Graduation Recap: Class of March 2015

Here's a little peek into what happens at a Clothed in Hope Graduation Ceremony (hint: it's FUN!). Enjoy the photos, and celebrate with us all that this day means for the 7 women who graduated from our skills-training program. Thank you to all of you who have donated and purchased products, because you are the ones who made it happen. You have given the life-changing gift of education to women in Zambia. You have given HOPE. And rather than this being the end of their journey, it's really just the beginning. They've completed 12 months of skills-training in sewing and entrepreneurship, and are now off to run their profitable businesses for the benefit of their families. Congrats, graduates! And thank YOU to all you HOPE-givers out there. 

Many ladies, especially CiH graduates, choose to show off their skills with their own dress designs by creating gorgeous custom dresses for themselves. Aren't they stunning?!

Many ladies, especially CiH graduates, choose to show off their skills with their own dress designs by creating gorgeous custom dresses for themselves. Aren't they stunning?!

Forget boring vinyl banners. The CiH graduates take pride in and create ownership of their ceremony by creating a custom banner together. 

Forget boring vinyl banners. The CiH graduates take pride in and create ownership of their ceremony by creating a custom banner together. 

Empowering mamas (like Mirriam) through education leads to raising up confident and healthy babies (like Temwani), which leads to strengthening and keeping families together, preventing social orphans entirely. Doesn't get much better than that.&nbs…

Empowering mamas (like Mirriam) through education leads to raising up confident and healthy babies (like Temwani), which leads to strengthening and keeping families together, preventing social orphans entirely. Doesn't get much better than that. 

The CiH women nominate a Director of Ceremonies to lead the graduation day. Ireen (a current student, here in green), did a fabulous job leading us in singing, dancing, skits, and making sure all events of the day ran smoothly. You're the best, Iree…

The CiH women nominate a Director of Ceremonies to lead the graduation day. Ireen (a current student, here in green), did a fabulous job leading us in singing, dancing, skits, and making sure all events of the day ran smoothly. You're the best, Ireen!

Hugs all around! Plenty of singing, dancing, and even skits to celebrate the joy of the day. 

Hugs all around! Plenty of singing, dancing, and even skits to celebrate the joy of the day. 

CiH Founder, Amy, gives a motivational talk to graduates and current students, affirming dignity, value, capability, and beauty in each woman.

CiH Founder, Amy, gives a motivational talk to graduates and current students, affirming dignity, value, capability, and beauty in each woman.

When it comes time for the handing out of the diplomas women run (or dance, like Vene here) all the way to the front in celebration! Elina, CiH In-Country Director, shares "This is just the start. This is just a piece of paper. YOU have the skill!"

When it comes time for the handing out of the diplomas women run (or dance, like Vene here) all the way to the front in celebration! Elina, CiH In-Country Director, shares "This is just the start. This is just a piece of paper. YOU have the skill!"

Each graduate gets a BIG hug, because this accomplishment is a BIG deal. A past graduate, Maureen, shared, "This opportunity of a diploma comes once in a lifetime, so we must not miss the chance to dance. It's time to dance." For most, this is the o…

Each graduate gets a BIG hug, because this accomplishment is a BIG deal. A past graduate, Maureen, shared, "This opportunity of a diploma comes once in a lifetime, so we must not miss the chance to dance. It's time to dance." For most, this is the only graduation they'll attend, and we love being able to provide this day to brag on them for all of their hard work and determination. It's truly a day for dancing!

Left to right: Mrs. Mulenga (tailoring instructor), Charity (graduate), Amy (founder), Elina (Zambia Director) all pose together for a photo that will be cherished for many years to come. 

Left to right: Mrs. Mulenga (tailoring instructor), Charity (graduate), Amy (founder), Elina (Zambia Director) all pose together for a photo that will be cherished for many years to come. 

CiH Staff with the Class of March 2015 Graduates. Congratulations, ladies!!

CiH Staff with the Class of March 2015 Graduates. Congratulations, ladies!!

Mirriam said during her speech to the group, "When people see what I'm wearing they say 'I want this dress!' I thank God for the gifts you've given me!"

Mirriam said during her speech to the group, "When people see what I'm wearing they say 'I want this dress!' I thank God for the gifts you've given me!"

As is customary, the CiH Staff ladies sit under the Presentation Tent together. 

As is customary, the CiH Staff ladies sit under the Presentation Tent together. 

Class of September 2014 graduate, Patriciar, comes back with 2 of her kids, as she's dressed to the nines in her custom design dress. Past graduates and current students all come out to support their peers, their community, their friends. 

Class of September 2014 graduate, Patriciar, comes back with 2 of her kids, as she's dressed to the nines in her custom design dress. Past graduates and current students all come out to support their peers, their community, their friends. 

Congratulations, Class of March 2015 Graduates!! We are so proud of each one of you!

Congratulations, Class of March 2015 Graduates!! We are so proud of each one of you!