On Saturday, 19th September 2020, the ATRUD Foundation graduated the first batch of students for the ICT program during a ceremony that took place at the ATRUD head office in Bepanda, Casmando – Douala.
The ceremony that started at 2pm was attended by ATRUD board members in Douala, parents, benefactors and students of the program. A popular media house (My Media Prime TV) also covered the ceremony to be aired on Monday, 21 September 2020. After opening prayers, ATRUD Director Mr. Ebot Leonel Tabot welcomed all those present. He thanked the parents and benefactors for the confidence they placed in ATRUD Foundation by enrolling their children in the program. He equally thanked the teachers who put in their all to see to it that the program was a success; and then the ATRUD board and supporters for their constant support. He advised the students to take their newly acquired skills seriously and be bold enough to take on job opportunities, so as not to “put all their eggs in one basket.” Mr. Ebot then went on to remind the attendees of the need to respect the COVID-19 barrier measures put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO). He also enumerated the projects and achievements of the ATRUD Foundation.
Then came the turn of the ICT program Coordinator, Mr. Kevin Okah Nnane, who after thanking the parents and benefactors of the students, explained the program graduated two sets of students: those who did a 6- months course and those who did a 3-months course. He urged them not to rely solely on the skills they had acquired during their training, but to keep learning and developing. He highlighted the many advantages they have with the skills they have acquired, given the digital nature of the world today. Mr. Kevin advised the graduates to return to the Centre if they face any difficulty along the way, especially with respect to what they had learnt and also reminded those who had not completed their program to attend the next session in October 2020. Mr. Kevin invited one of the graduates, Benenwi Candi-Bright to showcase what she had learnt so far through a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation was a wonderful one and the audience was wowed by what they saw.
Later on an ATRUD board member and then a parent of one of the graduates also advised the students in the same line with the former speakers. They also commended the efforts of the ATRUD Foundation and encouraged them to keep on. After all the talking was done, there was heavy refreshment which was followed by the handing of certificates and results slips to the meritorious students. This was followed by the taking of photographs and a series of interviews by the My Media Prime TV. All in all, the ceremony was a very impactful and successful one as 7 students graduated: 3 from the 6 months program and 4 from the 3 months program. Meanwhile, one student who did not make it due to the fact that she started the program very late was asked to come back for one month training to complete her program.
The next ICT program is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2020.
