We had such a wonderful Jitegemee Family Day on 7 July, 2022! Starting from Mutisya Gardens, our students, graduates, caregivers, board members, staff, and friends marched behind a loud brass band through the streets of Machakos letting the world know who we are, what we do, and how proud we are of our graduates!
This was an extra special day, as we unveiled the Farah Stockman Vocational Classroom, named after our founder. During the past year, Farah transitioned off the Executive Board in the USA, after supporting Jitegemee for more than 25 years. We wanted to honour her enormous contribution to Jitegemee and the newly renovated Vocational Classroom felt like a fitting tribute to someone who has done so much to ensure hundreds of young people in Machakos gain access to schooling or vocational training. It was such a joy having Farah back with all of us here in Machakos! Representatives from both the Kenyan and USA Executive Boards celebrated this wonderful occasion with us.
Guest speaker, Emily Kimanzi, Machakos Subcounty Children’s Officer, not only reminded our children how important it is to stay safe, but also got us out of our chairs to sing and dance during her presentation. We also celebrated our 15 university graduates – the highest number of students we’ve ever had graduating in one year. And our graduating class of 80 Street Business School coaches made us so proud! This is the third year we’ve been providing entrepreneurship and micro-business training through our Street Business School program, ensuring youth, caregivers, and members of the community in Machakos have the tools to start and run small businesses wherever they are.
We celebrated the Jitegemee Family Day with laughter, dancing, singing, poetry, and words of wisdom. We wish all our friends could’ve been with us, but hope you’ll enjoy the photos below of some of our favourite moments.
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