CALI Graduation

Last Saturday, I was asked to give the welcoming remarks at the CALI (Congo American Language Institute) graduation. I knew quite a few of the 250 graduates, but one in particular. For some reason, David, a young man of twenty seemed to enjoy it when I visited his class. When he realized I would be at the graduation ceremony, he invited me to attend a little party at a local restaurant, owned by his uncle and aunt, "Avec Mes Amies." He wrote me a text message (on the cell phone, which is really popular here because it only takes five units to send) following the party: "Jane, I don't know how to show u my happeness about what u did for me today, the way u make my calmates, my families member and i happy. It was wonderful to be with u in the same restaurant and to enjoy life together. The words aren't enough for me to tell u what i fill exactly now!I'm relly happy about u! And i wish to get along with u soon because u have a goodplace my heart. let god give u a long life because u know how to make people happy.jane u are a friend of mine! Have a greattime.david"

The graduation had the usual speakers: Keynote. who was the head of Finance at the U.S. Embassy, student representatives, and faculty representative. The Director of CALI, Solomon Oshinaike, gave his parting speech. He leaves with his wife for CapeTown, where she has accepted a position with the State Department. He will have to look for another "spouse job," as they term it. It was his job that the Embassy wanted me to fill after this grant finished. I seriously considered it, but decided against it for a number of reasons. FYI I leave here in exactly one month from today (the 25th of July). I'll spend about ten days getting home, via Rome, then D.C. where I'll see David and Angie DeGroot, then on to Michigan around the 4th of August.

CALI, as I may have already told you, is run by the Embassy. They offer six levels of English, taught by very accomplished Congolese, many with PhD's from the states. Each level is comprised of 100 hours of class time within a ten week period. That means that every day, Monday through Friday, students, all adults and mostly professionals, attend class for two hours per day for ten weeks. It is a grueling schedule to keep, especially if you are trying to hold a job. But the students are very determined. Many of them, including my friend David, had a star by his name on the program, which meant he had perfect attendance. His goal is to become a lawyer. Yes, hopes to study in the U.S. or possibly South Africa. I have no doubt he will make it.

Photos: With students at the graduation; Chair at graduation; Dinner at Avec Mes Amies: Chicken, fried (in palm oil) plaintains and cole slaw.