidani-come to think of it, the GM of Sanaa was at this one giving out diplomas, so I don't think so.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Cool! I think they are actually there longer than year though. I kind of think it's close to 2 years. I have really enjoyed talking to the cultural exchange students. They are an amazing wealth of knowledge!

 

[athenna]

Thats awesome, Dorothy, thanks for sharing those with us!

 

[VrBchJ]

I enjoy talking to the Cultural Representatives so much. I would love to attend one of these ceremonies. Do you know how often they have them?

 

[DenLo]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like a wonderful ceremony and great way to end a year as a Cultural Representative. Hopefully one day we will be lucky enough to observe such a ceremony.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I enjoy talking to the Cultural Representatives so much. I would love to attend one of these ceremonies. Do you know how often they have them?

Although I'm not positive how often they have them, I think it's only a few times per year at most. And I just "lucked" into seeing it, happened to be in the right place at the right time.