The tenth batch is the first time EBLI began selectively accepting a few boys, testing to see how the combination of young women and men would affect the classroom dynamic and learning experience. EBLI knows that in order to effectively address sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence in Mwanza, Tanzania, boys and men must be a part of the solution.
As usual, the graduates themselves planned all of the festivities, which included lots of dancing and singing, a drama or skit which replayed the life experience of a typical young mother, speeches, distribution of certificates, and a delicious meal consisting of rice, potatoes, chicken, watermelon, bottled water, and soda. Joanne Miya, Regional Director of Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Tanzania, attended as the guest of honor to recognize the collaboration between EBLI and Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Michael Leen, who has served as Head of Economic Empowerment since late April 2014.
Additionally, several local radio stations were in attendance to document and broadcast not only the event, but also the work EBLI is doing with young people in the community.
In 2017, EBLI endeavors to welcome yet another 100 young people to be sponsored by terre des hommes schweiz to attend five months of computer literacy and business skills training each.
Don't miss the graduation photos in the gallery below!