Preschool Graduation

It's important to celebrate achievements and this year the Zulu teachers at our preschools wanted to see their leavers off in style as they move up to Primary in January. So 2 preschools partnered together to hold an event at KwaXimba #9 Community Hall today, deep in the Valley. You can see the amazing views above. 5 of our GGA kids are moving up and it was very special to be there for them, several Gogos, Aunties and Volunteers came down to join in the fun.
To really mark the occasion, we had mini graduation gowns made and the kids made their own hats, although the blue poster paint did leave quite a mark on one's hands afterwards! Each child was given a laminated certificate and a small gift to mark the occasion.
The event was well attended by parents and friends, with about 80-100 adults present and nearly 80 children, almost all under five! What a recipe for chaos!
I entertained the kids early on in the day by blowing up twister balloons for them, which Nici (see bottom right picture), one of our volunteers and preschool helper, cleverly made into all sorts of wonderful creations. The children performed several songs and dances, including showing off their traditional Zulu high kicks. The parents talked all the way through the performances (must be an African thing) but were appreciative of their children's efforts. I met lots of new and gorgeous children, but they nearly all mumbled their names and so I'm still none the wiser of what they are called!
Everyone enjoyed the curry and rice, salad, cake and ice-cream that was provided afterwards and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all, if a little exhausting!
I'm just waiting to see what will happen to our 5 children's hats when they wear them in the playground in the rain, or just where those blue handprints are going to end up...!