Charlestown-Nevis-A very impressive graduation ceremony was held at the Maisie Bartlette Community Center in Brown Hill, on Wednesday 8th February.
The graduation was a culmination of a sewing class, which was coordinated by the Community Development Department, headed by Mrs. Janet Meloney. The class commenced in September of 2016 and concluded in February 2017.
The ceremony was ably chaired by Community Development officer, Miss Tracey Parris, who warmly welcomed all present. This was followed by the invocation, done by Mr. Edred Ward and the singing of the national anthem of St.Kitts and Nevis, by all present.
Facilitator of the class, Miss Mavis Parris, in giving an overview of the class, noted that she was impressed by her students and pointed to the display of items that they had created, as a testimony to how well they had learnt.
She indicated that it was a part of her to share her knowledge and vowed to continue to pass on her skills to others.
She also thanked her sister, Tasha Parris for filling in for her during a period of illness, while conducting the course.
She then asked the members of the graduating class to come forward and allowed them to showcase the dresses that they were wearing for the occasion, which they had made and in the case of the lone male participant, he showcased a shirt.
Mr. Evan Nisbett, the lone male participant in the course, then rendered a hilarious poem, which spoke to some of the happenings during the class sessions, which was well received.
Director at the Community Development Department, Mrs. Janet Meloney, noted that her department was pleased to coordinate such courses as they not only teach individuals new skills, which would help them to make money in the future and/or limit their spending requirements.
She also noted that the class enhanced camaraderie and friendships.
She thanked Miss Parris and her sister Tasha for their dedication to the task and congratulated the graduating class for sticking with and completing the course.
The class response was presented by Mrs. Carol Adams who also had high praise for Miss Parris and her sister Tasha for their patience and guidance during the course. She also thanked the Department of Community Development and by extension, the Nevis Island Administration for coordinating the course.
She noted that some of the items that they are now able to make, include, skirts, blouses; shirts, dresses, cushions; pillow cases and bags.
The graduating class then surprised Miss Parris and her sister Tasha, by presenting them with gift tokens of appreciation.
The certificates were then presented to the participants by Director Janet Meloney and then all present had the opportunity to have a close up look at the many items on display, which were created by the Graduants.