Around this time, many Kenyans in the diaspora will either be graduating or will be involved in a graduation-related function. Some will be moving from one school grade level to another, others will be graduating from high school and moving on to college, others will be graduating with a bachelor’s, masters or doctoral degrees in one of the many institutions of higher learning. Whatever the achievement is, the fact that one is graduating is a big accomplishment in itself. It is the testimony of hard work and is being rewarded with the relevant document as evidence. In many cases, there were others that dropped out but you made it.
We in the Diaspora Messenger are always proud of anybody graduating. As many of you have come to know, going to school is not easy at all. It requires commitment and a lot of dedication. It requires one to keep the eye on the price in the midst of a lot of distraction. It is even more difficult when one is studying when one has other obligations like taking care of a family and paying the unending bills. There are also unavoidable community-related obligations.
Two month ago, we featured a story of Mwalimu Peter Ndiang’ui receiving the World Harmony Run Torch Bearer Award for his contribution to the community in Fort Myers Florida, the diaspora at large and to his village in Kenya. In our interview, we came to the realization that Mwalimu is involved in many important community service projects. He has assimilated very well with the local SW Florida community. He is also a highly respected local leader. Among many other responsibilities, he is a member of the executive board of local branch of NAACP. He also serves as the Vice-President of the Africa Network of SW Florida. He is also the Chairperson of an organization called ACT-SO where he works with the underprivileged students in the community. In addition, he is the patron of Mathakwa-ini Primary School located in his home village in Nyeri. He has helped in building a complete computer lab right there in the rural area in Mathakwa-ini.
What we did not realize at the time was that mwalimu was, in the process of completing his doctoral studies. Recently, Mwalimu was awarded the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree at Florida Gulf Coast University where he is working as an adjunct professor besides teaching in Oasis High School. We are proud of both your individual, social and leadership accomplishments Dr. Ndiang’ui. God is using you to be a blessing to many Kenyans at home and in the Diaspora. Well done Dr. Mwalimu Ndiang’ui.
To all those graduating, Diaspora Messenger congratulates you and hope that the graduation will open more doors for you. More important, remember that you have a responsibility to use your achievements to serve others. As we have learned from Dr. Peter Ndiang’ui, being in school is not an excuse of not serving your community. To those that a lot is given, a lot will be demanded from them.
Congratulation to all those graduation!
Rev 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
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At some point, we have been with a grieving family or friend and come to learn that none of us are ever prepared to leave this world. When the time comes, we shall leave everything including our loved ones behind.
Peter Ndiangui: Leading the Way for Spring 2013 Graduates
