Last Friday, we celebrated the 7th grade graduation, which is the end of primary school and a big deal in Tanzania. It's always very beautiful to see the kids looking so grown up and happy. It was a fun affair as usual, complete with acrobatics, jumprope, skits, songs, and delicious food. The best part, though, was the dance-off and rap-off at the end. I've never cried at a rap-off before, but when everyone chanted the name of an especially troubled Amani child to encourage him to take the microphone, and then when he started rapping about how Rovina (the nurse) had saved him from the streets, it was really very special.
Yohana receiving a graduation gift:
Standard 7 graduates and their family members:
Standard 7 graduates
On Saturday, Charles, one of the older Amani kids, celebrated his confirmation. And what did he want for his present? A new history book for school. Sometimes these children amaze me. Please also note the fact that Charles is wearing cuff links, which I'm assuming he borrowed from one of the Amani staff.
On Sunday, we went to see Ismaili, another one of the Amani kids, in his weekly gig with his band. Ismail studied dance and music in art school, and now he's doing an internship with this band in Moshi. They like him so much that he's hoping to stay on with them after the internship is over.
Ismaili the one playing the drums.
And here he is singing:
It is so wonderful to see these children growing and succeeding! I'm glad you're still keeping us posted on Amani!
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